Nut and date energy balls are the perfect snacks for post workouts or almost any time of the day. They are made with wholesome ingredients full of fibre, healthy fats, protein and lots of vitamins.
These date energy balls are a staple snack in my house; they are healthier and way better than prepackaged snacks. All my family love these date energy balls, and I am sure yours will love them as well.
Nut and Date Energy Balls Recipe
This nut and date energy balls recipe is so simple; it needs only 5 ingredients and will be ready in less than 10 minutes. These energy balls are naturally sweetened by dates and cranberries, so there is no need to add any sugar. Also, this recipe is paleo, vegan, and gluten-free, so it works just fine for everyone, and they taste so delicious.
You can enjoy these energy balls for breakfast as a dessert or snack; this healthy snack will give you energy throughout the day and satisfy your sweet craving. One other good thing about this recipe is that it is freezer friendly; I usually have 2 batches in my freezer ready when needed.
Ingredients Used in Making these Date Energy Balls
- Medjool dates: Make sure to use fresh Medjool dates as they have enough moisture to hold the balls together. You will have to remove the pit before adding it to the processor.
- Raw almonds & cashews: Adding raw almonds and cashews makes these energy balls tasty and crunchy.
- Dried cranberry: The dried cranberries add some sweetness to these energy balls.
- Vanilla extract: It brings all the flavours together.
Salt to taste.
How to Make Date Energy Balls?
- Blend cashew and almond at high speed using a food processor (if you used a blender, it might take longer) until finely ground. Don't over mix, or they will turn into butter.
- Now, add the dates, cranberry and vanilla extract, mix until all combined.
- Transfer the mixer into a bowl, scoop a tablespoon of the mixer, then roll it between your hands, forming a ball.
- Repeat, forming balls (you will make about 20 balls).
- Put in a well-sealed container and keep in the fridge.
Top Tips
- It’s best to use dried nuts with no added sugar for a healthier option.
- Instead of making balls, you can press the mixture in a square baking dish with parchment paper, chill for a few hours, and cut into bars.
- If your dates are dry, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes and drain them well.
- Use wet hands slightly before rolling the balls so you can avoid sticking.
- Process the ingredients only until the mix turns crumbly, so it sticks together to form a ball.
- Feel free to make them in your prefered size, small, medium or large.
Recipe Variations
- You can add any dried nuts based on your preference. You can add peanuts, walnuts or any salted or roasted nuts based on what you prefer.
- You can also add any nut butter like peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, pumpkin seed butter or sunflower butter for some extra nutty flavour.
- You can also add rolled oats to these energy bites to make them extra crunchy and delicious. You can also use gluten-free oats for a healthier option.
- Adding some honey, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup works great for some added sweetness.
- Add some cocoa powder for a light chocolate flavour. You can also add chocolate chips or Nutella if you prefer.
- You may also toast the nuts as they add a nice flavour and crunch to the date bites.
- You can use shredded coconut or chopped pistachio to coat these energy balls.
- Make them excellent for kids and coat them in something fun, such as mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, sesame seeds or crushed pretzels.
Recipe FAQs
How long can I store these date energy bites?
You can store them in a well-sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for about a month.
Can I freeze the Date energy balls?
Absolutely. These bites can be stored in a well-sealed container in the freezer for about 3 months. To defrost them, just let them sit at room temperature for about 2 hours.
What is the best type of dates to use in making energy balls?
I usually use Medjool dates in making all my energy ball recipes. Because they don't have firm flesh like other kinds of dates, and they have a chewy texture and an intense, rich flavour. You can find Medjool dates in any grocery store.
Are Date energy bites healthy?
Energy bites are a healthy option when consumed with a balanced diet as they are packed with protein, carbs, healthy fat and fibre. They are the perfect on-the-go healthy snack after your daily workout.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
You can add protein powder to this recipe if you prefer; just add 1 tablespoon of protein powder to the food processor with all other ingredients and beat until well combined.
Can I add sugar to these date bites?
Sugar may not be required for this recipe as the dates are a natural sweetener to this snack. Feel free to add maple syrup or honey if required for a healthier option.
What do I do if my date energy balls are not holding together?
It is normal if your energy balls are not holding together. They may seem crumbly at first, but you can try squeezing it first to see if it will hold. If they are extra crumbly, you can add some extra dates to the mixture and try again or add few drops of water to it until the mixture is sticky enough to form balls.
No- Bake Recipes You May Like
- Biscoff rocky road (no-bake dessert)
- Lazy cake - no-bake chocolate biscuit cake
- No-bake energy bites
- No-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies
- Peanut butter pie
Nut And Date Energy Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped Medjool dates
- ½ cup raw almond
- ½ cup raw cashew
- ½ cup dries cranberry
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend cashew and almond at high speed using a food processor (if you used a blender, it might take longer) until finely ground. Don't over mix, or they will turn into butter.
- Now, add the dates, cranberry and vanilla extract, mix until all combined.
- Transfer the mixer into a bowl, scoop a tablespoon of the mixer, then roll it between your hands, forming a ball.
- Repeat, forming balls (you will make about 20 balls).
- Put in a well-sealed container and keep in the fridge.
Notes
- If all the ingredients do not form a ball, you may have to add a few drops of water to the mixture to come together.
- It’s best to use dried nuts with no added sugar for a healthier option.
- Instead of making balls, you can press the mixture in a square baking dish with parchment paper, chill for a few hours, and cut into bars.
- If your dates are dry, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes and drain them well.
- Use wet hands slightly before rolling the balls so you can avoid sticking.
- Process the ingredients only until the mix turns crumbly, so it sticks together to form a ball.
Nutrition
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If you make this nut and date energy balls recipe, make sure to tell me how it turns out in the comment section below. Also, don't forget to leave a star rating. Your feedback is so helpful and important to me!
So healthy, and I am always in need of new energy ball recipes! Dates are a good choice for energy balls or bars, and I am a big fan of dates 🙂 So I am going to give it a try!
I made this recipe and added some walnuts, an excellent healthier snack. I will make it again. Thanks!!
I really enjoyed these! To me, these are treats or desserts, not snacks. The dates I used was so soft and perfect.
Simple and tasty snack. I added some peanuts as well. Thank you for all these wonderful recipes.