Date energy balls are the perfect healthy snack. Finely ground dates and walnuts are shaped into little bites, and enjoyed as an easy treat.
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These date energy balls are incredibly easy to make, really healthy and taste so good! The dates make the energy bites naturally sweet, and the nuts make them more filling, and add some healthy fat.
I have made many variations of these in the past, but this recipe has to be my favorite. With only 2 ingredients required, it's a quick treat to make, and you can store them for several days, which means you can prepare a large batch to enjoy through the week. There are also an endless amount of flavor variations available, so you're bound to find one that you like.
Why you'll love them
- Really easy to make
- Only two ingredients needed
- Many flavor variations available
- Easy to customize
- Healthy energy balls
- Really affordable
- Easy to make a double or triple batch
- Store really well
Ingredients
Only 2 ingredients are needed for this recipe: dates and nuts.
Dates: Medjool dates are soft, slightly sticky, and naturally sweet. Their texture will bind the energy balls together without needing any other ingredients.
Nuts: I love making these with cashews, walnuts or hazelnuts, but any nuts can be used. Feel free to use a combination of nuts like pistachios, pecans, peanuts or mecademia nuts.
Other ingredients can be added if you wish, such as sea salt flakes, a pinch of chili powder, vanilla or desiccated coconut. These will give the balls a hint of flavor. See the Variations section below for more flavor options!
Additionally, you will need a food processor to blend the nuts and dates together.
Instructions
Dates often have a pit or seed in the center. Carefully remove these before you use them. Remove the shells from the nuts if there are any.
Then, add the dates and nuts to a food processor. Process for about 1-2 minutes, until you achieve a fine grain mixture.
Pick up a small amount and try to press it into a ball with your hands. If you're easily able to form a small ball, you're good to continue to the next step!
Next, you will want to scoop up a small amount of mixture and use your hands to roll them into balls. You can choose what size you want them to be, and this mixture should amount to about 10-15 date energy balls.
Top tips
Here are my top tips to get this recipe perfect:
- Make sure you don't process the nuts and dates too much, or it can turn into a thick, creamy liquid which you won't be able to shape into balls. If this happens, you can use it as a delicious spread instead!
- Remove any seeds or pits from the dates before you use them.
- You can add whole nuts and dates to the food processor, or chop them first if you want. It does not really affect the time it takes to process them much either way.
- Dates are already quite sweet, so you don't have to add any other sweeteners or sugar.
Variations
Gingerbread: Add some gingerbread spice, or crushed up gingerbread cookies.
Chocolate brownie: Add some chocolate chips or cacao powder.
Lemon: Add some lemon juice + zest to taste.
Pumpkin pie: A teaspoon of pumpkin pie filling, or a little pumpkin pie spice.
Fruity: Add any dried fruit, like apricots, cranberries or raisins.
High protein: Add your favorite protein powder, or a little almond butter or peanut butter.
Coconut: Add shredded coconut, or roll the balls into coconut after shaping them.
Serving suggestions
Serve walnut and date balls as a healthy snack. I love to enjoy them before or after working out, as a convenient protein ball or for some extra energy.
You can also enjoy them as a healthier treat, an alternative to candy or dessert, or with a cup of Dalgona coffee or Ginger Turmeric Tea for a quick breakfast on the go!
Leftovers
Date walnuts balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If stored in a refrigerator, they can last for up to 10 days.
You can also freeze date energy balls for up to 6 months. Thaw or defrost them in a refrigerator for at least a few hours, or overnight, before you serve them.
Frequently asked questions
Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds all go great with dates.
If you don't have a food processor available, you can chop them with a knife. As a very fine texture is required, you might have better results using a coffee grinder.
If you have very dry dates, you can soak them in water for 20 minutes before using them. This is typically not required, but can make the process of blending them easier.
You might also like these recipes..
- Dark Chocolate Almonds
- Honey Roasted Almonds
- Chocolate Covered Popcorn
- Dried Apple Slices
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy! Follow Hint of Healthy on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest for more healthy recipes.
Recipe
Date Energy Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup nuts*
- 1 ½ cup dates
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Remove any pits from the dates, and shells from the nuts.
- Then, add the dates and walnuts to a food processor. Process for about 1-2 minutes, until you achieve a fine grain mixture.
- Pick up a small amount and try to press it into a ball with your hands. The grains should form easily.
- Shape the mixture into 10-15 energy balls with your hands.
Video
Notes
- Nuts: Use any nuts that you like, such as walnuts, cashews, peanuts, or pecans.
- Store at room temperature for up to 4 days, in a refrigerator for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.
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