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    Bless This Mess > Recipes

    9 Date Energy Balls Recipes

    Published: Jan 18, 2021 · Modified: Jan 18, 2021 by Melissa · 56 Comments

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    Photo of rows of different types of date energy balls next to ingredients that go in them with the words "easy date energy bites" written at the top
    Top photo is of rows of different types of date energy balls next to ingredients that go in them, bottom photo is of date balls in rows, with the words "date energy bites" written in the middle
    Photo of rows of different types of date energy balls next to ingredients that go in them with the words "healthy date energy balls" written at the top
    8 varieties of energy balls with a description for each

    These date and nut energy bites are backed with fiber, protein and healthy fat and make for one in amazing healthy snack.

    Photo of the ingredients for date energy bites surrounding the energy balls

    Homemade Date Balls

    These simple fruit and nut treats are healthy snacking perfection, and I have a batch in my freezer at all times now.

    The basic idea is that you throw dates + nuts + extras in the food processor, and process until it’s all broken down into a cookie dough-like mixture. You then roll them into balls, pop them in the freezer, and eat them all day, every day.

    There’s something magical about the combination of the healthy fat and protein from the nuts, and the natural sweetness and carbs from the dates. This is the ultimate whole food pick-me-up.

    Rows of different types of date energy bites

    Tips and Tricks for Making Energy Bites

    • You are going to need a big food processor for this. I'd use at least an 8-cup food processor. I have this 13-cup Kitchen Aid Food Processor and it's awesome. If you have a smaller food processor or one that might have a weaker motor, you'll want to make smaller batches (maybe half the recipe or so) so that you don't burn up your motor. I have not tried these with anything other than a food processor. In my mind a high power blender might work, but I haven't tried.
    • Tips for buying dates: Buying dates intimidated me a little the first time I went looking for them. You can get them at Costco in the unrefrigerated produce section. This kind had the pits in them still (I didn’t realize that the first time I used them. So I tossed them in my food processor, turned it on, and almost broke the thing. Date pits are hard as rocks. The pit come out very easily, just don’t forget that step!) I have also bought whole pitted dates at my little grocery store near the raisins and other dried fruit. They came in a bag that looked like a “craisin” bag. I couldn’t tell a difference between the ones from Costco and the ones from our store, and I had good luck making date balls with both. I'm not sure what a fresh date looks like, but the ones you are going to use are dried dates.
    • The date sugar crystallizes and turns a little white when the dates start to age. This is ok. The dates also dry out a little bit as they age. You might get dates that are very squishy and sticky, or you might get ones that feel a little more leathery and dried out. Both are fine to use.
    • You will need to add a little water to your mixture if your dates are older and more dry. When you are making the date balls, the mixture will start to stick together and form a ball that starts to go round and round in the food processor. If everything is chopped but it's not starting to form that ball, then you know you need to add a little water. I normally start with adding about a teaspoon at a time and processing the mixture for about 15 seconds to see if it starts to come together or not. I've had to add anywhere between 1 teaspoon and 2 tablespoons of water before. I assume the amount you have to add will vary each time you make it too depending on the dates, the extras you add, and other factors like that.
    • The nuts that you use don’t really matter; use what you like. I normally do half almonds because they are a nice “neutral” nut with a firm texture (I like the little chunks left!). The other half I’ll use what I have and it’ll end up being pecans, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, or a combo of any of those. I like to use raw unsalted nuts for these, but I have tried them with roasted and/or salted nuts too and they were great. If you are using salted nuts, omit the salt in the recipe.
    • There's a magical time when it comes to processing nuts when they are chopped but haven't started turning into nut butter. If you over process nuts, the oil is going to come out. It still tastes fine but it's a little odd to roll a greasy oily ball. Pecans and walnuts tend to turn into nut butter or have the oil separate the fastest, so use a little more care to not over process them.
    • When it comes to dried fruit, I like to find dried fruit with no added sugar. I can't always find that, but it's worth mentioning. Trader Joe's has lots of great dried fruit. Bob's Red Mill online has great dried fruit, and Costco has delicious dried blueberries and sour cherries (but both from Costco have added sugar...).
    • I'm obsessed with making these a little salty, so I add a nice big pinch of salt when I make mine. Add at least some salt (it really heightens the sweet), and if you like a sweet and salty treat, go heavy on your pinch. If you are using salted nuts, you'll want to omit additional salt until you can taste the processed mixture and see if you'd like a little more salt or not.
    • If you aren't in the mood to roll these into balls, you can press the mixture into a square baking dish lined with parchment paper. Chill for at least two hours, remove the paper, cut into bars, and store.
    • Balls can be stored in an airtight container (I love this container!) in the fridge for about a month, and in the freezer for much longer. I love to eat mine cold out of the freezer best.
    8 varieties of energy balls with a description for each

    More healthy snack recipes:

    • Extra Protein Oatmeal Bites
    • 8 No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls
    • After School Snack Tray
    • 10 Healthy Snacks You Can Prep in Advance
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    Photo of the ingredients for date energy bites surrounding the energy balls

    9 Energy Bites Recipes Everyone Needs


    ★★★★★

    5 from 2 reviews

    • Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess
    • Total Time: 15 min
    • Yield: 10 servings 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    These date and nut energy bites are backed with fiber, protein and healthy fat and make for one in amazing healthy snack.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites

    • 1 cup dates
    • ½ cup peanut butter (natural, normal, chunky, smooth, doesn't matter much)
    • 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder
    • ¼ cup peanuts

    Lemon Energy Bites

    • 1 cup dates
    • 1 cup cashews
    • ½ cup shredded coconut (I like this brand of unsweetened shredded coconut)
    • zest from one large lemon
    • juice from one large lemon
    • pinch of sea salt

    Almond Joy Energy Bites

    • 1 cup dates
    • 1 cup almonds
    • 2 to 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
    • ¼ cup shredded coconut (I like this brand of unsweetened shredded coconut)
    • pinch sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Pumpkin Pie Spice Energy Bites

    • 1 cup dates
    • 1 cup pecans
    • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • pinch sea salt

    Pina Colada Energy Bites

    • ½ cup dried tropical fruits (I used mandarin oranges, pineapple, and mango)
    • ½ cup dates
    • ½ cup cashews
    • ½ cup almonds
    • pinch of sea salt

    Coconut Energy Bites

    • 1 cup shredded coconut (I like this brand of unsweetened shredded coconut)
    • ½ cup dates
    • ½ cup cashews
    • ½ cup almonds
    • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • pinch of sea salt
    • Additional shredded coconut for rolling

    Dark Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites

    • 1 cup almonds
    • ⅔ cups dried cherries (I like dried tart cherries)
    • ⅔ cup dates
    • pinch of sea salt
    • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips, melted

    Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Bites

    For the Peanut Butter side:

    • ½ cup dates
    • ½ cup peanuts
    • ¼ cup peanut butter

    For the Jelly side:

    • ½ cup dried blueberries
    • ½ cup dates
    • ½ cup almonds

    Instructions

    1. Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of your food processor and blend until the nuts are well chopped and a thick “dough” starts to form, about 3-5 minutes of processing. If the ingredients are chopped into super small pieces but the dough isn’t coming together, try adding a teaspoon of water at a time (up to a tablespoon or two) to encourage everything to come together.
    2. When the ingredients are well incorporated, remove the blade from the food processor.
    3. Take 1 large tablespoon of the “dough” and roll it into a ball in between your hands.
    4. Repeat with remaining dough.
    5. Keep the balls in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer much longer.

    Additional instructions for the dark chocolate cherry version:

    1. Take 1 large tablespoon of the “dough” and roll it into a ball in between your hands. Repeat with remaining dough. Drizzle the top of each ball with melted dark chocolate. I keep the balls in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer much longer.

    Additional instruction for the peanut butter and jelly version:

    1. Add all of the ingredients for the peanut butter side to the bowl of your food processor and blend until the nuts are well chopped and a thick “dough” starts to form, about 3-5 minutes of processing. If the ingredients are chopped into super small pieces but the dough isn’t coming together, try adding a teaspoon of water at a time (up to a tablespoon or two) to encourage everything to come together. When the ingredients are well incorporated, remove the blade from the food processor and scrape the mixture out into another bowl.
    2. For the jelly side, add all of the ingredients to the bowl of your food processor and blend until the nuts are well chopped and a thick “dough” starts to form, about 3-5 minutes of processing. If the ingredients are chopped into super small pieces but the dough isn’t coming together, try adding a teaspoon of water at a time (up to a tablespoon or two) to encourage everything to come together. When the ingredients are well incorporated, remove the blade from the food processor and scrape the mixture out into another bowl.
    3. Take a large teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a ball. Take a large teaspoon of the jelly mixture and roll it into a ball. Press the two balls together and roll into one larger ball. Repeat with remaining mixture. I keep the balls in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer much longer.
    • Prep Time: 15 min
    • Category: snack
    • Method: no bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: date and nut bites, energy bites, date bites, date balls

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @blessthismessblog on Instagram and hashtag it #blessthismess

    9 Simple Date Energy Bites Recipe for You to Try

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites

    These are forever a favorite because you just can't go wrong with chocolate + peanut butter. Seriously, it's a combination that's never going to get old. If you are new to date balls and chocolate + peanut butter is your jam, I'd start with this recipe.

    Lemon Date Energy Bites

    Light lemony balls of heaven! This is the recipes for citrus lovers, though it's not so lemony that those who aren't crazy about citrus will be turned off. You can sub lime for the lemon in this recipe for lime balls (so does that make 9 recipes in this post? Boom!)

    Almond Joy Energy Bites

    Again, this is a well loved classic flavor combo that is always a safe bet. I love the coconut in this because, coconut. Coconut, almonds, and a bit of chocolate? I'm sold. Maybe next time I'll dunk the whole thing in melted dark chocolate. That doesn't sound bad.

    Pumpkin Pie Spice Date Balls

    Pumpkin Pie Spice rules the world, and this is a really fun flavor of treat to make, especially in the fall when all things pumpkin, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin pie spice reign supreme. This is also reminiscent of pecan pie, which isn't a bad thing either.

    Pina Colada Date Balls

    This is one of my favorites due to the variety of fruit and bright flavors. It is a little bite of sunshine that is packed with flavor. I used dried mango, mandarin oranges, and pineapple, and the combination was a keeper. Trader Joe's has a great selection of dried fruit.

    Coconut Energy Bites

    This is a sweet and simple flavor combo that is a favorite of everyone. The coconut flavor is pretty mild ,and you enjoy the nuts and sweetness without being overpowered by a strong fruit/nut/chocolate flavor. This is a great basic recipe for folks who might be nervous about more exotic flavors.

    Dark Chocolate and Cherry Date Balls

    This date ball totally eats like dessert. Since it's round and covered with chocolate, you kind of feel like you are eating a bonbon, and that's ok by me. This cherry + dark chocolate combo is always a hit in my book, and the chocolate drizzle looks so pretty. Take these to your next book club and they'll be a hit.

    Peanut Butter and Jelly Date Balls

    I saved the best for last. I saw a shirt once that said "Peanut Butter is My Spirit Animal" and I laughed and laughed because it's so true for me. Peanut butter is always something that I love. A classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is still one of my favorite lunches, and that combo has come together perfectly in the form of a date ball. Now I can get my PB&J fix in a nice portable healthy version. I love this recipe!

    Photo of rows of date balls with the words "date energy balls" written at the top

    And there you have not eight, but nine, awesome recipes to get you started on your energy bites journey! Once you get the feel for them, you'll just start throwing all kinds of things in your food processor. It's fun to try different nuts and dried fruit. Then you have all the options with citrus, cocoa powder, coconut, and more. You are going to find your favorite combos in no time.

    These are perfect for snacks-on-the-go, great for getting through the afternoon slump, my favorite sugar-buster when I just need something sweet, and amazing right before bed when you need a little something.  I promise, if you get on the date energy bites wagon, you won’t be getting off anytime soon. I love these, and you will too.

    Related Posts:

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      Healthy Cherry Energy Balls (Homemade Cherry Pie Larabars)
    • No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Energy Balls
      No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Energy Balls
    • 8 No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls
      8 No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls
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    About Melissa

    Melissa is dedicated to helping parents figure out the nightly questions, "What's for Dinner?!" with her no-fuss approach to cooking. Read more...

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Jill Robertson

      June 25, 2022 at 8:02 pm

      I have been looking for a lemon bar of sorts to satisfy my need for the flavor of lemon. These are fantastic. I will continue to make. Trying the peanut butter chocolate this week.

      Reply
    2. Veronika

      April 30, 2022 at 12:34 pm

      Have searched for energy balls and this recipe immediately caught my eye. It's neat to have so many variations. Am in the process of making to take with us on a trip. They all look very, very good.

      Reply
    3. avigail

      January 13, 2022 at 2:38 pm

      ps also added some cinnamon and chili powder to the pb/c ones and yummmmmm!

      Reply
    4. avigail

      January 13, 2022 at 2:26 pm

      These are incredible! thank you! I'm pregnant and supposed to eat a lot of dates to promote labor and am digging into the pb/choc, lemon, and coconut energy ones (I added about 3/4 tsp of cardamom to that one and doubled the dates because i'm supposed to eat a lot) and they're all amazing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Mommy55

      September 22, 2021 at 9:07 am

      I know this link is 4-5 years old now but I was surprised none of these are nut free. We don’t have allergies but I wanted to make these as school snacks. I haven’t received anything about allergies in his school but always prefer to be on the safe side.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        September 22, 2021 at 4:47 pm

        You could try using seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds!

    6. Anna

      March 01, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      I made the chocolate PB balls, and they were delicious! I’m excited to try some of the others 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Lela

      January 06, 2021 at 9:10 pm

      I’m very very excited to try these!!! I love that they are made of wholesome healthy food my toddler could eat for dinner but will think is dessert. Haha.

      Just so you know, the food processor you link to is no longer available. I was a bit bummed cause my hubby and I are in the market for a bigger one. Our mini just doesn’t cut it anymore 😅

      thanks for the yummy recipe!

      Reply
    8. Lynn D

      August 06, 2020 at 8:14 am

      I made the almond Joy ones yesterday minus the coconut because I didn't have any on hand. These are so good, I couldn't stop eating them! Thank you for the recipes I cannot wait to try the rest!

      Reply
    9. KimS

      June 21, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      I've been making several of these and we just love them. Currently, I'm in love with the LIME version...I've been rolling them in coconut and keeping them in the freezer. Lovely little snack. Just realized that I forgot the zest today--no matter they were still delicious!!
      The dark chocolate cherry and almond joy are great, too...but I felt like the caffeine was affecting me if I ate a couple of these at bedtime! (might just have been in my head 🙂 )

      Reply
    10. Keyko

      June 04, 2020 at 8:13 am

      Melissa I use DateMe date paste (it is just dates no added ingredients) Can’t wait to make some of these balls!

      Reply
      • Melissa

        June 05, 2020 at 11:24 am

        That sounds really convenient! Where do you buy it?

    11. Kimberly-Ann

      February 11, 2020 at 11:02 am

      Thank you so much for sharing. They came out so well. I'm definitely going to make more. I'm currently doing a challenge at my gym and these fall right inine with their recommended diet plan.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        February 11, 2020 at 2:12 pm

        I love to hear that! Easy and full of some great stuff aren't they?

    12. Emily

      January 12, 2020 at 5:00 pm

      If using chia seeds as an add in, do you recommend soaking them first or do you just throw them in dry? I just made a batch of the chocolate cherry but threw in unsweetened cocoa powder because I was too lazy to drizzle haha. Planning to make the lemon ones tomorrow and stockpile my freezer, thanks for all the variety!

      Reply
      • Melissa

        January 13, 2020 at 3:00 pm

        I typically throw them in dry, I felt like they helped hold things together. But I bet they'd work soaked too!

      • Emily

        January 13, 2020 at 9:51 pm

        Thanks for replying so fast! I made the lemon ones today, they are amazing!!

    13. Charlotte Vassallo

      January 10, 2020 at 8:45 am

      Great recipe. I prefer to melt the dates with some water or orange juice and then add them to the blender. Less abrasive.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        January 10, 2020 at 1:53 pm

        Ohhh thank you for the tip! I love the OK idea!

    14. cindy3539

      March 02, 2019 at 6:13 pm

      They look awesome! How many dates did you get in a cup or how much dif 1 cup of your dates weigh? Thank you.

      Reply
    15. Mim

      March 01, 2019 at 7:11 am

      What would be a good substitute for the coconut in the lemon balls ? Love lemon but don’t like the coconut.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        March 01, 2019 at 10:44 am

        Just leave it out or add more nuts or more dates! It won't be an issue.

    16. Jessica

      March 01, 2018 at 6:50 pm

      Is there something I can use instead of coconut? I can't do coconut.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        March 01, 2018 at 10:21 pm

        More oats work great!

    17. Heidi

      September 03, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      Love the dates balls of all flavors! What a quick, healthy, flavorful snack! Thank you!!!

      Reply
    18. Maureen M

      June 20, 2017 at 9:13 am

      Definitely road testing these! I love dates, and often carry a small container of dried dates with me for a pick me up snack while at work. These would be so much yummier!!!! Thanks for all the tips and multiple variations in one post!!!!!

      Reply
      • Melissa

        June 20, 2017 at 2:24 pm

        These are a date game changer! You are going to love them 🙂

    19. Kathy

      May 27, 2017 at 9:19 pm

      I like the recipes but I don't have a good processet. Will a mixer do?

      Reply
    20. Kit

      May 21, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      I love your website! What company or blog site are you using?

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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