Cashew Coconut Date Balls

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These cashew coconut date balls are made with 6 ingredients in 5 minutes! They’re a simple, nutritious and hearty grab-and-go snack!

a bowl of coconut date balls, the top one has a bite taken out of it

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!

four Cashew Coconut Date Balls in front of a bowl of date balls.

Coconut Date Balls: Ingredients & Substitutions

There are only 5 ingredients in this cashew energy balls recipe! Let’s discuss them, as well as possible substitutions.

overhead photo of the labeled ingredients in this Cashew Coconut Date Balls recipe
  • Dates. Use pitted dates, or remove the pits from your dates. 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.ย 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.ย Feel free to substitute whatever type of nut/seed butter you prefer. Cashew butter is a great choice.
Cashew Coconut Date Balls in a white bowl

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.

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!

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 Tablespoon 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!

overhead view of 10 Cashew Coconut Date Balls

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.

5 Cashew Coconut Date Balls in a bowl, one with a bite taken out of it

Coconut Date Balls Recipe FAQs

Are energy balls good for you?

Yes! Energy balls are full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein.

How long do date balls last?

Date balls last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator and 2 months in the freezer.

Is eating raw coconut good for you?

Coconut can be eaten raw. It is good for your health because it is packed with good fat and other nutrients.

overhead view of 9 Cashew Coconut Date Balls in a bowl, one has a bite taken out of it

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Cashew Coconut Date Balls

Laura
These cashew coconut date balls are made with 6 ingredients in 5 minutes! They're a simple, nutritious and hearty grab-and-go snack!
5 from 17 votes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 energy balls
Calories 109
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Process dates in a food processor fitted with โ€œSโ€ 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 Tablespoon 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

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.ย 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.ย Feel free to substitute whatever type of nut/seed butter you prefer. Cashew butter is a great choice.
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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1energy ball | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.3g | Protein: 2.1g | Fat: 8.2g | Saturated Fat: 3.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.3g | Sodium: 42.4mg | Potassium: 78.7mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 4.6g | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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5 from 17 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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23 Comments

  1. Do you have any energy ball recipe that could work (with substitutions) for almond joy or peanut butter & chocolate?

    Thanks!

  2. 5 stars
    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.

  3. 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!

  4. 5 stars
    Delish!!! My 6 year old thinks they are candy!! This will be a new staple in my house! Thanks for the recipe!!

  5. 5 stars
    Do you know the serving size, nutrition details and/or calorie count on these?

    Loved them and added chia seeds to

    1. Hey Lynne!! Iโ€™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!

  6. 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!

    1. 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!