These easy to make 5 Ingredient Date Energy Balls are made with dates, peanut or almond butter and without refined sugar. They make a healthy snack and are a great option for a quick energy boost!
These 5 Ingredient Date Energy Balls are made with wholesome ingredients and are naturally sweetened by dates which give them a wonderful chewy texture.
Dates contain natural sugars that satisfy your sweet tooth and give you energy without the negative effects of refined sugars. Dates are also filled with beneficial minerals and dietary fibre that fill you up.
Energy ball recipes are so adaptable that you are sure to find a combination that you would enjoy. So get creative and try incorporating some of your favourite nuts, nut butters or dried fruit.
You can make healthy energy balls with oats, almond flour, chia seeds, hemp seeds, ground flax seeds and more. For inspiration, you can take a look at my recipes for these Brownie Energy Bites and these Maple Espresso Bites.
How to Make Them
With only 5 ingredients, these peanut butter energy balls only take 15 minutes to make. Here's an overview of the ingredients and instructions to make them. You can see the full recipe in the recipe at the end of the post.
Ingredients Overview:
- Dates: If using fresh Medjool dates there is no need to soak them. If using dry dates, you'll need to factor in about 15 minutes of soaking time.
- Almonds, or another nut: You can use walnuts, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts. Make sure to finely grind the nuts before using them.
- Unsweetened dried shredded coconut: You can also use sweetened dried coconut if you don't mind the extra refined sugar.
- Natural peanut butter: You can also use natural almond butter or cashew butter.
- Cocoa: Unsweetened cocoa. Feel free to use chocolate protein powder instead of cocoa to increase the amount of protein in these bliss balls.
Steps Overview:
- If using dry dates, soak them in one cup of very hot water for approx. 15 min. Drain the dates, reserving the water they were soaked in.
- In the bowl of your food processor, process the dates, adding 1 tablespoon of the reserved water. You'll need a smooth paste, so if the dates are still chunky add another tablespoon of water and process a little longer.
- Once the dates are smooth, add the ground almonds, peanut butter, dried coconut and cocoa powder. Process just long enough to mix the ingredients. Transfer the ingredients into a large bowl.
- Measure about two teaspoons and roll it in the palm of your hands. If the mixture is too soft and difficult to roll, add an extra tablespoon or two of ground almonds or coconut, or one of each and combine. Try rolling the mixture again, if the mixture rolls easily then you've got the right consistency.
- Scoop approximately two teaspoons and roll the mixture in the palms of your hands until you have a smooth ball. You can coat the small balls in unsweetened dried coconut or finely chopped nuts of your choosing.
Storage Instructions
Store the chocolate date balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Energy balls only take a few minutes to thaw before you can enjoy them.
Enjoy!
More Healthy Snacks
5 Ingredient Date Energy Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry dates pitted
- ⅓ cup finely ground almonds or other nut
- ¼ cup unsweetened dried coconut more for rolling
- ¼ cup refrigerated and well blended natural peanut butter can substitute natural almond butter
- 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
Instructions
- Soak the dates in 1 cup of very hot water for approx. 15 min.
- Drain the dates, reserving the water they were soaked in.
- In the bowl of your food processor, process the dates, adding 1 tablespoon of the reserved water. You are looking for a smooth paste if the dates are still chunky add another tablespoon of water, process a little longer. I needed two tablespoons of water to get a smooth paste.
- Once the dates are smooth, add the ground almonds, peanut butter, dried coconut and cocoa powder. Process again until the mixture comes together in the food processor.
- At this point, take a small amount into your hands, if you can easily roll it then the mixture is ready, if it feels too soft, add more ground almonds or coconut, or a little of both, being careful not too add too much, try one tablespoon at a time until you get a consistency that rolls easily. Scoop approximately two (measuring) teaspoons (or if available use a size 50 scoop) and roll the mixture in the palms of your hands until you have a smooth ball. Repeat this process with the entire mixture, you should get about 14 energy balls.
- If desired you can roll the energy balls in unsweetened dried coconut, or a finely chopped nut of your choosing, I rolled some of mine in coconut and others in unsalted peanuts.
Notes
- The energy balls can be rolled in dried coconut, finely chopped peanuts or any other nut of your choice.
- These date energy balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Remove from the freezer to thaw a few minutes before enjoying.
vivian
Sunday 14th of January 2018
These are very good. I left out the cocoa powder because my son doesn't eat it, and they are still delicious. I keep them in the freezer and they don't freeze solid, but are a great cold treat.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
Tuesday 16th of January 2018
Thank you Vivian, so happy they're tasty even without the cocoa!
Marija Djokic
Tuesday 9th of May 2017
These look delicious. I make something similar, you can see it here: http://thehealthiesthabits.com/homemade-gluten-free-protein-bars/ Hope you like it.
Jess @ Sweetest Menu
Wednesday 2nd of September 2015
Oh these look marvellous! The perfect sweet treat!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
Wednesday 2nd of September 2015
Thank you so much Jess, they're one of my favourite healthy treats. Thanks for stopping by!
coconutcraze
Tuesday 11th of August 2015
I like such snacks that come in small portions. It is good as a guilt free dessert! These look cute and your pictures are beautiful, Fida!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
Friday 14th of August 2015
So do I and I agree they make a great guilt free dessert! Thank you!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
Monday 10th of August 2015
A perfect snack for post workout! I love how simple and easy this recipe is.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
Monday 10th of August 2015
I know, I can't believe how easy these were to make! Thanks for stopping bye :)