Zesty Carob Citrus Bites
Indulge in the delightful goodness of Zesty Carob Citrus Bites, a nutritious and energizing treat made from nutrient-rich nuts and naturally sweet dates. Infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh orange zest and a hint of vanilla, these bite-sized morsels are coated in luscious carob powder for a rich, chocolatey finish. Perfect as a wholesome snack or an elegant dessert, these bites are both vegan and gluten-free, making them accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences. Share them with friends and family or enjoy them as a guilt-free indulgence at home!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pecans
1 cup (soaked for 12 hours, drained, and dehydrated for 12 hours)
Walnuts
1 cup (soaked for 12 hours, drained, and dehydrated for 12 hours)
Pitted dates
1/2 lb
Raw honey
1/4 cup
Celtic sea salt
1/2 teaspoon
Vanilla bean
1/2 (ground to powder)
Orange zest
2 tablespoons
Carob powder
to taste (for coating balls)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the pecans and walnuts in water for 12 hours. Drain and dehydrate them for an additional 12 hours until they are crunchy again.
2
In a food processor, combine the soaked and dehydrated pecans, walnuts, and pitted dates. Pulse the mixture until it is finely ground and begins to clump together.
3
Add raw honey, Celtic sea salt, ground vanilla bean, and orange zest to the mixture. Blend until everything is well integrated and finely chopped.
4
Lightly oil your hands with a neutral oil to prevent sticking. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into quarter-sized balls.
5
Prepare a plate with carob powder. Roll each ball in the carob powder twice to completely coat them, ensuring a delicious and rich flavor on each bite.
6
Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to help them firm up.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Carob Citrus Bites?
Zesty Carob Citrus Bites are nutritious, energizing, no-bake treats made from nuts, dates, and orange zest, coated in rich carob powder.
Are Zesty Carob Citrus Bites vegan?
These bites are vegan-friendly, though they contain raw honey which some vegans may choose to substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Zesty Carob Citrus Bites are naturally gluten-free as they are made from nuts, fruit, and natural sweeteners.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the primary flavor profile of these bites?
The bites feature a vibrant orange citrus flavor combined with a rich, chocolatey carob finish and natural sweetness from dates.
What nuts are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of pecans and one cup of walnuts.
Why do the nuts need to be soaked?
Soaking the pecans and walnuts for 12 hours helps improve their texture and digestibility before they are dehydrated.
How long should I dehydrate the nuts?
After soaking and draining, the nuts should be dehydrated for 12 hours until they become crunchy again.
What type of sweetener is used in these bites?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of pitted dates and 1/4 cup of raw honey for natural sweetness.
How do I prepare the orange flavor?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh orange zest to provide a bright citrus flavor.
What is carob powder used for in this recipe?
Carob powder is used as a coating for the bites, giving them a luscious, chocolate-like finish without caffeine.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is needed to grind the nuts and dates together into a fine, clumping mixture.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt for optimal flavor.
How do I use the vanilla bean?
You should use 1/2 of a vanilla bean ground into a powder to infuse the mixture with a deep vanilla aroma.
How do I stop the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly oil your hands with a neutral oil before rolling the mixture into balls to prevent sticking.
What size should the carob bites be?
The mixture should be rolled into quarter-sized balls.
How many times should I roll the balls in carob powder?
Roll each ball in the carob powder twice to ensure a thick, rich coating.
Do these bites require baking?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that relies on refrigeration to set.
How long should the bites be refrigerated?
The bites should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to help them firm up.
Are these bites considered a raw food snack?
Yes, because the ingredients are processed without high heat (dehydrating at low temps), they fit into a raw food diet.
Can I serve these as a dessert?
Absolutely! They are elegant enough for a dessert tray but healthy enough for a snack.
Are the dates used in this recipe pitted?
Yes, you must use 1/2 lb of pitted dates to ensure they blend smoothly in the food processor.
What makes these bites energizing?
The combination of healthy fats from nuts and natural sugars from dates and honey provides a sustained energy boost.
Can I store these for several days?
Yes, they can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and firm texture.
Is the carob powder mixed into the dough?
No, the carob powder is used exclusively as an external coating for the finished balls.
How do I know when the nut and date mixture is ready?
The mixture is ready when it is finely ground and begins to clump together in the food processor.
Should I line the tray when refrigerating?
Yes, placing the bites on a parchment-lined tray prevents them from sticking to the surface while they firm up.
Is there any refined sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe is free of refined sugars, using only honey and dates for sweetness.
Can I use orange juice instead of zest?
The recipe specifically calls for zest to provide concentrated flavor without adding too much liquid, which might make the bites too soft.
Are these bites suitable for kids?
Yes, they are a great, healthy alternative to processed candy or chocolate for children.