No-Bake Chocolate Date Energy Balls Recipe! These healthy energy balls are made in 5 minutes with 8 ingredients and they taste like brownie bites! They are vegan, Paleo gluten-free and have no refined sugar, but you’d never know it! They’re also freezer-friendly!
These chocolate date energy bites are a snack time staple in our house. Skip the pre-packaged snacks and make these energy balls full of wholesome ingredients!
My kids L-O-V-E to eat these because they taste like little brownie bites, and I love that they’re fueling their cute little bodies with lots of healthy fats, protein and fiber. They’re also great for pregnant women who are trying to eat dates to prepare for labor (which has been me the majority of the last 9 years)! 😉
This energy balls recipe is a step above the rest for many reasons:
- It’s easy to make – these energy balls come together in 5 minutes with 8 ingredients.
- No added sugar – these chocolate energy bites are only sweetened with dates.
- They’re healthy! These energy balls are paleo, vegan, gluten/grain-free and have no refined sugar!
- Freezer friendly – I love prepping a large batch of these energy balls and storing them in the freezer for a quick and easy snack on busy days!
- They taste amazing – these vegan energy balls taste like a decadent treat, but they’re really nutritious.
Date Energy Balls: Ingredients & Substitutions
As always, let’s chat about the ingredients in this paleo energy balls recipe, as well as possible substitutions.
- Pecans/Cashews. I have included my absolute favorite combination of nuts that make these energy balls legitimately taste like brownies! However, you can substitute your favorite nuts. Just be sure to use a total of 1 cup of nuts. I prefer softer nuts (pecans, cashews, walnuts) in this recipe over almonds for a soft and brownie-like texture.
- Almond butter. Any nut butter works great in this recipe! My top recommendations are almond butter and cashew butter!
- Almond milk. Use your favorite non-dairy milk in this recipe!
- Sea salt. If you use salted nuts, you will want to omit or decrease the amount of sea salt!
How to make Date Energy Balls
This energy balls recipe only take a mere 5 minutes to make with 8 ingredients! It’s super easy, but I have some tips to help ensure your e energy-bite-making success! Don’t forget to watch the video too!
Process nuts & dates
The first step in this recipe is to process the dates and nuts together until a crumbly meal forms. This ensures that there won’t be any large chunks of dates in the final product!
Add ingredients & process again
Add the rest of the ingredients to the date/nut mixture in the food processor and process until mixture just starts to clump together and easily holds together when squeezed.
Form into balls
Measure out 1 TBS portions of the date energy balls mixture, and roll them into balls. Repeat until all the mixture has been used.
Chill & Enjoy
Place rolled energy bites in a storage container with a lid, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. These chocolate energy balls are best served cold.
We actually store ours in the freezer! We usually eat them frozen, but sometimes let them thaw a little bit before enjoying them!
FAQs about Date Energy Balls
Here are some commonly asked questions about making energy bites.
How do you store energy balls?
Store these date energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
How long do energy balls last?
These vegan energy balls last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, and 3 months in the freezer if stored properly.
More healthy snack recipes
If you’re looking for some more healthy snack recipes, check these out!
- We adore these peanut butter oatmeal balls!
- These coconut energy balls are another great paleo and vegan recipe!
- If you love almonds, then these almond butter energy balls are for you!
- Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks have sneaky veggies and lots of real fruit!
- Love savory snacks? Try these crunchy roasted chickpeas or these baked kale chips!
IF YOU MAKE SOMETHING FROM JOYFOODSUNSHINE I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR CREATIONS! DON’T FORGET TO RATE THIS RECIPE AND LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW! ALSO, FOLLOW ALONG WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE AND TWITTER FOR MORE RECIPE INSPIRATION AND A GLIMPSE INTO OUR EVERYDAY LIFE!
Chocolate Date Energy Balls (Vegan & Paleo)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates
- ½ cup raw pecans
- ½ cup raw cashews
- 2 TBS cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt*
- 2 TBS almond butter
- 1 TBS unsweetened almond milk
- ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with wax paper, set aside. (You will not be baking these, you just need a place to set your rolled bites as you make them).
- Put dates, pecans and cashews in your food processor fitted with an “S” blade or in your Vitamix. Process until mixture is fine and homogeneous.
- Add the rest of the ingredients in the order listed (cocoa powder, salt, almond butter, almond milk, & vanilla) to your food processor and process until mixture just starts to clump together.
- Roll 1 TBS portions of your “dough” into balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
- Put them in the fridge or freezer until they harden.
- Transfer to an airtight container to save for later! These can be stored at room temperature, but will last longer when kept in the fridge or freezer! I think they taste the best cold/frozen!
Video
Notes
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pecans/Cashews. You can substitute your favorite nuts for the pecans/cashews. Just be sure to use a total of 1 cup of nuts. I prefer softer nuts (pecans, cashews, walnuts, peanuts) in this recipe over almonds for a soft, brownie-like texture.
- Almond butter. Any nut butter works great in this recipe! My top recommendations are almond butter and cashew butter!
- Almond milk. Use your favorite non-dairy milk in this energy balls recipe!
- Sea salt. If you use salted nuts, you will want to omit or decrease the amount of sea salt!
How to store date energy balls
Store these chocolate energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or the freezer for up to 3 months.Nutrition
The photos in this post were taken by Jamie from Dishing Out Health! Check her out for delicious, plant-based healthy recipes!
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine!
Kristen
I’ve made these twice and they are super delicious, however, they keep coming out oily. I was careful not to over process the second batch and they did come out less oily, but still more oily than I would like. They leave a residue on the wax paper and I have to wipe my fingers after eating one. I haven’t read this problem on any of the other reviews so any ideas on what I am doing wrong? I will continue making these regardless because they are SO good, but I would love to remedy the oil situation. Thanks!!
Christina
These are delicious! I don’t usually care for dates but mixed with the nuts and cocoa powder, even I like these! I used 3/4 cup walnuts and 1/4 cup almonds, and added a few chocolate chips for a treat! Will definitely make these again.
Andrea O'Donnell
These are delicious!! My hubby said these are the best energy balls I have ever made! Question, about how many dates is in 2 cups? I think I made 11 and my carb count went way up. I was wondering how many you use to make it?
Harvey Lee
These look really delicious! I love brownies and I will definitely love making chocolate energy bites. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Melissa
Love these! When eating paleo, it’s hard to find a snacks without oatmeal or other grains! I love these are protein filled and sweetened with dates! Thanks for sharing! 😊
Laura
Thank you Melissa! These little snacks are a staple in our house! 😉
Deana
Today, my son and I made these together. He was nervous because he doesn’t like dates. To our surprise these turned out awesome! Very delicious and takes care to that sweet craving one might have. Thanks for sharing!
Sandy
I recently got a new food processor and went crazy making all of the energy bite balls on this website. I love them! They’re a new thing that I’ll always have stocked in my freezer. Such a great quick, filling, and healthy snack that I can bring along with me each day. My husband loves them too. Thanks Laura!
Holly
I unfortunately have an almond sensitivity to work around. Is there a substitute nut butter/milk that would perform well in this recipe? Thanks!
Laura
Hey Holly! Absolutely!!! You can substitute any nut butter or dairy-free milk in this recipe with fantastic results! I suggest trying Cashew Butter…it’s super delicious!
amanda
I rolled half of my batch in unsweetened coconut flakes…so good, and they look so decadent!!
Laura
OoOo that sounds perfect! So glad you love them!!!
Anna Wright
These broownies were really amaziing . Lovely one I just tried them, any other amazing recipes you proud enough to share? Thanks
Angela
These look wonderful! I can not wait to try them…Pinned 🙂 Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up!!
Laura
Thank you Angela! They’re our favorite healthy snack!
Ilka
Energy Bites like this are my favorite healthy snack! So yummy, too!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple
Oooh save me one!! These look tasty!
Laura
We love sharing over here… 😉
Veronika Sýkorov
These look really delicious! I love making chocolate energy bites 🙂
Laura
I agree Veronika! they’re so easy, healthy and delicious!
Kristy from Southern In Law
Happy belated anniversary!
These look so so good so I totally understand why your kids always go looking for raw bites 😉 I would proudly endorse any kind of nut butter, haha!
Laura
Thank you so much Kristy! Nut butters forever! <3 🙂
Sarah @ Happy + Healthy Taste Buds
Hi Laura! I just discovered your blog and I’m loving the bright, clean photos + the delectable yet healthy recipes + the fun commentary from your life. Your kids are adorable!! 🙂 So glad you get to be at home with them! 🙂
Pinning… and I’ll be back for your next post too. 😉 Thanks!!
Laura
Thank you so much Sarah! 🙂
Megan
Aw happy anniversary! These energy bites look absolutely delicious. You’re such a good mum making these for your kids to snack on. I hope I’m as on to it when I have kids one day.
If I was gonna be an ambassador for something it would have to be peanut butter. I can’t get enough.
Sarah Grace Spann
mmm, I love my no bake bites and balls. Such a delicious treat! These are a great paleo snacks!
xo,
Sarah Grace
Emily
I can’t wait for more Barney Butter recipes too! I have yet to find an Almond butter that rivals Barney.
Happy Anniversary precious friend in the Lord! So thankful that God has given you many years together and praying for many many more seeking Him and abiding in His love.
Jen V.
These look so yummy! I am always on the lookout for healthy snack recipes for my girls for afterschool. I am printing your recipe so I can try it. Thanks for sharing!