Orange Zest & Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Orange Zest & Peanut Butter Energy Balls, a recipe that combines gluten-free granola with peanut butter, all while sprinkling fresh citrus flavor. Yielding three dozen scrumptious balls, this recipe requires 10 minutes of active time and 40 minutes from start to finish, including a crucial 30 minutes of chilling. From on-the-go snacks, healthy treats, or a quick energy boost, these energy balls are a testament to simple ingredients coming together in taste and texture. With options to customize and experiment, including the substitution of orange juice with milk, or peanut butter with almond butter, and the addition of various mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips.
- 2 cups Gluten-Free Granola Cereal
- ½ cups Commercial Peanut Butter
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 4 tablespoons Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
- 1 tablespoon Grated Orange Zest
- Vegetable Oil Spray
- Preparing the Granola:
Begin by transforming the granola into a finely chopped texture. Pulse the granola in a food processor equipped with a steel blade, using a gentle on-and-off motion until it reaches the desired consistency. Once done, set it aside.
- Creating the Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and honey until they turn into a smooth. Introduce the granola, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the vibrant grated orange zest to this mixture. With a spatula, fold these ingredients together, ensuring each granola piece is coated with the peanut butter mixture. If needed, add a bit more orange juice.
- Forming the Energy Balls:
Spray your hands with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking and lovingly shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place these balls on a baking sheet. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up.
- Variations:
- For a twist on the traditional, swap the orange juice for whole milk, leave out the orange zest, and whisk in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- By substituting almond butter for peanut butter, adding a touch of confectioners’ sugar.
- Raise the texture and taste by stirring in ¾ cup of chopped dried fruit, ¾ cup of miniature chocolate or butterscotch chips.
