1. Place dates (remember to remove the pits first!), cashews, coconut, and lemon zest in the bowl of your food processor.
2. Add 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice, and the vanilla.
3. Pulse the mixture in your food processor 30-60 seconds, until the mixture smooths out and starts to come together.
4. Depending on how dry your dates are, you may need to add more lemon juice, 1 tsp. at a time, to help the mixture blend.
5. You’ll know you’ve reached the right consistency when there are no large chunks of dates or cashews, and the mixture easily holds together when pinched between your fingers.
6. When the consistency is right, use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to measure out little balls from the energy bite dough.
7. Roll each ball between your hands to smooth out the edges, then set aside. Repeat with remaining dough until it’s all rolled into balls.
8. Store energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator 5-7 days, or in the freezer up to 2 months.

Note: for decoration, you can garnish with a little extra lemon zest, or dip the energy bites in additional shredded coconut.