Tropical fruit energy snacks (no bake energy balls)

Tropical fruit energy snacks are not only for when you are out hiking. They are also great for breakfast or as an alternative to biscuits or cake to enjoy at home.

They can be prepared in minutes and and will keep in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days.

The recipe below will make approximately 10 to 15 energy balls depending on size.

Ingredients

• 1 large banana - banana ads moisture and helps to bind the dry ingredients.

• 2 tablespoons flax seeds - flax seeds combine with the wet ingredients to help bind the ingredients together.

• 4 tablespoons chopped dried papaya this fruit adds sweetness to the energy snacks. Other dried fruits can be substituted for papaya such as dried apricots.

• 2 tablespoons chopped dried dates - dates also add sweetness. Again, other dried fruits could be substituted such as dried figs.

• 5 tablespoons oats - these form the base of the energy snack mixture.

• 1 dessertspoon runny honey - honey adds moisture and helps to bind the other ingredients together.

• Approximately 2 tablespoons grated or desiccated coconut - you will need enough to coat the energy snacks.

How to make tropical fruit energy snacks

Chop the papaya and dates.

Mash the banana in a large bowl with a fork.

Stir in the flax seeds and mix. Add the chopped papaya and chopped dates and mix together.

Measure the oats and honey and add to the other ingredients and mix together. Set aside for around 20 minutes to allow the ingredients to bind together.

Take a spoonful of the mixture and form into a ball using your hands. I suggest aiming for a size somewhere between a teaspoon and a dessert spoon. Make sure the mixture is very well compacted so that it will hold together. Roll the ball in the coconut until it is completely coated. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.

Place the prepared energy bites on a plate or tray in the fridge and leave to set for around 2 hours.

Tips

1. Store the energy bites in the fridge until they are needed. They will keep for around 4 to 5 days.
2. Before measuring the honey, heat the spoon in hot water or in the flame of a gas ring so that the honey slides easily from the spoon.
3. Try substituting other dried fruits to create your own version.