Chocolate and date balls

These irresistible no-bake chocolate and date balls are packed with nutritious ingredients and taste just like a chocolate brownie! Combine just 5 ingredients in a food processor and in minutes you'll have a healthy snack or dessert to store in the fridge or freezer.

These delicious and easy chocolate and date balls are made with dates, nuts, coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Simply blend the ingredients in a food processor and form into balls. Enjoy them straight from the fridge or freezer as a healthy snack or a breakfast on the go!

I love making a batch of these delicious chocolate and date balls for when I'm craving something sweet. They're super chocolatey, naturally sweetened, and you'll love them!

Reasons to love this recipe

• They're so easy to prepare: This snack is effortless! All you need is a food processor or blender and about 10 minutes.
• Nutrient-rich ingredients: They're packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! They're a much better option than most store-bought sweets.
• They have an incredible flavor: the dates naturally sweeten the balls, the nuts give them a nutty flavor, and the cocoa powder is intense and chocolatey.
• Ideal for preparing meals in advance: prepare these snacks on the weekend and you'll have a delicious treat ready to take out of the fridge whenever you fancy something sweet.

The ingredient list for this chocolate and date truffle recipe is short and simple. Many of these ingredients can also be swapped or substituted to create a completely customized version. Here's the list:

• Dates: Medjool dates are the best because they have a caramel-like flavor and a soft, chewy texture.
• Nuts: Use your favorite variety of nuts. Almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans all work wonderfully!
• Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut is a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and also adds flavor.
• Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness.
• Salt: A pinch will be enough to intensify all the flavors.

How to prepare this recipe

• Preparation: In a food processor, add the pitted dates, nuts, coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
• Blend: Pulse a few times, then blend until a paste begins to form. You can leave the mixture at your preferred consistency, either thick or creamy.
• Form balls: Use a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon to measure the mixture and then form balls.
• Coating: In a shallow container, add shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts. Coat the balls in the mixture.

Helpful tips

• Toast the nuts: To enhance their flavor, toast them before mixing them with the other ingredients. Add the nuts to a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally for 2-5 minutes, until they release a pleasant aroma and turn a light golden color. Remove them from the heat and let them cool before adding them to the food processor.
• Tip for forming the balls: If you find the mixture is too sticky to form the balls properly, place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to harden.
• Enjoy them straight from the freezer: While they're delicious straight from the freezer, if they get too hard, let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before eating.

Are date balls good for your health?

Energy balls made with dates and other nutritious ingredients make a satisfying and healthy snack when consumed in moderation.

How many date balls can you eat in a day?

They're like any other healthy snack or treat, and should be eaten in moderation. Depending on the size, we recommend eating one or two a day.

When should I eat chocolate balls and dates?

When you're feeling peckish, grab one of these bites for a quick energy boost. Enjoy a couple for a quick breakfast with fruit, one as a snack between meals, or a couple before or after a workout. They're even delicious as a dessert with a cup of coffee!

Personalize this recipe

Energy balls and snacks are easy to adapt and prepare to your preferences! Here are some options:

• For the nuts: Any type of nut will do: pecans, cashews or walnuts.
• Seeds: Substitute some of the nuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• For an extra nutritional boost: you can add a few tablespoons of chia seeds, ground flaxseed or hemp seeds for even more nutrients.
• Extra chocolate flavor: Add some mini chocolate chips for an even more intense chocolate flavor.
• Coating: You can choose to coat your chocolate bites in shredded coconut, cocoa powder or crushed nuts.

Storage recommendations

Place the chocolate and date balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them in resealable bags for up to 3 months.