Best Date Energy Balls Recipe (4 ingredients)

These 4-ingredient date balls are packed with a deliciously sweet, nutty flavor and coated in tasty coconut. No-bake date energy balls are a quick, easy, healthy snack with just 20 minutes of prep time and perfect for a healthy, energizing snack. (This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, whole30, paleo, and refined sugar-free.)

For more healthy, delicious snacks, try our Frozen Yogurt Bark recipe next!

Date balls are a chewy, nutty treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth, made with absolutely no sugar! How is this possible? Dates are dried fruit and a natural sweetener with a caramel-like taste and consistency. When blended with raw pecans and sliced almonds, and then rolled in finely ground coconut, this healthy date ball recipe is absolutely delicious and so satisfying! It will quickly become your favorite go-to snack!

5 Health Benefits of Dates

Improves Digestion

Dates are a good source of fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. When the digestive system is working properly, the body better absorbs nutrients, improving both the liver and kidneys. This in turn detoxifies the body.

Boosts Brain Health

Regularly consuming dates improves brain function and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s. The antioxidants in dates have also been proven to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the brain.

Reduces Labor Time

The fatty acids in dates promote the production of prostaglandins, lipids that encourage pregnancy contractions. This lowers the need for induced labor and may also reduce labor time, for easier natural labor.

Natural Energy Booster

With high levels of potassium and fruit sugar, dates are an excellent way to refuel your body, first thing in the morning. Consume them before a workout for more energy. Dates stimulate the metabolism, also promoting weight loss.

A Great Diabetic Snack

The fiber found in dates allows the body to absorb carbs at a slower rate, which people with diabetes need. Dates reduce blood sugar, which makes it a healthier snack for those living with diabetes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Medjool Dates: Remove the pits, soak them for 10 minutes so they can soften, and then drain them.
• Raw Pecans: This healthy fat is also a plant-based protein, known to boost energy.
• Sliced Almonds: Almonds are low in carbs and packed with both protein and fiber.
• Desiccated Coconut: Desiccated coconut is finely ground coconut, rather than a bigger strip, and is usually drier than shredded coconut. Feel free to use shredded coconut it that is what you have available. It is a good idea to pulse it in the food processor first to break into smaller pieces.

How to Make Date Balls

1. SOAK DATES. Remove the pits from the Medjool dates and put them in warm water for 10 minutes to make them soft and easier to blend.
2. BLEND PECANS. Place the pecans in the food processor and pulse until broken into smaller pieces. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. 
3. BLEND DATES. Put the pitted dates in a food processor or blender. Blend on high until it becomes a thick mixture that feels sticky. 
4. COMBINE PECANS, DATES & ALMONDS. Add the pecans and almonds. Blend until the nuts are incorporated into the date paste. 
5. FORM DATE BALLS. Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and use your hands to shape it into a ball. Transfer the balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place in the fridge for 10 minutes.
6. ROLL BALLS IN COCONUT. Roll the energy bites in coconut flakes by pressing them gently. You should have around 9-12 date energy bites (depending on the size). Finally, enjoy!

Tips To Nail the Recipe

• Soak the dates so that they are easier to blend and create a sticky paste.
• You can grind shredded coconut yourself to make the pieces smaller.
• If you do not have a food processor, use a high-power blender instead. However, you may need to blend in batches.
• If the date balls are too dry, incorporate more dates or another sticky ingredient that can act as an adhesive (i.e., honey, nut butters). And if it is too wet, use more dry ingredients.
• Do not skip the chilling process because this makes it easier to roll the balls in the coconut.

Variations

• Want chocolate date balls? Roll the balls in melted chocolate and set them in the fridge. Alternatively, add chocolate chips to the mix.
• Want the date balls to be sweeter? You don’t have to add sugar, maple syrup, or agave. Instead, blend the Medjool dates with dried apricot for an even sweeter treat.
• Try walnuts or cashews for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids. Add any of your favorite nuts to taste. You can even use nut butter if you prefer. Almond butter or peanut butter are great options.
• To make it heartier, add rolled oats when blending.
• Whether you have a nut allergy or just don’t like nuts, replace them with seeds for date balls without nuts. I suggest sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
• If you aren’t using salted nuts, add a pinch of salt for a salty-sweet flavor combination.
• Add spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for a warm flavor. Use vanilla extract or almond extract for even more flavor.

Storage

Store date balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

FAQs

Are date energy balls healthy?

Date balls are a nutritious snack with many health benefits. When consumed in moderation, they can be part of a healthy balanced diet. Be mindful of how you customize them and what ingredients you include because dates are already high in calories.

What are date balls made of?

This recipe includes dates and nuts. Some date ball recipes include nut butter, seeds, protein powder, dried fruits, or chocolate.

What is the ratio for date energy balls?

For every 10 dates, use 2 cups of your preferred nuts.

I Hope You Enjoy This Date Energy Balls Recipe!

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below!