Peanut Butter Date Balls
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.My peanut butter date balls are a tasty protein packed snack made with wholesome ingredients. I love that these date energy balls are naturally sweetened, vegan, gluten free, and easy to take anywhere. I can also swap the peanut butter for any nut or seed butter, which makes them easy to customize in many different ways. The best part is that I can have them ready in just 1 hour.
These peanut energy balls with dates are lightly sweet, easy to bite into, and perfect for a light breakfast or an afternoon pick me up. I love how gentle the flavor is while still tasting rich and satisfying. I enjoy making protein ball recipes, especially healthy chocolate ones that fit into our everyday routine. With no added sugar, I can enjoy these treats any time of day, much like my healthy breakfast bar recipe.
This date energy ball recipe is vegan, dairy free, and gluten free, which makes it easy for me to share with everyone. When I need a plant based treat for a gathering or a holiday table, these energy balls are always on my list. They work well for all ages and even the pickiest eaters enjoy them. I mean, who can resist chocolate peanut butter balls?
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
Last week I brought a batch of these peanut butter date balls to the gym Christmas party to share. My friends started reaching for them before I even finished my last set. Everyone grabbed one, and right away the comments started about how good they tasted, followed by everyone asking me for the recipe. Ha!
What makes this recipe work so well for me is the mix of tender Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla. Everything blends into a smooth texture that tastes like a lighter take on chocolate peanut butter cups. I use my food processor and have the mixture ready in just a few minutes. There is no oven involved, which makes this especially nice on warm days. The mixture rolls easily into soft bite sized balls, and my kids always rush in to help shape them.
I love how well these snacks fit into busy days since they pack easily and travel without any trouble. I drop a few into a small container for work or bring them along for road trips and movie nights. Last week my kids shared a batch with their playmates, and the requests for more started right away. They enjoyed the chocolate flavor, and for me it is great to know they were eating something nourishing.
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🥘 Ingredients
These dates and peanut butter balls are loaded with good stuff, combining simple ingredients into tasty treats that make a great healthy snack or dessert. Here are the ingredients I use:
Oats: I use rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, as one of the main ingredients in this recipe. Oats are packed with healthy minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, and they help monitor glucose levels, making them perfect for these healthy little snack gems.
Cocoa Powder: I use cocoa powder, which is full of antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Spices: I add comforting spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which blend together to create a warm and cozy flavor.
Pitted Dates: I use chopped Medjool dates for these healthy date balls. Dried dates are essential, not fresh. Dates are naturally high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and B-complex, making them a great way to add extra nutrients to your diet, especially if you’re eating low-calorie.
Peanut Butter: I use creamy, natural peanut butter for its good fats and protein. I prefer smooth peanut butter for these bites, and I choose no-salt-added varieties if I want to keep sodium intake low.
Vanilla Extract: I add pure vanilla extract for a touch of natural sweetness in this recipe.
🔪 How To Make
These peanut protein balls with dates are quickly becoming one of my favorite recipes. There’s no complicated process, no big mess to clean up, and they come together in no time. Here’s how I make this recipe:
Chop The Ingredients
Chop The Dates and Grind The Oats: I use a sharp knife to chop room-temperature pitted dates into small pieces. Then I place the oats in a food processor and grind them until finely ground.
Add The Rest Of The Ingredients: Next, I add the chopped dates, cocoa powder, peanut butter, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Then I process the mixture until it sticks together.
Form The Date Balls
Roll The Dough: I transfer the dough into a large bowl. Using a small cookie scoop that holds about 2 to 3 teaspoons of dough, I scoop out portions and roll them between my hands, pressing firmly until they form smooth balls.
Dust With Cocoa Powder: I roll the balls in a bowl of cocoa powder and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill The Date Balls
Place In Refrigerator: It’s that easy, friends! I place these chocolate peanut butter date balls in the refrigerator for about an hour and enjoy this sweet treat straight out of the fridge.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making these peanut butter date balls is to roll them right away while the dough is still soft and easy to handle. I noticed early on that if I let the mixture sit too long, it starts to firm up and becomes harder to press and shape. Now I scoop and roll as soon as the dough comes together, usually with my kids standing nearby asking for a taste. Working with it right away keeps the balls smooth, helps everything bind nicely, and saves me time.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- If The Mixture Is Too Dry: I add a little water, about 1 tablespoon at a time, and blend again. I repeat until the dough holds together when pressed.
- If The Mixture Is Too Wet: I sprinkle in a small amount of dry ingredients like cocoa powder, starting with 1 teaspoon. I blend and check the texture before adding more.
- Compress Energy Balls Tightly: I press the peanut butter protein balls firmly, as if I were playing with play-dough, before shaping them into balls.
📖 Variations
These peanut butter date bites are one of my favorite snacks to keep on hand, and I love how easy they are to change based on what my family is craving.
Sunflower Butter Balls: I use creamy sunflower butter instead of peanut butter. This makes a great addition to a school lunch box, especially since many schools have a no tree nut policy.
With Nuts: I fold chopped nuts into the date ball mixture. Walnuts are a great choice since they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids and are an important part of a heart-healthy diet.
Make Energy Bars: Instead of rolling the dough into balls, I gently spread it into a square or rectangular pan. Then I refrigerate it until set and cut it into granola bars.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter date bites are perfect in a variety of ways. I love enjoying them with a glass of my oat milk hot chocolate on Christmas holidays or with my potato milk. I often throw a few into my work lunch bag as a wholesome dessert, giving me a sweet treat to get through the rest of the day.
I like adding these peanut butter date balls to a healthy snack plate with my apple walnut salad or my Mexican fruit salad when friends are over. They also come with me to the gym as a quick protein boost. I toss a few into my bag, grab one from my locker during a workout to keep my energy steady, and enjoy another when I get home as an easy recovery snack.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigerating: I store these peanut butter energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: I place the peanut butter balls with dates in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
❓Recipe FAQs
What causes my dough to not hold together and feel too dry or crumbly?
I sometimes find that my oats are too coarse or under-processed, so I make sure to grind them finely before combining. It can also mean there isn’t enough moisture or binder, so I add a little more nut butter or water if needed.
Why is the dough too wet or sticky and hard to roll into balls?
I sometimes use too much peanut butter or another wet ingredient compared to the dry ingredients. I make sure to press the mixture firmly before rolling because overly soft dough can fall apart. I also try not to let the dough sit too long before rolling, as that can make it harder to bind.
What makes my truffles fall apart after rolling or not form firm balls?
I’ve noticed that my dough sometimes isn’t compressed enough before rolling. When it’s warm, I chill the dough sooner to help it hold its shape.
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🎥 Watch How to Make It
Peanut Butter Date Balls
My peanut butter date balls are a tasty, protein packed snack made with simple and wholesome ingredients. I love that these date energy balls are naturally sweetened, vegan, gluten free, and easy to take anywhere. I can also swap the peanut butter for any nut or seed butter, which makes them easy to customize in many different ways. The best part is that I can have them ready in just 1 hour.
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 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp 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
- My #1 Secret Tip for making these peanut butter date balls is to roll them right away while the dough is still soft and easy to handle. I noticed early on that if I let the mixture sit too long, it starts to firm up and becomes harder to press and shape. Now I scoop and roll as soon as the dough comes together, usually with my kids standing nearby asking for a taste. Working with it right away keeps the balls smooth, helps everything bind nicely, and saves me time.
- If The Mixture Is Too Dry: I add a little water, about 1 tablespoon at a time, and blend again. I repeat until the dough holds together when pressed.
- If The Mixture Is Too Wet: I sprinkle in a small amount of dry ingredients like cocoa powder, starting with 1 teaspoon. I blend and check the texture before adding more.
- Compress Energy Balls Tightly: I press the peanut butter protein balls firmly, as if I were playing with play-dough, before shaping them into balls.
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 🙂
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!
These date balls look great!
Thanks Joy!! You have to let me know if you end up making them! 🙂
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!