Last Updated on November 16, 2020 by Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
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These quick and easy to make 5 Ingredient Date Energy Balls are made without refined sugar, make a nutritious snack and are perfect for a quick energy boost!
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With so many variations possible, energy balls have become very popular. These 5 Ingredient Date Energy Balls are made with healthy ingredients and are naturally sweetened by dates.
Dates are filled with beneficial minerals and dietary fibre that fill you up. Dates also contain natural sugars that satisfy your sweet tooth and give you energy without the negative effects of refined sugars.
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 them with oats, almond flour, chia seeds, ground flax seeds and more. For more inspiration, you can take a look at my recipe for these Brownie Energy Bites or these Maple Espresso Bites.
How to Make Date Energy Balls
With only 5 ingredients, these energy balls make a great snack, they're perfect for a quick energy boost before a workout and are a healthy way to satisfy a craving for something sweet. They don't require any baking and take only 15 minutes to make.
Ingredients Overview:
- Dates
- Almonds, or another nut. You can use walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts. Make sure to finely grind the nuts before using them.
- Unsweetened dried 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.
- Cocoa
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 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 rolled balls in unsweetened dried coconut or finely chopped nuts of your choosing.
How to Store:
Store the date energy 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.
Enjoy!
If you make this recipe let me know how it went for you in the comment section below. I'd love to know if you made any variations to the recipe and how it worked out. And if you take a picture, share it with me on Instagram by tagging #sweetandsavourypursuits, I love to see your photos!
5 Ingredient Date Energy Balls
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
Nutrition
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vivian says
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 says
Thank you Vivian, so happy they're tasty even without the cocoa!
Marija Djokic says
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 says
Oh these look marvellous! The perfect sweet treat!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thank you so much Jess, they're one of my favourite healthy treats. Thanks for stopping by!
coconutcraze says
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 says
So do I and I agree they make a great guilt free dessert! Thank you!
[email protected]'s Recipes says
A perfect snack for post workout! I love how simple and easy this recipe is.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
I know, I can't believe how easy these were to make! Thanks for stopping bye 🙂
nagimaehashi says
Ooh, I love the look of this! And just 5 ingredients? Really? YES PLEASE!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
I know right 5 ingredients, can't get much easier than that!
nancyc says
These would be a perfect healthy snack when you're craving something sweet!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Yes, I love that I can satisfy my craving for something sweet with one of these little energy balls.
Myrna says
These look great! Can't wait to try them.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks Myrna, I'm sure you will like them!
Louise Crosby says
Fida, these look great, easy to make and healthy. And your photos, as usual, are beautiful!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks so much Louise! I'm so glad you like them 🙂