Irresistible no-bake chocolate date balls are packed with nutritious ingredients, yet they taste just like a fudgy brownie! Combine 5 simple ingredients in a food processor, and in just a few minutes you’ll have a healthy snack or treat to keep in your fridge or freezer!
Easy & delicious chocolate date balls are made with dates, nuts, coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Simply, pulse the ingredients in a food processor, then roll them into balls. Enjoy straight from the fridge or freezer for a healthy snack or an on-the-go breakfast!
I like to make a batch of these delicious chocolate date balls for whenever I’m craving something sweet. They’re super chocolaty and naturally sweetened and will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Reasons to love this recipe
- They’re so simple to make: This snack is effortless to whip up! You just need a food processor or blender and about 10 minutes!
- Nutrient-rich ingredients: These are filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants! They are a much better choice than most store-bought treats.
- They taste amazing: The dates naturally sweeten the balls while the nuts add a nutty flavor and the cocoa powder is rich and chocolate-y.
- Great for meal prep: Whip these bites up on the weekend and have a tasty treat to pull from the fridge whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Ingredients needed
The ingredient list for this chocolate date ball recipe is short and sweet! Plus, many of these ingredients can be swapped out or substituted to create a variation that’s all yours! Here’s the lineup:
- Dates: Medjool dates are best because they have a caramel-like taste and a soft, chewy texture.
- Nuts: Use your favorite nut variety. Almonds, cashews, walnuts or pecans all work great!
- Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut is a good source of fiber, healthy fats and it adds flavor.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch will intensify all of the flavors.
How to make this recipe
- Prep: To a food processor, add the pitted dates, nuts, coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix: Pulse a few times then blend until it begins to form a paste. You can leave the mixture as chunky or creamy as you’d like.
- Form into balls: Use a 1 tablespoon scoop to measure out the mixture, and then roll into balls.
- Roll: In a shallow bowl, add some coconut, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts. Roll the bowls in the mixture to coat.
Helpful tips
- Toast the nuts: To bring out an extra depth of flavor in the nuts, toast them before combining them with the other ingredients. Add the nuts to a pan over medium heat, and stir occasionally for 2-5 minutes until they are fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and allow to cool before adding them to the food processor.
- Tip for forming balls: If you notice the mixture is too sticky to form the balls properly, place the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to harden.
- Enjoy straight from the freezer: While these are great eaten straight out of the freezer, if they get too hard, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.
Frequently asked questions
Are date snack balls good for you?
Energy balls made with dates and other nourishing ingredients make for a satisfying, good for you snack when eaten in moderation.
How many date balls can you eat in a day?
These are like any healthier snack or treat, and are best eaten in moderation. Depending on size, we recommend eating one to two per day.
When should I eat chocolate date balls?
Anytime you’re feeling a bit hungry, you can pop one of these bites for a quick boost of energy. Have a couple for a quick breakfast with some fruit, enjoy one for a quick snack in between meals, or have a couple before or after your workout. They’re even delicious as a dessert with a cup of coffee!
Customize this recipe
Energy balls and bites are easy to change up and make according to your preferences! Here are some options:
- For the nuts: Any nuts will work – pecans, cashews, or walnuts.
- Seeds: Replace some of the nuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- For a nutritional boost: You can add a few tablespoons of chia seeds, ground flaxseed or hemp seeds for even more nutrition.
- Extra chocolate goodness: Add in some mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor.
- Rolling: You can choose to roll your chocolate bites in coconut, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts.
Storage recommendations
Place chocolate date balls in an airtight container and transfer to the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them in ziplock bags for up to 3 months.
More snack ball recipes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
- Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Pumpkin Date Energy Balls
- Mango Cashew Energy Balls
Chocolate Date Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups dates, deseeded
- 1 cup almonds, cashews, walnuts, or nuts of choice
- ¼ cup desiccated or shredded coconut, plus more for rolling
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- To a food processor, add the pitted dates, nuts, coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Pulse a few times then blend until it begins to form a paste. You can leave the mixture as chunky or creamy as you’d like.
- Use a 1 tablespoon scoop to measure out the mixture, and then roll into balls.
- In a shallow bowl, add some coconut, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts. Roll the bowls in the mixture to coat.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious, thanks for sharing!
Could you leave coconut out
Yes you can just leave them out!