Black Sesame Energy Balls (Print Version)

Nutritious bites made with oats, tahini, and toasted black sesame seeds for a wholesome snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
03 - 1/4 cup almond meal or finely ground almonds
04 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1/3 cup tahini
06 - 1/4 cup maple syrup
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-Ins

08 - 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips
09 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds

# Steps:

01 - Heat black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond meal, toasted black sesame seeds, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir vigorously until well combined and the mixture reaches a sticky consistency that holds together. If the mixture appears too dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons water gradually.
05 - Fold in dark chocolate chips or chia seeds if desired, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
06 - Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll between your palms into uniform balls.
07 - Arrange balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • They taste indulgent but your body knows you're nourishing it, not just eating convenience.
  • No oven required, no weird ingredients you can't pronounce, just whole foods that actually stay fresh in the fridge.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the black sesame seeds; raw ones taste earthy and flat, but toasted ones taste like something intentional.
  • The mixture will feel too wet at first, which is normal, but patience matters more than adding water too early.
03 -
  • Use a small cookie scoop instead of your hands if you want uniform balls; it saves time and your palms from getting too sticky.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a cast iron skillet if you have one because it distributes heat more evenly and you get better flavor development.
Go Back