These Date Balls are an easy 6-ingredient snack that are naturally sweet, full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Plus, they’re bite-sized, portable, super delicious, and even vegan so everyone can enjoy them!
More energy balls to enjoy include our carrot cake energy balls and almond joy energy bites.
Date Energy Balls Recipe
Years ago when my kids were very little and taking swimming lessons, their instructor pulled out these date balls – we all went crazy for them and I’ve been making them ever since.
They are naturally sweetened with dates and full of delicious nuts; packed full of nutrients, protein, and fiber to give you fuel for the day. Great for lunches, picnics, and road trips. And they’re not just for the kids, of course – I usually eat one or two before a run.
Energy balls are also referred to as energy bites, protein balls, power balls, and vegan truffles to name a few. No matter what you call them, though, they’re a breeze to make and very versatile.
A Few Reasons Why You’ll Love This Date Balls Recipe:
- Quick and easy to make
- No Bake
- Sturdy, but tender
- Portable
- Naturally sweetened
- Filled with nutrients
- Grain free, dairy free, and gluten free
- Easily digestible
- Satisfying
- Taste fantastic!
Ingredients Needed
To make this date balls recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Mejool dates – One of the stars in these energy balls. Medjool dates have a sweet, caramel-like flavor. They should be pitted and chopped.
- Nuts – Both whole almonds and walnuts are included in these energy balls, which provide a nice nutty flavor and subtle textural crunch.
- Mini chocolate chips – These add a nice chocolatey flavor, but it’s not overwhelming.
- Almond butter – Provides the energy balls with a creaminess and necessary structure so they hold together.
- Vanilla – For extra flavor.
- Sea salt – To balance out the sweetness.
Recipe Variations
Energy balls are very versatile, so you can customize them depending on your taste. NOTE: You want the ratios to be the same, so they don’t crumble. If making an even swap, no problem. If including more mix-ins, you’ll want to also add in extra nut butter and/or dates. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap in raisins or prunes. If you don’t like dates, raisins or prunes are a great substitution, since they have a similar texture and sweetness.
- Use a different nut butter. We love almond butter, but peanut butter or cashew butter are great alternatives. Or for nut allergies, try sunflower butter.
- Add coconut. A bit of coconut flakes blended into the mixtur or on the outside would provide sweetness and another level of flavor.
- Mix in some honey or maple syrup. A little bit of either of these ingredients are great for additional sweetness without adding sugar.
How to Make Energy Balls
Making these date balls is very easy in a few simple steps.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Finely chop the nuts and chocolate. In a food processor, grind the dates, almonds, walnuts, and chocolate chips until there are no more large chunks.
- Combine ingredients. Add the almond butter and process until smooth. Add in the vanilla and pulse a few more times to combine.
- Form the balls. Scoop out mixture using a tablespoon sized cookie scoop; knead them a few times with your hands until it sticks together, then roll into balls. Sprinkle the tops with sea salt.
- Chill. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and transfer to the fridge for about 20 minutes to harden a bit. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- The type of nut butter can make a difference. Nut butter is what binds the balls together. Not all nut butters will have the same results, though. Natural nut butters have extra oil and tend to be more runny, so if using a natural kind, you will likely need less of it or will need extra dates. I would also recommend adding in a touch of salt, since they don’t have as much flavor as traditional brands.
- Use soft dates. Soft dates provide necessary moisture to the dough. Dry dates won’t bind the dough properly. If all you have are dry dates, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and drain well before using.
- Chop everything very fine. You want the dates and nuts to be chopped very fine, so they are evenly incorporated into the dough, without any air pockets which can create crumbling. A food processor is best, but a sharp Chef’s knife works, too.
- Knead the dough balls. After scooping out portions, knead the balls so the mixture comes together and is smooth. This helps prevent crumbling later.
Proper Storage
Store date balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. They also freeze well in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
More Date Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Date Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 8 ounces medjool dates , pitted and chopped
- 3/4 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- sea salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor, grind the dates, almonds, walnuts, and chocolate chips until there are no more large chunks. Add the almond butter and process until smooth. Add in the vanilla and pulse a few more times to combine.
- Scoop out mixture using a tablespoon sized cookie scoop; knead them a few times with your hands until it sticks together, then roll into balls. Sprinkle the tops with sea salt.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes to harden. Enjoy!
Loved these, thank you!
I’m always on the lookout for healthy snacks, and these were delish! Going to make another batch.
I’m always looking for snacks like this that I can covertly eat in lab (since we’re not technically supposed to have food in there….oops). These were so easy to pop in my mouth while no one was looking!
Had my grand babies for a few days and made these for their lunches. They loved them. Thanks for sharing. :)
Dates are on of my favorite healthy baking weapons! I’m always looking for healthy snack ideas for me and my husband – made these and we’ve been eating them all week, we loved them so much.
I made these for my boyfriend who loves dates and nuts! Big hit – thank you for sharing!