Raw Vegan Jaffa Energy Balls (Chocolate & Orange)

Today we are making Raw Vegan Jaffa Energy Balls – Chocolate & Orange flavor! But first, let’s chat about what exactly “Jaffa” is. Jaffa cookies have a fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century. These sweet gems were first introduced in the UK but quickly gained popularity across the globe. The name “Jaffa” is a nod to the Jaffa oranges used to create the tangy orange jelly center, which is a key component of this iconic treat.

Picture this: a soft, spongy cake base that practically melts in your mouth, topped with a generous layer of zesty orange jelly that’s bursting with citrusy goodness. And to top it all off, a luxurious coat of dark chocolate envelops the entire creation. It’s the most perfect snack made of rich, velvety chocolate and the vibrant zest of oranges. This results in a treat that’s nothing short of irresistible!

Now, you might be wondering, how do we transform this classic indulgence into a healthier snack option? Well, that’s where our Raw Vegan Jaffa Energy Balls come into play. We’ve taken the essence of Jaffa and infused it into these bite-sized energy balls. They’re not only delicious but also packed with wholesome, simple ingredients to keep you energized throughout the day.

So, stick around as we show you how to capture the magic of Jaffa cookies in a nutritious and delightful way. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get creative in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love These Raw Vegan Jaffa Energy Balls

Incredible Flavor Fusion: These energy balls capture the enchanting combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange flavours, just like the beloved Jaffa cake. It’s a flavor explosion but without the refined sugars!

Energy Boost: As the name suggests, these energy balls are designed to provide a quick energy boost. They’re loaded with natural sweetness (no added sugar here!), a little bit of healthy fat and a touch of protein from the almonds to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.

Portable Snack: These energy balls are perfect for on-the-go snacking. Whether you’re heading to the gym, office, or a weekend adventure, just grab a couple, and you’re good to go.

Substitutions

Almond Flour: For a nut-free recipe, use oat flour instead. The recipe won’t taste as rich, due to the lack of fat in oats as compared to nuts, but it will still bind the dough. If you don’t have almond flour or even almond meal on hand, but aren’t allergic to nuts, you can make your own by grinding blanched almonds or even whole almonds. (Although it will show specks of the brown coating in the flour). Take the almonds and add them into a spice grinder or blender until a powder forms. Grinding raw cashews, macadamia nuts, walnuts or pecans can make your own homemade nut flour as well.

Medjool Dates: Medjool dates are the most caramel-like, softest type of date to blend for this recipe. Deglet Noor dates can work as well, but if your dates are not very soft you can soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before using. Make sure to pit the dates before blending.

Raw Cacao Powder: This is the raw, unprocessed version of cocoa powder. Cocoa is commonly used in baking chocolate foods, like brownies! Cacao is very similar, but the cacao beans undergo a different process. They are not heated to the same temperature as cocoa powder is. This preserves its “raw” aspect and retains its antioxidant power more. You can find this in the natural foods section of your local grocery store, or at a health food store. I like Organic Tradition brand of cacao.

Orange Zest: Use a super-fine grater to make a little bit of orange zest for this recipe. A large-hole grater will make larger pieces of the orange. This will be bitter when it’s bit into as compared to very tiny flakes.

Raw Vegan Jaffa Energy Balls Recipe Notes

If you like firmer balls that are chewier and more fudge-like, keep these in the refrigerator for an hour before eating!
Add a drop of pure vanilla extract for a little extra flavor – totally optional.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

Triple Chocolate Energy Bites

Matcha & Goji Berry Bites

German Chocolate Coconut Bites

Two-Ingredient Tropical Energy Balls

Mocha Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

If you make these Raw Vegan Jaffa Energy Balls, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!