Date Energy Balls

4.36 from 42 votes
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These date energy balls are naturally sweet, no-bake, and nutritious snacks. It’s a great pre-workout or post-workout treat when you need that extra boost in energy.

Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo, Whole30 – friendly. Have you made your own energy balls yet? If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat.

Energy balls are so easy to make! You usually need only a few ingredients. Plus, there is very little prep involved, and you can make them in just a few minutes.

bowl of energy balls

These date energy balls would make a great addition to your meal plan. They taste great any time of the day! In fact, with only 79 calories per ball, they are relatively easy to implement into your diet.

For example, you could add them to your breakfast routine. The energy balls would definitely taste great with a cup of tea or coffee. They would also taste great as a little sweet treat after lunch or dinner.

Additionally, they are great snack options. Because they are filled with energy-providing protein and filling fiber, they will help you stay energized and curb hunger between meals.

holding energy ball above bowl

Ingredient for These Energy Bites

Soft dates (2 cups) – The main ingredient in this recipe and provide natural sweetness. Dates are full of health benefits, including being high in fiber and antioxidants.

Aside from this recipe, dates are a great way to add sweetness to any flavor. They are delicious in smoothies and oatmeal.

Pecans (1 cup) – These are also incredibly good for you. They are a healthy source of magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

Nuts tend to be considered fatty, but they contain a healthy kind of fat called monosaturated fats.

Walnuts (1 cup) – Any other nut will work as well, but the nutritional values will most likely change.

Shredded coconut (1 cup) – Adding coconut to energy balls is a fun way to add a distinct flavor and naturally add sweetness. You want to use unsweetened coconut like this to keep the sugar content low.

Almond butter (2 tbsp) – It helps bind the recipe together. The butter enhances the protein and fiber amount to the recipe, as well. You can find almond butter in your local grocery store or online.

Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp) – It adds flavor naturally, without adding any artificial ingredients. You want to use pure vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla.

Sea salt (1/2 tsp) – It’s a great ingredient to keep handy when making sweet treats. Believe me when I say it boosts the flavor, and you won’t want to skip out on it!

ingredients for energy balls

How to Make Date Energy Balls

Step 1. Put the walnuts, pecans, and coconut in the food processor first. Then pulse them until they are crumbly.

Step 2. Then, add the other ingredients. You’ll want to pulse a few times until everything is combined. Don’t’ overdo it, though! If you mix too much, the blend will become too oily.

Step 3. You can make the balls by using your hands to roll the dough into even shapes. If the mixture is too tacky, you can rub a little coconut oil on your hands. Alternatively, you could use a cookie scoop.

It’s time to chill the energy balls once they are all shaped. Simply put them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is an important step! It allows the energy balls to really stick together.

steps to make energy balls

When Should You Eat Energy Balls?

Energy balls are great little bites to have any time of the day. They are very easy to pack up and store if you need a snack on the go.

You can add them to your breakfast routine pretty easily! They would be delicious with a cup of coffee or tea. You could also add them as a side option for breakfast or lunch.

It’s delicious to have the energy balls as a side with breakfast eggs or a toasty soup for lunch. Additionally, they make a great snack to have before or after a workout.

energy balls stacked in bowl

Benefits of Eating Dates

Dates contain little fat and do not have any cholesterol. So they are good to eat a few times a day to keep your cholesterol in check.

They also have healthy levels of protein. It’s common for those who work out regularly to add a few dates to their diet to promote strong muscle recovery.

Additionally, dates are full of vitamins. In fact, they contain at least six different kinds of vitamins, including vitamins B and C. Dates are also rich in iron.

close up of date balls in bowl

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date ball recipe
4.36 from 42 votes

Date Energy Balls

By Karo @ AllNutritious
These date energy balls are naturally sweet, nutty, and yummy. They're no-bake, vegan, gluten-free, Paleo and Whole30-friendly. A perfect healthy snack or sweet treat.
Prep: 25 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 35 energy balls

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 2 cups soft dates pitted
  • 2 tbsp almond butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions 

  • Add pecans, walnut, and shredded coconut into a food processor. Process until the mixture is crumbly.
  • Now, add in the rest of the ingredients. Process until the mixture is sticky and crumbly but make sure to not overprocess. Otherwise, it will become too oily.
  • Scoop out the dough and form balls with your hands.
  • Place in a fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 energy ball | Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.9g | Fat: 4.3g | Saturated Fat: 1.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.4g | Sodium: 34mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below with your rating! I love the feedback and respond to every comment!

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4.36 from 42 votes (41 ratings without comment)

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10 Comments

  1. Robin Sutton says:

    Is there another nut to use besides walnuts?

    1. Karo @ AllNutritious says:

      Hello Robin,
      you can substitute walnuts with any other nut of your choice!

  2. Becky says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe. Can you freeze them?

    1. Karo @ AllNutritious says:

      Yes, certainly! They will last in the freezer up to 3 months! Defrost before eating, and do freeze them in a dry sealed container.

  3. Michelle says:

    Do these need to continue to be refrigerated after the 30 minutes?

    1. Karo @ AllNutritious says:

      Not necessarily. Although, if it’s summer and it’s a little warm at home, you might want to keep them in the fridge. ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Bay says:

    These are so delicious! I added a little honey as well and my boyfriend loved them so much too ๐Ÿ˜€ thanks!

    1. Karo @ AllNutritious says:

      I am so glad!

  5. Hannah says:

    You must exclude vanilla for them to be Whole30 compatible.

    1. Karo @ AllNutritious says:

      vanilla extract should be ok for the updated Whole30 programme.