Chocolate Date Energy Balls

Name: Chocolate Date Energy Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 balls
Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted; 1 cup nuts (such as almonds or walnuts); 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon nut butter (peanut or almond); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Light Kitchen Classics

I love to whip up these Chocolate Date Energy Balls whenever I crave a quick, nutritious snack. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients, making them not only delicious but also energy-boosting and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, I can prepare these bites in about 20 minutes, and they’re perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a post-workout treat. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to keep a batch in the fridge at all times!

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-02-08T07:33:35.514Z

When I first experimented with these Chocolate Date Energy Balls, I was amazed by how something so simple could be so delicious. I combined dates, nuts, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a rich and satisfying flavor. I’ve found that pulsing the ingredients in a food processor allows the natural sweetness of the dates to shine through, and it makes for a perfect bind without needing any additives.

Once I perfected the texture, I started adding my own twists, like rolling them in shredded coconut or crushed nuts for added flavor and crunch. They also freeze beautifully, which means I can always have an energy boost ready when I need one!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with natural sweetness from dates
Easy to make with minimal ingredients and no baking required
Perfectly portable for snacks, lunch boxes, or post-workout fuel

Ingredient Insights

Using Medjool dates in this recipe not only provides natural sweetness but also delivers a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly. Their sticky texture helps bind the energy balls together, ensuring they hold their shape once rolled. If Medjool dates aren't available, you can substitute with other soft dates, like Deglet Noor, but the texture may vary slightly. Always choose dates that are fresh and moist for the best results.

Nuts play a crucial role in providing healthy fats and protein in these energy balls. Almonds deliver a slightly sweet, nutty flavor, while walnuts add a hint of bitterness that balances the overall taste. Feel free to experiment with different nuts or seeds based on your preferences. For a nut-free version, sunflower seeds can be an excellent alternative, but remember to adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

Technique Tips

When processing the ingredients, keep an eye on the mixture's consistency. You want it to be sticky but not overly wet. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add a splash more nut butter or a bit more liquid sweetener. Conversely, if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in additional cocoa powder or ground nuts until it reaches the right texture. This will help ensure that your energy balls hold their shape while still being easy to roll.

To make rolling the balls easier, slightly dampen your hands before handling the mixture. This will prevent it from sticking too much to your palms. If you're sharing the energy balls with kids, consider using cookie cutters to create fun shapes instead of rolling them. This can also make the balls more visually appealing, particularly when packing them into lunchboxes or serving for snacks.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started on these delicious energy balls:

Main Ingredients

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon nut butter (peanut or almond)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your energy balls:

Prepare Ingredients

Start by placing the pitted Medjool dates and your choice of nuts into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and well combined.

Combine and Blend

Add cocoa powder, nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Blend until the mixture is sticky and holds together.

Form the Balls

Using your hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.

Chill and Store

Refrigerate the energy balls for at least 10 minutes to firm up. Once set, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Pro Tips

For added variety, try rolling your energy balls in crushed nuts, seeds, or cocoa powder. You can also add ingredients like chia seeds or dried fruit to customize them further!

Storing and Freezing

These Chocolate Date Energy Balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to storage. After the initial refrigeration period, you can keep them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for about a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, freezing is a great option. Arrange the rolled balls in a single layer on a tray to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. This way, you can enjoy a quick snack anytime with minimal thawing time.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen energy balls, simply take out the desired amount and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. They’ll soften slightly but still hold their shape. This makes them perfect for quick post-workout fuel or an afternoon snack. Alternatively, for a boost of flavor, try drizzling a little nut butter or melted dark chocolate over the frozen balls before serving.

Flavor Variations

One of the wonderful aspects of this recipe is its adaptability to flavor variations. For a nuttier flavor profile, consider adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds into the mixture. You can also include a tablespoon of shredded coconut for a tropical twist and added texture. For those who enjoy a hint of spice, a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate the flavor to new heights.

If you want to introduce more chocolate intensity, try incorporating mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs into the mixture before rolling. This will add delightful bursts of chocolate flavor in every bite. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you add chocolate chips, as these can add extra sugar compared to the initial recipe. Experimenting with these variations can keep your energy ball snacks exciting and fresh!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any nuts you have on hand.

→ How long do these energy balls last?

They can last up to a week in the fridge and can be frozen for up to three months.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Just replace honey with maple syrup to keep it entirely plant-based.

→ What can I use instead of dates?

You could try using dried figs or prunes as a substitute for dates, but the flavor will change slightly.