Macadamia Nut and Davidson's Plum Energy Balls
No-bake energy balls combining crunchy macadamia nuts and tangy Davidson's plum for a uniquely Australian snack. This australian-inspired snacks ready in about 15 minutes turns raw macadamia nuts, dates pitted, Davidson's plum powder into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 12, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw macadamia nuts
- 1 cup dates pitted
- 2 tbsp Davidson's plum powder
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup plus extra for rolling desiccated coconut
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, pulse 1 cup raw macadamia nuts until coarsely chopped but not powdered, about 10 pulses.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup pitted dates, 2 tbsp Davidson's plum powder, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup desiccated coconut, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp sea salt to the processor. Blend until mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands.
- Step 4: Roll each ball in extra desiccated coconut to coat the exterior.
- Step 5: Place the balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Macadamia Nut and Davidson's Plum Energy Balls take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Macadamia Nut and Davidson's Plum Energy Balls?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia Nut and Davidson's Plum Energy Balls?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Macadamia Nut and Davidson's Plum Energy Balls for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Macadamia Nut and Davidson's Plum Energy Balls?
Australian snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.