Raw chocolate instant energy treats recipe

This delicious snack stays guilt-free by using honey instead of refined sugar to add sweetness. The optional addition of bee pollen makes it a brilliant energy booster, too.

Ingredients (makes 16)

125g dark tahini

115g raw honey, maple syrup, or rice syrup

50g raw cacao powder

25g coconut oil

25g ripe avocado

1tbsp sesame seeds

Extra cacao powder, to coat (optional)

Bee pollen granules, to coat (optional)

Method

Put all the ingredients, except the sesame seeds, in a food processor and whizz until you have a sticky paste. Add the sesame seeds and pulse a few times to combine – the seeds need to remain whole.

Refrigerate the mixture for one hour, so it firms up a little.

Divide the mixture into 16 evenly-sized portions and roll into balls. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands a little.

On separate plates, sprinkle a layer of bee pollen granules and some cacao powder, if desired. Gently roll the balls in one or the other. They should be less sticky now and easy to roll into the perfect shape.

Put the balls back in the fridge for at least another hour before eating. Serve chilled.

To make by hand:

Combine the tahini, honey, cacao powder, and coconut oil (softened) in a small bowl and beat to make a fudgy paste.

Put the avocado in a separate bowl and mash to a lump-free consistency (a pestle and mortar works really well here).

Add the avocado and sesame seeds to the chocolate mixture and stir them through until combined.

Recipe courtesy of Energy Bites: high protein recipes for increased vitality and wellbeing by Kate Turner and Annie Nichols