Date-Nuts Energy Balls are the perfect snack to fuel your day with natural sweetness and a burst of energy. Made with dates, nuts, and a few simple ingredients, these no-bake energy balls are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein. They’re quick and easy to prepare, and they’re a great on-the-go snack for when you need a pick-me-up or something to satisfy your hunger between meals. These energy balls are naturally sweetened by dates and offer a satisfying chew, making them a perfect choice for a healthy snack or post-workout treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Date-Nuts Energy Balls are the ultimate combination of convenience, taste, and nutrition. The dates provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture, while the nuts add crunch, protein, and healthy fats. These energy balls are customizable—add your favorite nuts, seeds, or spices to make them uniquely yours. They’re the perfect bite-sized snack for busy days, long road trips, or after exercise to replenish your energy. Plus, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making them a wholesome choice for anyone!
Ingredients
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1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
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1/2 cup almonds (or your preferred nuts, like cashews or walnuts)
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1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or chia seeds, flaxseeds, etc.)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
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1-2 tablespoons water (if needed to help bind the mixture)
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A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance the flavors)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the dates: If the dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften. Drain and remove the pits if not already done.
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Process the mixture: In a food processor, combine the dates, almonds, sunflower seeds, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well mixed. The mixture should be sticky and slightly crumbly.
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Add water (if needed): If the mixture seems too dry and doesn’t hold together, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and pulse again until the mixture becomes sticky and easily holds together when pressed.
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Shape the energy balls: Using your hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture sticks to your hands, wet your hands slightly with water to make it easier to shape the balls.
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Chill and serve: Once all the energy balls are formed, place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. After chilling, they’re ready to enjoy!
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Serve: Enjoy these Date-Nuts Energy Balls as a quick snack, pre-workout fuel, or a healthy dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
Servings and timing
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Servings: About 12-14 energy balls
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Chilling time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate Date-Nuts Energy Balls: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or some mini dark chocolate chips to the mixture for a chocolatey twist.
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Tropical Date-Nuts Energy Balls: Add dried coconut flakes and a bit of dried pineapple or mango to the mixture for a tropical flavor.
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Protein-Packed Energy Balls: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra boost of protein.
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Spicy Date-Nuts Energy Balls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger for a spicy kick.
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Nut-Free Version: Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds in place of nuts for a nut-free option.
Storage/Reheating
Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of dates?
Yes, you can use other types of dates, such as Deglet Noor dates. Just make sure they’re soft and pitted for easier blending.
2. Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! You can substitute almonds with other nuts like cashews, walnuts, or pecans, depending on your preference.
3. Are these energy balls gluten-free?
Yes, these Date-Nuts Energy Balls are naturally gluten-free since they use whole ingredients like dates, nuts, and seeds.
4. Can I use dried fruit in these energy balls?
Yes! You can add dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or apricots for extra sweetness and flavor.
5. How do I adjust the sweetness if it’s not sweet enough?
If the energy balls aren’t sweet enough, add more dates or a small amount of honey or maple syrup to taste.
6. Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
A food processor works best for this recipe, but you can use a high-powered blender if you don’t have one. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides more often.
7. Can I skip the cinnamon?
Yes, the cinnamon is optional and can be omitted or substituted with other spices like nutmeg or ground ginger.
8. How can I make these energy balls firmer?
To make the energy balls firmer, add a bit more almond flour or coconut flour to the mixture, or let them chill longer in the fridge.
9. Can I make these energy balls without seeds?
Yes, you can omit the seeds or replace them with extra nuts or even oats for a different texture.
10. Can I freeze the energy balls?
Yes, you can freeze the energy balls for up to 3 months. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
Date-Nuts Energy Balls are a healthy, satisfying snack that’s perfect for anyone looking for a naturally sweet, energizing treat. With minimal ingredients and no added sugar, these energy balls are a great way to fuel your day or satisfy your cravings in a wholesome way. Full of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, they’re a great snack for any time of the day—whether it’s before a workout, as a midday pick-me-up, or a sweet but healthy dessert. Enjoy these easy-to-make energy balls and feel good about what you’re eating!
Print
Date-Nuts Energy Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 energy balls
Description
Date-Nuts Energy Balls are a healthy, satisfying snack that combines dates, nuts, and seeds for a naturally sweet and energizing treat. These no-bake energy balls are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them perfect for a quick snack or a post-workout boost.
Ingredients
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup almonds (or your preferred nuts, like cashews or walnuts)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or chia seeds, flaxseeds, etc.)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
1–2 tablespoons water (if needed to help bind the mixture)
A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance the flavors)
Instructions
- Prepare the dates: If the dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften. Drain and remove the pits if not already done.
- Process the mixture: In a food processor, combine the dates, almonds, sunflower seeds, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well mixed. The mixture should be sticky and slightly crumbly.
- Add water (if needed): If the mixture seems too dry and doesn’t hold together, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and pulse again until the mixture becomes sticky and easily holds together when pressed.
- Shape the energy balls: Using your hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture sticks to your hands, wet your hands slightly with water to make it easier to shape the balls.
- Chill and serve: Once all the energy balls are formed, place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. After chilling, they’re ready to enjoy!
- Serve: Enjoy these Date-Nuts Energy Balls as a quick snack, pre-workout fuel, or a healthy dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
Notes
Chocolate Date-Nuts Energy Balls: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or some mini dark chocolate chips to the mixture for a chocolatey twist.
Tropical Date-Nuts Energy Balls: Add dried coconut flakes and a bit of dried pineapple or mango to the mixture for a tropical flavor.
Protein-Packed Energy Balls: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra boost of protein.
Spicy Date-Nuts Energy Balls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger for a spicy kick.
Nut-Free Version: Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds in place of nuts for a nut-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 energy ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
