These quick and easy chocolate date balls are no bake raw energy balls. They are rich and fudgy and also vegan and gluten free. They make a delicious dessert or snack on the go.
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These are my newest obsession and I think I like them even more than my No Bake Energy Balls (Chocolate Peanut Butter). They taste like a fudgy brownie and are so ooey gooey. They come together super quickly and can be coated in so many interesting toppings. May favorite is shredded coconut but kiddo loves the sprinkles of course. My mom would always add a couple of these in my lunch box when I was little.
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Key ingredients for raw energy balls
- Nuts- I used pecans and almonds for this recipe.
- Dates- Adds protein and vitamins with a great taste.
- Coconut- Be sure it is shredded.
- Vanilla extract- Brings in a lovely, warm flavor.
- Cocoa powder- The higher the quality the better.
- Milk- I like to use soy milk.
Variations
- Dip them in melted chocolate for added decadence- Try milk, white, dark or semisweet for chocolate covered treats.
- Topping options- Try sesame seeds, sprinkles, shredded or desiccated coconut, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, finely chopped nuts, crushed Oreos, or other cookies of your liking.
- Use other add-ins- Such as protein powder, ground flax seeds, sunflower seeds, popped quinoa, granola, oats, and even some almond butter or coconut oil.
- Try other extracts- Such as almond, mint, or lemon extract.
- Stuff them- Make a flattened circle and place mini candies nuts, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, sprinkles, or nut butter in the center. Close and seal the ball for a tasty surprise.
- Try other nuts- Instead of pecans and almonds, try peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, or cashews.
- Replace dates- With other dried fruits like prunes or apricots. The flavor will obviously be different.
- Omit cocoa powder- This will yield a more nutty flavor.
How to make easy no bake energy bites/balls recipe from scratch?
- Add all the ingredients in a food processor- This includes pecans, almonds, dates, coconut, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, milk or water.
- Pulse ingredients- Until you have a smooth mixture.
- Scoop out small portions with a spoon- And roll into ball shapes.
- Roll in toppings if you like- Such as sprinkles, shredded coconut, powdered sugar e.t.c
Tips and techniques
- Adjust cocoa powder according to personal preference- Start with 1 tablespoon then add another if desired.
- Use plastic gloves- Or dampen your hands to for an easier rolling process.
- Buy pitted dates- Because this will make the process faster and easier.
- Shredded coconut can be sweetened or unsweetened- According to your personal taste.
- If you like a bit of salty sweet flavor- Then use salted nuts.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Just make sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
If your dates are dry, your mixture will also end up being dry and crumbly. To fix that, you will need to add some water or milk and this will make the mixture easier to handle and make into ball shapes.
Unsweetened cocoa powder is not the same as hot cocoa powder. They will both yield different results.
Storage
- Refrigerate- In sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze- In a sealed container for up to 1 month. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw in fridge overnight.
- Room temperature- These can stay out in a covered container for up to 5 hours.
- Make ahead- These can easily be made 1-2 days in advance.
More no bake desserts
- No Bake Chocolate Tart (Tartlet)
- Chocolate Crunch Bars (Peanut Butter)
- Refrigerator Cake (Chocolate Oreo Icebox Cake)
- Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
- Chocolate Chia See Pudding
Recipe
Chocolate Date Balls (No Bake)
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Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Pecans
- ⅓ cup Almonds
- 1⅓ cups Dates I buy the pitted ones
- 3 tablespoon Coconut shredded
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoon Unsweetened cocoa powder according to your preference
- 1-2 tablespoon Soy milk or water
- ½ cup Sprinkles for covering your balls
- ½ cup Toasted sesame seeds for covering your balls
- ½ cup Coconut (shredded) for covering your balls
Instructions
- Add all ingredients in a food processor and mix until everything is thoroughly crushed and combined.
- Make small balls out of the mixture.
- Then, roll them around in whatever you like (sprinkles, toasted sesame seeds or shredded coconut).
- And you are done! Eat as many as you like and store leftovers in airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- I keep playing around with the amount of cocoa powder. Sometimes, I add 1 tablespoon and sometimes I add 2 tbsp. I suggest adding 1 tablespoon first and then tasting the batter. If you feel like you want it to be more choco-licious, add more cocoa powder.
- You can also omit cocoa powder completely if you prefer a more "nutty/datey" flavor.
- Depending on the quality of your dates, you might end up with a dry mixture. To fix that, you will need to add some milk or water (whichever you prefer). That will make the mixture softer and easy for you to make ball shapes.
- It's easier to make balls if you wear disposable plastic gloves or if you dampen your hands slightly.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
Christine Ferguson
So good!!!!
Abeer Rizvi
I know... right?! My favorite snack!
Nichola
How long can you keep the date balls and do they have to be in the fridge....was thinking of making them as a christmas present (not yet obviously)
Abeer Rizvi
If you use soy milk, you would have to refrigerate them but if you don't use that, you can keep these at room temperature. I personally like them cold and they are always in the fridge...hehe
Desirea Feicke
How many are in a serving, just one?
Abeer Rizvi
No, you will get about 15 balls, depending on how small or big you roll them.
Debby Thompson
I just made and I was very pleased. The addition that I made was to add a few drizzle of honey to satisfy my sweet tooth? I will sure make again...and again. Thank you!
Ginger
SO SO GOOD! I added a little more liquid and turned it into a chocolate nut butter.
Claire Louise Devlin
Can you freeze these and for how long
Abeer Rizvi
Yes, freeze them in sealed freezer bags for up to 1 month. I am sure they can last longer but I just don't like freezing anything longer than a month.