Key Lime Pie Energy Balls

These Key Lime Pie Energy Balls are easy to whip up and ideal for stashing in your bag for a quick afternoon pick-me-up. Bursting with the tangy-sweet flavor of a traditional Key lime pie, they’re made with just a handful of ingredients, including fiber-rich oats, dates, creamy cashews, shredded coconut and a splash of fresh Key lime juice. Hemp seeds add protein, healthy fats and crunch, while sweetened condensed milk comes in with just the right amount of sweet to balance the tart. The result? A tropical, sunshine-bright snack that’s both refreshing and energizing. Read on for our expert tips and tricks, including what ingredients you can substitute.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• If you can’t find Key limes (available summer to early fall) or Key lime juice, use equal parts lemon and lime juice. Regular lime zest will work too.
• If using fresh Key limes, get at least 4 of them, as 1 lime provides about ½ to ¾ tablespoon of juice. You’ll have plenty of zest.
• Form the balls with lightly dampened hands to prevent sticking and help the coconut topping adhere. Using your fingers to press on the topping works best.
• Toast the coconut for a slightly nuttier energy ball.

Nutrition Notes

• Dates are little packages of concentrated energy that get their sweetness from natural sugar. And while they’re primarily made of carbohydrates—hence, the energy—you’ll also get gut-loving fiber and inflammation-calming antioxidants. 
• Oats contribute complex carbohydrates to these balls, further emphasizing the “energy” part of them. But that’s not all. Oats are also loaded with fiber, which may help reduce cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. They even add plant protein to these balls.
• Cashews are a good source of several micronutrients, including phosphorus, magnesium and zinc—all necessary for good health. Even more impressive, they add protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats, which team up to help stabilize blood sugar. The antioxidants in cashews may help reduce inflammation and prevent diseases, including cancer.
• Coconut is a low-carb, high-fat fruit that also adds fiber and micronutrients to these balls.