Date Balls

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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!

Prep Time20

Total Time20

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: date balls, date energy balls, no bake energy bites

Servings: energy balls

Ingredients

8 ounces medjool dates , pitted and chopped
3/4 cup almonds
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch 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 salt; 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.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up. Enjoy!
Optional: melt a 12 ounce bag of dark chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons coconut oil until smooth. Dunk the date balls and fully coat, then place back onto the parchment paper and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes or so to set.

Notes

You can customize these depending on your taste, but note: keep the ratios 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.

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.

Nutrition