Date Balls Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites
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Creamy, rich in chocolate, with a hint of sweetness, and completely vegan, these “date balls”, or peanut butter energy balls with dates are loaded with protein and make the perfect healthy snacks for your day! Made with oats, vanilla, peanut butter, Medjool dates, and warm spices for a perfect balance of nutrient-dense, but delicious flavors.
Mildly sweet, easy to bite into, and perfect as a light breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up, these peanut energy balls with dates or “date balls” are delicate in flavor and filled with indulgent flavors that will really pull you in.
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With no added sugar, you can feel good about enjoying these sweet treats. These date energy balls are vegan, dairy-free, and easily gluten-free. If you’re looking for some plant-based treats to serve the next time you go to an event or have a special occasion planned, then remember this yummy energy ball recipe.
Great for all ages, these healthy date balls will please those with the pickiest palates! Who can resist an original chocolate truffle recipe? The warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg really stand out and create an irresistible balance that is both comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Filled with Good Fats: The creamy peanut butter in this recipe contains healthy fats from nuts that are great for the body.
- No Added Sugar: That’s right, no refined sugar! Relish the fact that you won’t experience that sugar crash when you have your next sweet craving.
- A Healthy Snack: Loaded with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, these date energy balls will give you the boost you need for your afternoon snack attacks!
How To Make The Best Date Balls
Ingredients and Notes
Dry Ingredients
Oats: We used rolled oats as a base for this recipe, but we have not tried quick oats. Oats contain a lot of healthy minerals and benefits and help monitor glucose levels, and they also contain antioxidants and loads of fiber making them the perfect options for these healthy little gems we call snacks!
Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is used in this recipe, but you could even use cacao powder (I like to use the kind from Trader Joe’s). Cocoa powder is filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory benefits, and is believed to reduce the risk for diabetes. These date balls are the ultimate healthy treats!
Spices: Comforting spices such as a little bit of cinnamon and nutmeg intertwine to create a duo of yummy and comforting flavors. You can definitely call these bliss balls!
Other Ingredients
Pitted Dates: Chopped Medjool dates are needed for these healthy date balls. You’ll want dried dates, not fresh dates. Dates are naturally high in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins C, and B-complex. Consuming dates is a great way to squeeze some extra nutrients into your lifestyle!
Peanut Butter: Creamy and natural peanut butter are what we used because of their content in good fats and protein. Also, sunflower butter or creamy almond butter could be used.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is used for natural sweetness in this recipe.
Step by Step Instructions
Read the recipe card for the full steps and details.
Chop The Ingredients
Grind the Oats: First, place the oats in the food processor and grind until finely ground.
Add the Rest of The Ingredients: Next, add the chopped dates, cocoa powder, peanut butter, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Next, process until the batter sticks together.
Form the Date Balls
Roll the Dough: Transfer the dough into a large bowl. Using a small cookie scoop (which holds about 2-3 tsp of dough), scoop out the balls and roll them between your hands, pressing firmly until they form a smooth ball shape.
Dust with Cocoa Powder: Roll the balls in a bowl of cocoa powder, then place on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Chill
Place in Refrigerator: Place the energy balls with dates into the refrigerator for about an hour. Enjoy this sweet treat straight out of the fridge!
Recipe FAQs
Are energy balls bad for you?
We don’t think so! These energy balls are a healthy treat – they are filled with nutrients and wholesome ingredients. We love that this recipe doesn’t contain added sugar, gluten, or dairy. They’re great for a sweet bite or for easy snacking!
What can I use instead of dates in energy bites?
You can use dried blueberries, unsweetened coconut (combined with more oats and nut butter), ground flaxseed (again, combined with more oats and nut butter), or raisins in these protein balls if you don’t have dates.
Will kids enjoy these date balls?
Yes, the kids will love this date ball recipe – it will become one of their favorite treats! A great option for hungry tots and children who do not have nut allergies. For those with nut allergies, use sun butter instead of peanut butter!
Variations and Substitutions
Add Superfoods: You can add chia seeds, hemp seeds, or even flax meal to this these date balls.
Extra Protein and Flavors: Want to add a little more nutrition and flavors to this recipe? Gently fold in the sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes / shredded coconut, or even protein powder for an additional serving of protein! You can even dip these energy date balls into melted dark chocolate for a bit more of a decadent treat!
Make Energy Bars: Instead of rolling the dough into date balls, gently spread the dough into a square or rectangular pan. Next, refrigerate until the dough is set and cut into granola bars!
Expert Tips for These Date Balls
- Press the balls firmly as if you were playing with play-dough before you try to shape them into balls.
- Store these energy balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days.
- To freeze, place the date balls in a freezer-safe bag or container and place in the freezer for up to six months.
- This recipe will make 30 truffles if you are using 3 teaspoons per truffle; and if you are using 2 teaspoons per truffle, you will end up with 45 balls.
- You could even add a chocolate drizzle to this recipe by using melted dairy-free chocolate!
More Healthy Treats to Try!
- Healthy Vegan Chocolate Pudding
- Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
- No Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Oats
- Tahini Oatmeal Cookies
- Homemade Chocolate Truffles
- 30 Low Sugar Desserts
If you have tried these Peanut Butter Energy Balls (or Date Balls) or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family-friendly food!
🎥 Watch How to Make It
Peanut Butter Energy Balls Or “Date Balls”
Creamy, rich in chocolate, a hint of sweetness, and completely vegan, these peanut butter energy balls with dates or "date balls" are loaded with protein and the perfect healthy snacks for your day! Made with oats, vanilla, peanut butter, Medjool dates, and warm spices for a perfect balance of nutrient-dense, but delicious flavors.
Servings: 45 date balls
Calories: 40.9kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats make sure to use gluten-free for a gluten-free option
- 1 cup pitted dates chopped
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
- ½ cup natural peanut butter or almond or sunflower butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Place the oats in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely ground.
- Add dates, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, almond butter, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon and process until finely ground and slightly sticking together (it will form a loose batter).
- Transfer batter to a large bowl.
- Using a small cookie scoop, take about 2-3 teaspoons of the dough and press firmly for the mixture to stick together. To form a ball shape, you'll need to both press it between your hands and then slightly roll it into little cocoa balls. Do not start by rolling the batter in your hands to form a ball, it will fall apart. First make sure to press it firmly with your fingers/hands until it binds together, kind of like if you were playing with play-dough.
- Place remaining cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll truffles in cocoa powder and chill until ready to serve (I chilled mine for about one hour).
Notes
Expert Tips
- Press the balls firmly as if you were playing with play-dough before you try to shape them into balls.
- Store these energy balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days.
- To freeze, place the date balls in a freezer-safe bag or container and place in the freezer for up to six months.
- This recipe will make 30 truffles if you are using 3 teaspoons per truffle; and if you are using 2 teaspoons per truffle, you will end up with 45 balls.
- You could even add a chocolate drizzle to this recipe by using melted dairy-free chocolate!
Nutrition
Serving: 1date ball | Calories: 40.9kcal | Protein: 1.1g | Fat: 1.7g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g
Used almond butter, added agave syrup a few dashes of Angostura Cocoa Bitter instead of the spices suggested in the recipe. Rolled in a mixture of finely chopped walnuts and dessicated coconut.
Will make again. Perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or black coffee.
Those sound like delicious modifications Cheryl! So glad you liked this recipe!
Oh wow! So healthy and yummy dessert, Definitely making these again soon!
So glad you liked these Mae!!
Mmm these kinds of recipes are my favorite! They’re so easy and make the best healthy snack. Love this variation!
Totally right?? Hope you love these!
This is so very healthy and perfect for all the sweet cravings. Love the spice combination as well as all the healthy ingredients. Peanut Butter is my favorite too.
Thanks so much Veena! Enjoy!
They look like truffles, but are a healthy snack, what a great idea!
Exactly!! They taste just as good as they look too! 🙂
thank you so much. omg i looove these. made them the third time already. i substitute the almond butter with tahina, since we’re in egypt. amazing recipe!
Yay!! I’m so happy to hear that Samira! 🙂
Can I use quick rolled oats instead?
Hi Sarah! Yes you can, those would be a perfectly fine substitution!
Thank you Anjali i made a mixture of my own in a glass jar needed chocolate. So i used Oats cocoa powder and sweetner with little milk. Well it eased my craving doe chocolate during the day. I will be making your ball veraion. Vanessa
Nice!! I can’t wait to hear what you think once you make it!
You totally rock! Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes, blogs, and everything you do. These are soooo goood!!
Awwww thanks so much Patti!! You are so sweet 🙂 Glad you liked this recipe!
Hi anjali….are these okay to give to toddlers? I have an 18 month old and I’m thinking about making these for him. Also, should these be kept refrigerated at all times or is it okay to store them at room temperature as well? How long do they keep for? Many thanks!
Hi Amna! Yes absolutely – these are ok to give to toddlers! Depending on how good your toddler is at chewing, you might just want to cut it up into bite sized/smaller pieces for him first – but otherwise they should be perfectly fine. I’d recommend keeping them refrigerated just because the oils in the almond butter can become rancid after a couple days at room temperature. But in the fridge these will last up to 10 days! Hope that helps and I hope your little one loves them! 🙂
Is there a substitute for the almond butter that doesn’t contain nuts?
Hmmm you could try sunflower butter (since that’s made from seeds, not nuts) and see how it goes? It would change the flavor of the truffles though, sunflower butter has a very strong, distinct flavor, so it probably won’t taste the same as this recipe! It’s worth a try — let me know if you end up using sunflower butter and how it turns out!
These are so great! They look similar to the homemade larabar recipes I’ve seen on the web. These are really delicious!!!!! Thanks for the recipe!
That’s a great comparison Marissa! These really are like homemade LaraBars – just more bite-sized 🙂 So glad you liked this recipe!
These look so yummy, but unfortunately I can’t get Medjool dates where I live. Do you think if I increased the liquid a little I could use can sugar, or reduce it and use maple syrup?
You don’t have to use Medjool dates, any dates will work just fine! And you can pick up fresh dates at pretty much any grocery store. If you can’t find fresh dates, try using dried dates. I wouldn’t recommend using sugar or maple syrup because you won’t get the same consistency for the truffles. Hope that helps!
healthy truffles– yay! they look delicious 🙂
Thanks Elizabeth!! You really can’t go wrong with this healthy dessert 🙂
The truffles look great!
Thanks Joy!! You have to let me know if you end up making them! 🙂
What a perfect guilt free truffle. Do visit my space in your free time please. This going on my to do list!
Thank you! I’m sure you’ll love these truffles!
How would this work if you substituted the cocoa powder with a chocolate flavoured whey protein?
You know, I’m honestly not sure. It depends on the consistency of the whey protein powder. It might work ok – but it would definitely add more calories and sugar to the recipe – so I’d recommend just sticking to the unsweetened cocoa powder. Plus, with the whey protein, you won’t get the antioxidant benefits that the unsweetened cocoa powder has. Hope that helps!