These chocolate date energy balls make a great healthy snack to give you a little energy to get through the day. Made with only seven ingredients, these date energy balls are easy to make and a great source of nutrients!
Growing up on a farm, there was no lack of work to be done! My Mom always made peanut butter honey balls as a sweet snack, and to give us some protein and energy through the day.
For my personal snacking, I prefer something with a little bit of chocolate. These energy balls I came up with, however, still help give me a little protein and energy throughout the day.
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Why you will love this recipe!
Taste – The chocolate blends itself perfectly with the peanut butter in these chocolate date energy balls!
Texture – These energy balls have a balance of nuts and oatmeal, which gives it a finer texture when eating.
The Right Stickiness – With the peanut butter added in these energy balls, it gives it the right amount of stickiness to form together easily without sticking too much to your fingers when eating them.
Are energy balls good for you?
Yes, they are!
Homemade energy balls contain many great nutrients for the body, because they have nuts, oatmeal, and Medjool dates in them.
Here are a few benefits of Medjool dates alone:
- High in selenium, potassium and magnesium
- Stimulates the immune system
- Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol
What are energy balls made of?
I make these chocolate date energy balls with 7 easy ingredients!
My energy balls include:
- Medjool dates
- Pecans
- Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter
- Vanilla
- Cocoa Powder
- Mini Chocolate Chips
Do energy balls need to be refrigerated?
Energy balls can stay at room temperature for a few days, but to extend their life (and also to prevent a lot of extra stickiness!) it is best to keep them refrigerated.
I prefer to keep mine in a flat container so as to prevent them from accidentally sticking to one another, and to make for easier grabbing!
What do you need to make energy balls?
To make these chocolate date energy balls, you will need:
- A food processor (I have one like this though that came with my Ninja blender, that I love!)
- Dry Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Food container (to store the energy balls in the refrigerator when done)
How do you made energy balls?
First, measure out and add your pecans and oatmeal to the food processor.
Then, add your pitted Medjool dates.
If your Medjool dates are not pitted already when you buy them, pit them before adding to the pecans and oatmeal.
Pulse or blend until pecans, oatmeal and dates look finely chopped. They will have a rough texture appearance.
To this mixture, add your peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla and mini chocolate chips.
Blend until peanut butter especially is mixed throughout.
Remove the food processor blade, and begin to form the energy balls by taking a small amount of mixture at a time and forming it in your hand.
Side note: If you have little ones with you, this is a great thing for them to help you with!
Once all the mixture is used up and formed into energy balls, put into the refrigerator to snack on!
What is your favorite homemade go to snack? I would love to hear about it!
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you have it 5 stars! Thank you!
Chocolate Date Energy Balls
Create this healthy snack for at home or on the go for energy throughout the day!
Ingredients
- 1 c. pecans
- 1 c. oatmeal
- 12 - 15 dates (about 1 1/2 - 2 cups)
- 1/2 c. peanut butter
- 2 T. cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a food processor, add your pecans, oatmeal and dates. Blend or pulse until in small pieces.
- To the date mixture, add the peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla and mini chocolate chips. Pulse or blend until the ingredients are mixed in well.
- To make into balls, first remove the food processor blade or dump the mixture into a mixing bowl. Then, use a cookie scoop to make about a 2" ball. Roll around in hands for final shaping.
- Refrigerate energy balls to keep them from being too sticky and for storing longer; energy balls will stay good for 1 week.
Notes
1. Try adding different nuts to your preference - almonds and walnuts are good options to substitute.
2. If not using mini chocolate chips, the amount of chocolate chips can stay the same or be reduced to your preference.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 241Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 63mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 4gSugar: 13gProtein: 5g
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