Date Energy Balls (Printable)
Chewy date bites with oats, almonds and peanut butter—vegan, gluten- and dairy-free energy bites for on-the-go.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 180 g)
02 - 1 cup rolled oats, certified gluten-free if needed (about 100 g)
03 - 1/2 cup raw almonds (about 60 g)
04 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (about 30 g)
→ Flavor & Binding
05 - 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
06 - 1 tbsp chia seeds
07 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
→ Optional Mix-Ins
09 - 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips
10 - 2 tbsp cacao nibs
11 - 2 tbsp chopped dried cranberries
# Directions:
01 - If dates feel dry, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
02 - Add almonds and rolled oats to a food processor; pulse until finely chopped.
03 - Add dates, shredded coconut, peanut butter, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the processor. Blend until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed.
04 - If using chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or dried cranberries, pulse briefly until just incorporated.
05 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll firmly between your palms to form a ball. Repeat until all mixture is used, yielding 12 balls.
06 - Place balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for extended storage.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They come together faster than you can decide what to watch on television, and they disappear just as quickly from the fridge.
- The natural sweetness from Medjool dates means no refined sugar, yet they taste like something you would find at a fancy juice bar for four dollars a pop.
02 -
- If the mixture feels too crumbly to roll, add another half tablespoon of peanut butter or one more sticky date and process again until it cooperates.
- Wet hands make rolling infinitely easier because the dough sticks to itself instead of clinging to your palms like stubborn putty.
03 -
- Measure the dates by packed cup rather than counting pieces, because sizes vary wildly and the ratio is what keeps the balls held together.
- Let the rolled balls chill for at least thirty minutes before eating, because they settle into a much better texture once cold.