Tahini Walnut Bites
Tahini Walnut Bites are sweetened with plump dates, a hint of cinnamon, and are high in plant-based protein for a boost at any time of the day!
I have been making a variety of different protein bites/balls for years now. They evolved out of hectic mornings with everyone on different schedules yet needing high-quality fuel to start the day. Tahini Walnut Bites are one of my favorite flavor combos. They follow a similar formula to my other protein bites: nut base, Medjool dates, plant-based protein powder, plant-based fat and flavorings. What I love about the tahini in this recipe is the wonderful savory flavor it gives. Tahini is also rich in vitamins A, E and B’s as well as minerals like calcium and zinc. It has anti-inflammatory qualities and is a good source of polyunsaturated fat. Sounds like a perfect start to the day to me!
The Ingredients for Tahini Walnut Bites:
Following my basic protein bite formula, this recipe uses raw walnuts, plant-based protein powder, pitted Medjool dates and organic tahini, which is made from ground sesame seeds. The bites are flavored with a touch of ground cinnamon and a bit of vanilla extract. Sea salt enhances the savory quality of the tahini. For finishing the bites, sometimes I add a handful of mini dairy-free chocolate chips or roll the balls in raw sesame seeds.
My favorite plant-based protein powder to use in all of my bites is Garden of Life Organic Smooth Vanilla. I love the flavor and the consistency is not too gritty so it blends well with other ingredients.
The Process:
The Tahini Walnut Bites come together quickly in a food processor. First grind the nuts with the protein powder, cinnamon and salt, then add the dates and process until they are well-chopped.
Next add the tahini and vanilla extract. If you find that for some reason your mixture is too dry to easily stick together, try adding a teaspoon or two of water. Dates can vary quite a bit in moisture content.
If you want to add chocolate chips, pulse those in at the end of mixing so that they can keep their shape.
I like using a small cookie scoop for forming the balls to keep them uniform in size, but a spoon or just your fingers also work!
The Tahini Walnut Bites are delicious unadorned, but I enjoy the crunch of the sesame seeds and think they look quite pretty with this coating.
Tahini Walnut Bites are a perfect breakfast or Fika treat and can be enjoyed at any time of the day or on the go! Keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks (if they last that long!) If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to try my Spiced Cashew Coconut Bites as well.
Tahini Walnut Bites
Equipment
- Food processor
- Small cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw walnut halves or pieces
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I like Garden of Life Grain-Free Smooth Vanilla)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup raw tahini
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine walnuts, protein powder, cinnamon and salt in food processor and blend until fine. Add dates and process until finely chopped. Mix in tahini and vanilla and add a little water if needed to bind everything together.
- Using a small scoop, form the mixture into balls, rolling with your hands until smooth. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator. Makes about 2 dozen balls depending on scoop size.
