Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

I have to be careful about my sweet tooth. It’s my biggest frenemy. I love...

Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

I have to be careful about my sweet tooth. It’s my biggest frenemy.

I love love love sweets. I’m a big cupcake, frosting and chocolate brownie kind of gal. I’m not much into chewy fruity candies or ice cream, but put a red velvet cupcake or molten lava cake in front of me and I’m a goner.

Luckily, I’ve found a solution: no-bake cacao treats!

Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

Whenever I make my grocery list for the week, Lu always says “put some healthy desserts and snacks on there.” It’s tough to find clean-eating friendly desserts! After multiple fails and devouring of cookies, I looked into no-bake treats that could be made in batches and quickly (for those cravings!)

Enter medjool dates. Lu actually pits them and mixes them with walnuts for dessert. Medjool dates are so sweet and sticky, they totally satisfy that craving.

Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

But, where’s the chocolate?

Enter cacao powder. Cacao is a type of tropical tree that produces chocolate in raw form. Unsweetened cacao can be found at grocery stores and is a total God-send. Cacao powder gives you that chocolate taste without the added sweeteners and sugars. I actually feel cheated that I didn’t know about this in college. It would have saved me 15 pounds!

After playing around with flours and oats, I thought to myself “what about something spiralized?”

Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

Enter plantain rice. Plantain rice is savory and sweet all at the same time. By toasting the plantain slightly, you get rid of that pre-ripe bitterness. Plus, the texture of toasted plantain rice is a bit hearty and sticky, thanks to the starchiness of this fruit.

When the plantains, cacao, medjool dates and coconut flakes are mixed together, the result is the absolute perfect sweet dessert. Then, the salted pepitas really put the cherry on top.

Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

Next time you’re craving something sweet, make a few batches of these rice balls. They can be eaten immediately or placed in the refrigerator to harden a bit more. Of course, I couldn’t wait for the chilling process, so I stuffed a few in my mouth (remember this Instagram picture?) and they just really really hit the spot.

With a little creativity and planning ahead, you can say goodbye to those chocolate-induced comas and say hello to a thin waist and a happy, satisfied tummy.

Who else likes no-bake treats?

 

Cacao Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings 5 -6 balls

Ingredients

  • 1 plantain peeled, Blade C
  • 5 medjool dates pitted and roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp cacao
  • 2 tsp de-shelled roasted and salted pepitas
  • 3 tsp coconut flakes

Instructions

  • Place your plantain noodles into a food processor and pulse until like rice. Place into a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 3 minutes, tossing frequently.
  • Place the plantain rice, medjools, cacao and coconut flakes into a food processor and pulse until sticky and smooth.
  • Place the mash into a bowl and add in the pepitas. Mix with hands to incorporate the pepitas. Then, form 5-6 balls with hands and place each onto a plate. Refrigerate for 15 minutes and then enjoy or enjoy immediately.

Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Balls with Pepitas

with love, Ali

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comments

  • Was your plantain green or yellow or somewhere in between? Thanks!
    • Almost yellow! You want them definitely on the riper side... if you can't find a ripe plantain, just make sure to toss it in a skillet and cook the rice for a few minutes before throwing it into the mix.
  • What is the difference between cacao powder and just regular unsweetened cocoa powder? Thanks!
  • Lately I've been trying to stick to fruit for dessert! But I could see these being fabulous WITH aforementioned fruit. Love that they're totally good for me!
  • Wow, this looks good. I'm definitely trying some this weekend. Good share.
    • Let us know how they turn out!
  • Is this safe for someone who is allergic to too much sugar? Thanks.