Birthdays can be full of unhealthy foods and super sugary treats but mix it up a little and try to feature vegetable and fruit trays at your next event. We loved the Elmo themed platters we featured last year and the tomato & salami skewers (shared last week) that both toddlers and adults will love.
But what about the sweets? While cake and ice cream may make an appearance at all birthdays, these almond coconut balls are full of protein and good healthy fats from the coconut and almonds. If you have a nut allergy in the house, feel free to swap out the almonds and almond butter for peanuts.
Almond Coconut Bites
-1/4 cup almonds
-1/4 cup cashews
-3 tablespoons almond butter
-4 or 5 dates, pitted
-1/4 cup shredded coconut (plus 1/4 cup for rolling)
-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon vanilla
-1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Add all ingredients (excluding extra coconut) to a food processor and pulse until chopped finely and combined. Remove the mixture from the food processor and roll one tablespoon into a ball. Roll the ball into the extra shredded coconut. Repeat with the rest of the nut mixture. Place balls in the fridge to firm up.
Do you have a favorite birthday treat? Would you like us to try and remake them into something healthy? Let us know in the comments!
