No Bake Turmeric Balls

Turmeric Balls are delicious plant-based energy balls filled with antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, fiber-dense ingredients that offer numerous health benefits. These tasty energy balls are the perfect nutritious snack that you can enjoy completely guilt-free! This easy turmeric ball recipe is completely gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free.

If nourishing, healthy gluten-free snacks are your thing, you’ll definitely want to check out our High Protein Carrot Baked Oats, Grain-Free Granola Bars, or Pumpkin Energy Balls next!

These turmeric balls are insanely good! It’s a healthy snack filled with incredible nutrients. They are perfect for enjoying with tea in the morning, or munching on for an afternoon snack!

What Do Turmeric Balls Taste Like?

Depending on the ingredients used, turmeric balls generally taste sweet and slightly nutty. The turmeric taste is not overpowering. Instead, the energy balls are filled with warm flavors from the combination of cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Raw Walnuts and Almonds: Both are rich sources of omega-3s and antioxidants that help to improve heart health, gut health, and brain health. (source)
• Medjool Dates and Dried Apricots: Dates are considered nature’s candy. Not only are they sweet, but they’re high in fiber, potassium, and B vitamins — all of which help improve gut health, heart health, and metabolism. (source) Dried Apricots are also sweet, low calorie, and full of antioxidants, Vitamin A, and iron! (source)
• Ground Turmeric Powder (curcumin): You will need a tablespoon of ground turmeric powder or you can use 2 inches of fresh organic turmeric peeled and grated. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the body, lessen pain, and improve heart health. (source)
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a nutrient powerhouse on its own. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties and helps improve gut health. (source) Mixed with the additional spices it adds increased nutritional benefits and gives the energy balls a warm flavor.
• Ground Ginger: You can use fresh ginger if you prefer. Just be sure to peel and grate it first.
• Black Pepper: Black pepper is essential because it activates the turmeric so that your body is better able to absorb it. (source) Only a pinch is needed and it does not impact the taste of the energy balls at all.
• Shredded Unsweetened Coconut Shavings: The sweetness of the coconut compliments the turmeric and other spices. The balls are also rolled in coconut shavings to create a beautiful finish to this treat. Desiccated coconut work best.
• Coconut Oil: Just a tablespoon is needed to help bind the mixture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Food Processor: A food processor is easiest to use because it has a large cavity and flat base. You can add all the ingredients to the blender and easily scrape the bottom and sides to ensure the mixture is fully incorporated.
• High Powdered Blender: If you do not have a food processor, you can use a high-powered blender. If using a blender, it is best to blend the ingredients in steps for the best results.
• Spatula and Tablespoon: A rubber spatula is needed to handle the mixture and the tablespoon helps to scoop the mixture for making balls.
• Gloves: Not required, but we highly recommend them. Turmeric can easily stain your hands and clothes. It is best to wear gloves when forming the turmeric balls.

How To Make Turmeric Balls

1. In a food processor or blender, blend the nuts into small pieces. Some chunks are okay. The nuts do not have to have a flour-like consistency.
2. Add the spices and shredded coconut. Blend to combine. Pour the mixture into a bowl and set it aside.
3. Add the dates, dried apricots, and coconut oil to the blender (or food processor). Blend until a thick paste is formed. (Some chunks are okay)
4. Add the nut mixture back into the blender (or food processor) and blend until the ingredients are well incorporated. Use a spatula to scrape the sides if necessary.
5. The mixture should be thick and sticky. Use a spoon to scoop out a couple of tablespoons of the mixture and roll the mixture into a ball. If the balls fall apart easily, try blending in 1-2 more Medjool dates into the mixture.
6. Roll the mixture into 10-12 balls. (use gloves to prevent hands from staining). Then, roll each ball into shredded coconut shavings.
7. Transfer the turmeric balls to the freezer for 15 minutes to firm.
8. Enjoy! Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips And Variations

• Blend in steps for the best results. Blend the nuts first. Then, blend the dates and dried apricots.
• Chop the dates and dried apricots into smaller pieces to make blending them easier.
• If your dates seem dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using them.
• Use gloves when forming the turmeric balls
• Place the turmeric balls in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to firm.
• Store the energy balls in an air-tight container lined with parchment paper in the fridge for up to five days.

I hope you enjoy this No-Bake Turmeric Balls Recipe! 

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.