Healthy Chocolate Energy Date Balls

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These Healthy Chocolate Energy Date Balls are made with Medjool dates, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almonds. A gluten-free, vegan, and Whole30 healthy snack fit for sweet cravings!

Eight date energy balls on a small speckled plate.

Healthy snacks are always welcome here.

A healthy treat with only a handful of ingredients like these vegan protein balls or honey almond bites is easy to make and have on the go.

Why you'll love this recipe

Only 4 ingredients (plus a pinch of sea salt!)
It tames a sweet tooth the healthy way
Tastes like a brownie bite!
Perfect snacks for meal prep

Ingredients and substitutions

Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.

Ingredients for energy balls in bowls including cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, dates, and almonds.

Medjool dates - Dates are our main ingredient for the energy ball base. A natural sweetener that adds fiber and nutrients.

Any type of date will work but I find Medjool has a more soft and chewy texture over other dates.

If you don't use a Medjool date, you may want to soak your dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them up before proceeding with the recipe.

Unsweetened cocoa powder - Adds that fabulous chocolate flavor. Be sure to use 100% unsweetened to remain Whole30 compliant.

Substitute 100% cacao powder if desired. This will have a more robust and bitter flavor.

Almonds - Raw almonds add healthy protein and healthy fats. Substitute raw cashews in place of almonds if needed. Walnuts would be good too!

Vanilla extract - A high-quality pure vanilla extract ties everything together and gives these little bites a brownie-like flavor.

Step-by-step instructions

Before you start: Pit your dates if they are not already pitted. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whole dates and raw almonds in the bowl of a food processor.

Step 1: Place dates and almonds in the bowl of a food processor. Process until almonds are broken down into medium chunks.

Chopped almonds and cocoa powder in the bowl of a food processor.

Step 2: Add cocoa powder, vanilla, and sea salt and process until almonds are in very small pieces and the mixture has become thick.

Blended dates, almonds, and cocoa powder in the bowl of a food processor.

Step 3: Add one teaspoon of water to the mixture and process again. If the mixture is dry, add one or two more teaspoons of water until you can squeeze the mixture together with your hand.

Date balls lined in even rows on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Scoop date energy ball dough with a tablespoon and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place date balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or cookie sheet. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes to set.

Storage

Store your healthy energy balls in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Eight chocolate date balls on a white speckled plate.

Equipment

Food processor - This tool does the major lifting in this recipe. A blender is not recommended.

Airtight container - A storage container helps keep these snacks fresh.

Variations

You can enjoy this healthy sweet treat in other flavor combinations!

Here are a few ideas for more delicious energy bites.

Chocolate Mint - Add a ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract when adding the vanilla extract.

Chocolate Cherry - Use 1 cup of dates and ½ cup of dried cherries.

Chocolate Cranberry - Utilize 1 cup of dates and a ½ cup of dried cranberries.

Recipe tips

You can buy dates pitted or unpitted. If you purchase unpitted dates, be sure to remove the pits before making the date energy balls.
If you don't use a Medjool date, you may want to soak your dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them up before proceeding with the recipe.
Freeze dates in the freezer and always have them on hand to make snacks!

FAQ

Where can I find Medjool dates?

You can buy Medjool dates and other varieties of dates at your local grocery store. They are often found in the produce section.

Why are my chocolate date balls not sticking together?

Your dates may have been on the drier side, so add one teaspoon of water at a time until the mixture starts to stick together.

Can I use a blender to make these no-bake energy bites?

While it can be done, using a blender over a food processor would be a messy ordeal. It would require stopping the blender several times to scrape down the sides.

Can I make these chocolate energy balls nut-free?

For those with nut allergies, you can make these date balls nut-free by substituting sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even hemp seeds.

More gluten-free snack recipes

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