Delicious Matcha Superfood Bites

Recently, I shared a wonderful recipe for homemade coconut milk yogurt that I got from a fantastic cookbook called the Gut Health Diet Plan. Today I’m sharing another amazing recipe from this book. If you’re looking for a healthy, sweet treat, then you’re going to LOVE this recipe.

These Matcha Superfood Bites are so delicious, easy to make and are packed with nutrients. I don’t know about you, but I love bite-sized desserts, so when I saw this recipe I knew I had to make it. Most of the time, when I’m craving something sweet, I just want a little bite. This the perfect sweet fix without the guilt. Plus, they’re pretty rich, so all you need is one or maybe two.

These little nuggets are packed with antioxidants and are ideal for healing the gut and reducing inflammation. Matcha has antibacterial effects on the digestive system, which makes it an ideal choice for improving gut health. Matcha also provides anti-inflammatory catechins and L-theanine to relieve anxiety.

Coconut oil is an incredibly healthy fat and has anti-fungal properties. Coconut oil has been shown to improve conditions such as candida, IBS, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, diverticulosis, constipation, and even Crohn’s Disease. The medium chain fatty acids are absorbed easier and quicker in the digestive tract than longer chain fatty acids found in other fats, such as vegetable oils. In addition to the health benefits of coconut oil itself, these fatty acids also help the body absorb other nutrients as well.

Goji berries are delicious, little, nutrient-packed red berries that look similar to raisins. They boost immune function, increase alkalinity, protect the liver, improve eyesight and blood quality, and provide anti-aging benefits.  Goji berries are a complete protein source containing 18 different amino acids and all eight essential amino acids.  They contain many trace minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, selenium, phosphorous and calcium.  Goji berries also contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any food in the world.  (2 to 4 times the amount found in blueberries!)

Cacao or raw chocolate is an incredible source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, manganese and chromium.  Raw chocolate elevates your mood and energy, builds strong bones, improves cardiovascular health, and is a natural aphrodisiac.  This is fantastic news for all you chocolate lovers out there!

I made a couple of modifications to the recipe based on what I like, and what I had in my pantry. Instead of cashew butter, I used organic, natural peanut butter. In place of xylitol, I used 2 tbsp coconut sugar. (I usually use much less sweetener than a recipe calls for, and I don’t typically use sugar alcohols like xylitol.)

You also have options in the recipe based on your preference. The recipe calls for either dried cherries or goji berries. I used goji berries. You can choose between cacao butter or coconut oil. I used coconut oil. You can also choose between protein powder, colostrum powder, or collagen powder. I used vanilla vegan protein powder.

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup xylitol (I used 2 tbsp coconut sugarinstead)
• ½ cup goji berries or dried cherries
• ½ cup nut butter
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp raw cacao powder, lucuma powder, or goji berry powder
• ¼ cup coconut oil or raw cacao butter, melted
• ¼ cup plain, vanilla, or chocolate vegan protein powder, colostrum powder, or collagen powder
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Matcha green tea powder, lucuma powder, goji powder, or cacao powder for dusting

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Soak goji berries in warm water for 15 minutes and drain.
3. Put the nut butter into a food processor or a bowl and add the coconut sugar, lemon zest and juice, match, salt, cacao powder, and coconut oil. Pulse or stir to combine.
4. Add the goji berries and remaining ingredients. Process or stir to form a dough.
5. Chill in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Use a spoon to scoop out walnut-size pieces.
7. Roll into balls and place on baking sheet.
8. Roll the truffles in matcha, cacao, or goji powder for dusting.
9. Serve or store in the fridge for up to one week.

NOTE: I accidentally misread the instructions, and I formed the balls before putting it in the freezer. They still turned out fine. 🙂