These no-bake Chocolate Energy Balls are the perfect on-the-go snack for a boost of energy, or an evening treat when you’re in the mood for something sweet. Made with nuts, cacao, and rich medjool dates, they’re satisfying and energizing.
I used to make these chocolate date balls years ago. In fact, I remember sharing this recipe as part of a presentation I did in nutrition school. They’re so good and so easy to make.
I have a few date ball recipes on my blog that are made with shredded coconut, but these ones today are made with walnuts, hemp seeds, and rolled in chopped almonds. They’re the perfect snack for a little energy boost, and they’re absolutely delicious to boot.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Energy Balls
Let’s chat a bit about what makes these chocolate energy balls so energizing in the first place.
- Walnuts: walnuts are a great source of healthy, satiating fats that help make these balls filling and balance out the sugar from the dates.
- Dates: medjool dates are my favourite; they’re rich, soft, and caramel-y. They give this recipe its sweetness and supply a good dose of energizing carbohydrates.
- Hemp Seeds: hemp seeds are a staple in my kitchen. They offer 3 important things: fibre, healthy omega-3 fats, and plant-based protein.
- Cacao: the raw, organic cacao powder used in this recipe is definitely a star when it comes to providing some energy. Cacao contains some caffeine, but also plenty of antioxidants and minerals like magnesium.
- Almonds: I like chopping up almonds and rolling the balls in them for an extra dose of monounsaturated fats (and crunch!)
Chocolate Energy Balls
An energizing date + walnut ball made with cacao and hemp seeds.
Ingredients
- 3 cups walnuts
- 1 cup medjool dates (about 10-12 large dates)
- 3-4 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tbsp hemp seeds
- pinch sea salt
- 1/4 cup almonds, finely chopped
Instructions
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Remove pits from dates. Soak dates in warm water for about 5 minutes to help them soften.
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Add walnuts to food processor and pulse until roughly ground, but not a fine powder.
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Add dates and remaining ingredients to food processor and pulse until a doughy mixture forms. Start with about 10 dates, then taste-test the mixture to see if it needs more sweetness or more cacao powder to your liking.
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Grab small chunks of dough and roll into small balls.
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Finely chop or grind almonds in food processor. Add to small bowl.
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Roll balls in bowl of ground almonds until covered and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freezer for longer-term storage.
I would love to hear from you if you make these chocolate energy balls! Leave a comment and review below.
Yum! Energy balls are such a good snack 🙂
Jenna ♥
Stay in touch? Life of an Earth Muffin
Agreed! So yummy (and easy to make).
Oh my goodness! These are amazing with some toasted cardamom added to the dates. Thank you for such a yummy energy boasting treat. Stay happy and healthy! 😊
Yay I’m so happy you like them Kathleen! The addition of cardamom sounds delish. I’ll have to try that!
These are super scrumptious! I rolled mine in coconut flakes instead of almonds! So yummy!
Yum! That’s a great idea!
Thank you so much for the recipe Meghan, they turned out fantastic! My 4-year-old loved them, too. I replaced hemp seeds with flax seeds since I already had those on hand.
Can I sub almonds for the walnuts?
You sure can!