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Enjoy a simple snack with sweet tropical flavor when you whip up these Pineapple Coconut Energy Balls. These easy no-bake bites take just minutes to make, and they are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or sharing since they are allergy-friendly too!
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: No-bake
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free option, Dairy-free
- Skill Level: Easy
Easy No-Bake Pineapple Coconut Energy Balls
When my kids were little, I used to post pictures of their lunchboxes on Instagram. People seemed to think I was super orgnized and had some master plan for packing school lunches. False – I was usually just scrambling to pull things out of the fridge or pantry. The only real plan was making sure I had a lot of staples on hand, from fruit and veggies to cheese and deli meat and hard-boiled eggs in the fridge, and a selection of crackers, tortilla chips, nuts, and dried fruit in the pantry.
And I would stock my freezer with some of their favorite homemade snacks, like trail mix granola bars, carrot zucchini muffins, and plenty or energy balls! These pineapple coconut energy balls became an instant hit from the first time I made them. My oldest was standing in eager anticipation as I was rolling the mixture, waiting for me to give him a sample. And he gave instant approval! Here’s why you’ll love them too…
- Simple to make. You can whip them up with just a few pantry staples, no baking involved. It only takes a few minutes of pulsinbg in the food processor and rolling into balls.
- Tropical flavor. Sweet and delicious with summertime vibes from juicy pineapple and bright coconut. Who doesn’t love that?!
- Meets your needs. This recipe doesn’t contain any nuts, dairy, or eggs. And to make them gluten free, you only need to use certified gluten free oats (and read labels on your other ingredients, of course).
What You’ll Need
This easy pineapple coconut energy balls recipe only has five ingredients! In fact, you might already have them in your pantry. But here’s a quick rundown in case you have to add any items to your grocery list. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and detailed instructions.
- Whole pitted dates: These are the dried ones that come in a bag or plastic container. If yours aren’t pitted, you’ll have to remove the pits.
- Quick cooking rolled oats: Regular rolled oats will work too, but the quick oats absorb that pineapple moisture a bit quicker. Be sure to get certified gluten free oats, if needed (see: Are Oats Gluten Free?).
- Canned pineapple tidbits: You’ll want the kind packed in juice, but you’ll drain it before measuring. I like to use Dole, either form the can or the small plastic fruit cups.
- Flaxseed meal: Or you can grind your own flax seeds.
- Unsweetened coconut flakes: The sweetened kind will add a lot of extra sugar that isn’t necessary due to the sweetness of the dates and pineapple.
Quick Tips
It really doesn’t get any easier than a simple pineapple snack ball like this. But here are a few things to remember.
- Use a food processor. I make these in my Hamilton Beach Food Processor, which does a great job of breaking down the ingredients so that the mixture can be formed into balls.
- Mix it well. You’ll likely have to pulse it a bit at first and stop to scrape it down with a spatula a couple of times. But once it gets going you can just let it run until it all comes together into a thick ball.
- Make any size. For a typical size, you’ll use about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between the palms of your hands to form balls. But for toddlers, you can also make mini bites using a teaspoon or two. Or even press it into a pan and chill for about 30 minutes, the cut into bars.
Proper Storage
- Refrigerate. These can be a little softer than other energy ball recipes, so I recommend storing them the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
- Freeze. If you need to keep them longer, they freeze well. Just place them in a plastic freezer storage bag or a resealable container wrapped in plastic, taking them out to thaw in the refrigerator the night before you need them. For the best flavor, eat them within two months, but I have kept them frozen for much longer.
More Energy Ball Recipes
- Chunky Banana Energy Balls
- Apricot Coconut Energy Balls
- Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls
- Chocolate Energy Balls
- Nutty Energy Bites from A Zesty Bite
- Matcha Green Energy Bites from Food Faith Fitness
Pineapple Coconut Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole pitted dates
- 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
- 1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits from a can or plastic fruit cup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal or ground flaxseed
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup whole pitted dates, 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats, 1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits, 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, and 1/4 cup flaxseed meal or ground flaxseed in a food processor and process until it forms a thick paste. You may have to scrape it down with a spatula a couple of times.
- Using about a tablespoon of the mixture, roll into balls.
- These are a little soft, so store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Did you make this?
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These look great, I’m a sucker for a pineapple-coconut combo. I have allergies to flaxseed and chia, do you have any recommendations for alternatives?
You could use some extra oats or more coconut or try mixing in some chopped almonds or another nut.
I was just wondering if they can be at room temp
Because of the moisture, they can be a little soft at room temperature, but technically they are OK for a couple of days at room temp.
I loved these! Thank u so much….but was wondering….can we freeze these? If yes, how long do you think they would stay?
Yes, in fact I just pulled some out of the freezer that I made months ago and they are fine!
These taste just like the pineapple coconut bites from Hawaiian air lines but they are cheaper to make and healthier 😋
Oh cool, that’s so interesting. Thanks for telling me about the Hawaiian Air bites. I’ve never had them!
I just stumbled on your website while searching Pinterest for some quick and healthy breakfast ideas, and this recipe is one I definitely intend to try! I do have a question tho, what would an equally healthy substitute be for the dates? I’m not a huge fan. 🙂
Hi Jacob!
In place of the dates, you may want to try raisins. However, they aren’t quite as healthy (they have a bit more sugar in them), but they should give you the right consistency.
Okay, so earlier today I made your healthy chocolate pudding, which was a total hit. Then I came across this recipe & had to try it, especially since I had all of the ingredients. I have to say these are Delicious!
My son came home from kindergarten today starving; when I handed him one of these as a snack, he looked skeptical but tasted it. Then he said, “Oh, Mom. These are so good! Can you pack me these in my lunch tomorrow?” and proceeded to pop the rest in his mouth, grabbed another & skipped away. <3
Did I mention that he's incredibly picky?? Thank you for the great recipe. It's going to be a staple in my freezer.
I'm off to peruse the rest of your recipes since the first two I made were home runs. 😀
What a great thing to hear, Eden! Isn’t it wonderful when we can find healthy snacks that our kids actually like?!
Those sound amazing!! Pinning to try! Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty
These are the kind of things I love having on hand for easy snacking and post-workout snacks!
My kids love energy bites, so I’ll have to make these for them — and me! Thanks for sharing.
I LOVE TO MAKE ENERGY BITES AND THESE SOUND REALLY GOOD.
BEV
Thanks!
Any ideas on using fresh coconut flakes and fresh Pineapple fruit? I also orefer using Steel cut oats instead of rolled, simply because it is less processed. Which kind of oats do you usually use in your energy balls. Thanks for helping me out here..
I use old-fashioned oats. They may be a bit more precessed than steel cut, but the steel cut may not blend up as well. I’m sure the fresh pineapple would work. Not sure about fresh coconut because I’ve never worked with it. I’ve only used the dried flakes, but these are not the sweet ones, it’s just plain, dried coconut.
love the tropical flavors for this treat!
I love energy balls. These sound delicious! I’ll have to try them soon.
All my favorite flavors in here – I bet my boys would love these too!
I have never thought about using pineapple in energy bites but it sounds incredible! I can’t wait to try this!
This is a great little snack to add some sunshine to anyone’s day!