Date and Nut Energy Balls
We keep a box of these in the fridge for the moment a sweet craving hits and a chocolate bar feels like too much. Dates bring caramel sweetness and hold everything together, nuts add crunch and staying power, and cocoa makes them taste like a chocolate truffle. No added sugar, no oven — just a food processor.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Rest
- 30 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 16
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 120 kcal
Ingredients
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What to use instead
Swap the walnuts for cashews or hazelnuts, or use sunflower and pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Makes: 16 balls
Shopping list
The ingredients for the servings you chose — copy them or send them to a messenger. Tick what you already have at home: only the rest goes on the list.
Method
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Step 1: Prepare the dates
Check that every date is pitted. If they feel dry and hard, cover them with hot water for 10 minutes, then drain very well.
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Step 2: Chop the nuts
Pulse the almonds and walnuts in a food processor for 20–30 seconds to coarse crumbs. Do not overdo it or they will start turning into nut butter.
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Step 3: Add dates and cocoa
Add the dates, 40 g coconut, cocoa and salt. Process for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture clumps together and sticks when you pinch it. If it seems dry, add the water.
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Step 4: Roll the balls
With damp hands, roll the mixture into 16 walnut-sized balls of about 25 g each.
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Step 5: Coat in coconut
Roll each ball in the remaining coconut, pressing lightly so it sticks.
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Step 6: Chill to firm
Refrigerate the balls for 30 minutes to firm up.
Tips & variations
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Tip
Soft, sticky dates such as Medjool work best. Dry dates take ages to bind, so always soak them first.
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Variation
Add 1 tsp grated orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon, and roll the balls in cocoa or chopped pistachios instead of coconut.
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Swap
Swap the walnuts for cashews or hazelnuts, or use sunflower and pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
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Storage
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
| 1 serving | Whole dish 16 servings | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 120 kcal | 1,920 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g | 48 g |
| Fat | 8 g | 128 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g | 176 g |
Approximate values calculated from standard ingredient data.
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