These Cashew & Coconut Date Balls are made with only 6 ingredients in 5 minutes! These cashew energy balls are a delicious healthy snack recipe that's gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo & vegan! Freezer-friendly!
Pregnancy changed my taste buds forever. There are many foods I once enjoyed that I no longer do, but much more noteworthy are the foods that I used to feel nothing about that are now the center of my world.
One such food is coconut. I used to not care much about it, but during my pregnancies I craved coconut all the time (so I made these healthy no bake chocolate peanut butter cookies regularly). I don't know how I ever lived without it.
So, I created this Coconut Date Balls recipe because I wanted a healthy snack that was sweet but not chocolate (if you want chocolate, try these chocolate date balls), filled with lots and lots of coconut. They are paleo & vegan, plus, dates are a pregnancy staple that help tone the uterus to prepare for labor!
Ingredients & Substitutions
There are only 5 ingredients in this cashew energy balls recipe! Let's discuss them, as well as possible substitutions.
- Dates. Make sure to use pitted dates, or remove the pits from your dates if they are present. I suggest using Medjool dates or Deglet Noor dates.
- Coconut. Use unsweetened coconut. It can be shredded, flaked, etc. it doesn't matter because it will be processed with the other ingredients.
- Cashews. I don't recommend substituting the cashews (if you want a different energy ball recipe try these or these). But a combination of 1 cup of any nuts will work.
- Almond butter. Feel free to substitute whatever type of nut/seed butter you prefer. Cashew butter is a great choice.
How to make Coconut Date Balls
These Coconut Date Balls take 5 minutes to make and it's really simple. Here are some tips on the process to ensure your success.
Process Dates first
I always process the dates first for two reasons. 1) I like to make sure there are no surprise pits in them and 2) they take the longest to process well so getting them started first ensures you won't over-process these coconut date energy balls!
Add remaining ingredients & process
Once the dates are slightly processed, add the rest of the ingredients.
Process until the mixture starts to clump together. It should hold together when pinched.
Portion and roll
Once the mixture easily pinches together, use a 1 TBS measuring spoon to portion out even amounts of the mixture. Then roll them into balls and place them in an airtight container.
Chill
I prefer to eat these coconut date balls cold. So I recommend chilling or freezing them before eating. However, you can eat them at room temperature as well!
Store/Freeze
Store these energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Energy balls are full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Date balls last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator and 2 months in the freezer.
Coconut can be eaten raw. It is good for your health because it is packed with good fat and other nutrients.
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Cashew Coconut Date Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates
- 1 cup roasted & salted or raw cashews
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ¼ - ½ tsp salt depending on how salty your cashews are
- 2 TBS almond butter
Instructions
- Process dates in a food processor fitted with “S” blade until crumbly.
- Add coconut, cashews, vanilla and salt and process until well blended and fine.
- Add almond butter and process until mixture starts forming a ball and easily clumps together when pinched.
- Use a 1 TBS measuring spoon or cookie scoop to roll the mixture into balls. Place them in an airtight container and chill for at least 1 hour. Then enjoy!
Video
Notes
Store
Store these coconut date balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.Ingredient notes
- Dates. Make sure to use pitted dates, or remove the pits from your dates if they are present. I suggest using Medjool dates or Deglet Noor dates.
- Coconut. Use unsweetened coconut. It can be shredded, flaked, etc. it doesn't matter because it will be processed with the other ingredients.
- Cashews. I don't recommend substituting the cashews (if you want a different energy ball recipe try these or these). But a combination of 1 cup of any nuts will work.
- Almond butter. Feel free to substitute whatever type of nut/seed butter you prefer. Cashew butter is a great choice.
Nutrition
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Photos in this post were taken by Organically Addison.
Martha
These were yummy and easy to make! The hardest thing, really was finding the coconut and dates in the small town I live in. The grocery options can be limited.
I am a nanny and I need quick snacks to keep my energy up.
Gina
Hi!
Would Cashew Butter work instead of fresh Cashews? I would think it's kind of the same thing? But not sure if it might change the consistency ? Asking because that's what I have on hand.
Thanks!
Jennifer
Delish!!! My 6 year old thinks they are candy!! This will be a new staple in my house! Thanks for the recipe!!
Laura
I'm so glad you and your family enjoyed this recipe!
Lynne Daly
Do you know the serving size, nutrition details and/or calorie count on these?
Loved them and added chia seeds to
Laura
Hey Lynne!! I’m ferociously going through the hundreds of recipes on my site adding that information to all of them! I will move this to the top of the list for you!
Lynne
Do you know the calorie/serving count on these????
Sandy
These have a really great flavor and are super easy to make. I am usually not super into things with coconut flakes but these were not too coconutty! I processed the nuts a little too long and it got pretty oily, so next time I will pay more attention. Such a great healthy and filling snack or quick breakfast!
Irene
I very tried your recipe today! Delicious! How many calories are in each ball?
Laura
I'm SO glad you enjoyed this recipe Irene! I can't seem to keep them stocked around here because my kids devour them so fast! I do not include calorie counts but you can use a recipe nutrition calculator {<- link} and find out that way!
Julia Groves
Oooh those look seriously delicious!
Laura
Thank you Julia!! They're one of my favorite healthy snacks! 🙂