Chocolate Date Energy Balls

Name: Chocolate Date Energy Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 balls
Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup nut butter (almond or peanut); 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds); 1 tablespoon chia seeds; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Sugar & Whisk

I absolutely love making Chocolate Date Energy Balls for a quick snack or a boost of energy during the day. These little bites are rich in flavor and packed with nutrients, making them the perfect guilt-free treat. The combination of dates and cocoa creates a delightful sweetness while providing a great source of fiber. I often whip these up when I need an energizing snack for my afternoon slump or when hosting friends over. They are super easy to prepare and are always a hit!

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-08T03:09:35.984Z

When I first tried making these Chocolate Date Energy Balls, I was surprised by how simple and delicious they turned out. I experimented with different nuts and seeds, and I discovered that adding a sprinkle of sea salt really elevates the flavor. I always make a double batch so I can share them with friends or keep some handy in the fridge.

One tip I found useful is to slightly warm the dates in the microwave for 10 seconds before blending. This helps them combine more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother texture. Trust me, once you try these, you won’t want to go back to store-bought snacks!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with natural sweetness from dates
Healthy and satisfying energy boost without added sugars
Perfect for pre-workout fuel or a midday snack

The Benefits of Dates

Medjool dates are not just sweet; they bring a host of health benefits to the table. Rich in fiber, they support digestive health, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. They're also loaded with essential minerals, including potassium and magnesium, which are crucial for heart health and muscle function. When you blend them into the energy balls, they provide a natural sweetness that helps to balance out the bitterness of the cocoa powder, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

It's worth noting that when selecting dates, look for those that are soft to the touch and have a glossy appearance. Avoid hard or overly dry dates, as they can affect the overall texture of your energy balls. If you're short on time, you can soak drier dates in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them before blending.

Texture and Consistency Tips

Achieving the right consistency in your energy balls is key for the perfect bite. When blending, ensure your mixture has a sticky yet cohesive texture. If it feels too dry, add a little more nut butter or a splash of water until the desired stickiness is reached. Conversely, if the mix is too wet, a few more oats or a sprinkle of cocoa powder can help absorb excess moisture.

When rolling the balls, I recommend using slightly damp hands to prevent sticking. This technique not only speeds up the rolling process but also keeps your hands clean. Aim for a uniform size, approximately 1 inch in diameter, so they all chill evenly and make for a beautifully presented snack.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Date Energy Balls are fantastic for meal prep. After chilling, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last up to one week. For longer-term storage, consider freezing them. They freeze well for up to three months; just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For serving, these energy balls can be quite versatile. Enjoy them as a quick snack, add them to your workout regimen as a nutritious pre-exercise boost, or even crumble them over yogurt or smoothie bowls for added texture and flavor. You can also roll them in shredded coconut or additional cocoa powder before chilling for a delightful finish.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to start making your energy balls!

Ingredients

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup nut butter (almond or peanut)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Ensure all ingredients are well combined before rolling them into balls.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your energy balls!

Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, rolled oats, cocoa powder, nut butter, chopped nuts, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and sticky.

Form the Balls

Once the mixture is ready, take a small amount and roll it between your palms to form a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into balls.

Chill and Serve

Place the energy balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!

These energy balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your energy balls by adding unsweetened shredded coconut or your favorite seeds for extra crunch.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by switching up the nut butter. While almond and peanut butter are popular choices, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter can work just as well, especially for those with nut allergies. Each nut butter brings its unique flavor, so experiment to find your favorite combination.

Additionally, you can add in other healthy ingredients for an extra nutritional boost. Chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can complement the chocolate flavor and add a chewy texture. You can also include superfoods like hemp seeds or flaxseeds for added omega-3 fatty acids and protein.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your energy balls are crumbling apart, it often indicates that there isn't enough moisture in the mixture. Return it to the food processor and add a bit more nut butter or a couple of drops of water, then blend until cohesive. Taste as you go along to ensure the sweetness balances with the cocoa flavor.

Alternatively, if the energy balls are too sticky and difficult to roll, chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes can help firm it up. This makes it more manageable to form into uniform balls, resulting in a more enjoyable snack.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute any ingredients?

Yes! You can use different types of nut butters or swap out the nuts for your favorites.

→ How long do these energy balls last?

They can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.

→ Are these energy balls vegan?

Yes, as long as you use a plant-based nut butter, these energy balls are vegan-friendly.

→ Can I add protein powder?

Absolutely! You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to increase the protein content.