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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

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.

date balls on a white platter

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.

Latest Recipe Video!

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

date balls ingredients

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.

oats in food processor

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.

ingredients in food processor

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.

dough in food processor

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!

date balls on a white platter

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!
date balls on a white platter with a bite taken out of a ball

More Healthy Treats to Try!

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 FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family-friendly food!

🎥 Watch How to Make It

https://youtu.be/Wn-qlfd2eeU
date balls on a white platter
Print Recipe
5 from 10 votes

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.
Prep Time50 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill1 hour
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 45 date balls
Calories: 40.9kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

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 Facts panel is for 2 tsp/45 truffles. If using 3 tsp per truffle, makes 30 servings. Per serving: 61.4 calories, 2.6g fat, 1.5g fiber, 6g sugar, 1.7g protein

Nutrition

Serving: 1date ball | Calories: 40.9kcal | Protein: 1.1g | Fat: 1.7g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g

Posted In…

Healthy Plant Based Snacks ·

Who can resist a good snack? From easy, healthy vegetarian snacks, to kid-friendly finger foods, to perfect party dishes, my plant based snacks are an amazing way to pack a lot of flavor into a little bite.

Try my air fryer tofu nuggets, these peanut butter bliss balls, delicious corn fries, instant pot popcorn (or for a kid friendly twist – unicorn popcorn!)

Skip the pre-packed grocery store snacks! These healthy snacks are fun and easy to make at home with good-for-you ingredients.

36 responses to “Date Balls Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites”

  1. Oh my goodness! These are amazing! I used Deglet Noor dates, didn’t have medjool dates, and added roasted peanuts. I bet adding cacao nibs would be delicious too. It was a little too crumbly at first but I added a few more dates and more peanut butter. I can never have enough PB. They’re so delicious! I have to make myself stop eating them or I’ll eat them all. Thank you for a great recipe!5 stars

  2. 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.5 stars

  3. Mmm these kinds of recipes are my favorite! They’re so easy and make the best healthy snack. Love this variation!5 stars

  4. 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.5 stars

  5. 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!5 stars

  6. 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

  7. You totally rock! Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes, blogs, and everything you do. These are soooo goood!!

    • 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!5 stars

      • 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! 🙂

    • 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!

  8. 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!

  9. 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!

    • 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!

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