My peanut butter date energy balls are a go-to easy snack, combining peanut butter with medjool dates and adding cocoa powder and cinnamon for an extra hit of flavour. This peanut butter date energy balls recipe is both gluten free and vegan.
I make my peanut butter date balls with no oats and no refined sugars. Instead I leave the dates to provide the natural sweetness to these energy balls. You will also see energy balls called energy bites, bliss balls or protein balls, whatever you want to call them they are delicious.
Coconut peanut butter energy balls takes minutes to prepare. These healthy bliss balls are packed full of great flavour, and ideal for when you need that burst of energy.
These energy balls with dates and cocoa are packed with fiber and make a great grab and go snack. They are the perfect, healthy after school snack as my kids love these. Ideal for those mid afternoon energy dips and a lot better than reaching for a handful of sugar loaded biscuits.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Packed full of flavour and surprisingly filling despite the size!
- Quick to make and ready to enjoy in just 10 minutes.
- Make a double batch refrigerate some to enjoy now and freeze the rest for later.
- Naturally gluten free and also dairy free so suitable for plant based diets.
Recipe ingredients
- Peanut Butter – use any variety peanut butter, I opted for crunchy as I like the texture the add to the bliss balls.
- Dates – I used 12 medjool dates which I pitted and chopped. I recommend medjool dates as they are soft and have a great caramel flavour.
- Chocolate – I added cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavour.
- Cinnamon – a touch of cinnamon adds great flavour to these energy balls.
- Salt – I added a little sea salt to balance out the sweetness.
- Coconut – I coated the energy balls in desiccated coconut.
How to make peanut butter date energy balls
Place the dates, peanut butter, cinnamon, cocoa powder and sea salt into the bowl of a food processor and blitz to form a thick dough like consistency.
Take a teaspoon of the mixture and roll into even golf ball sized balls.
Place the desiccated coconut into a bowl and roll each of the date balls in the coconut to coat the outside.
Lay the balls on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and place into the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.
Remove from the fridge, place into an airtight container and store in the fridge.
Recipe variations
This recipe is easily adapted to swap or add other ingredients and flavours into the mix. Here are some ideas:
- chopped peanuts, pecans or walnuts
- chia seeds, flaxseed, or sesame seeds
- rolled oats (use gluten free oats if required)
- chocolate chips
- desiccated coconut
- other dried fruits like raisins, cranberries or chopped apricot
- a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder (use plant based protein powder if required)
- add extra sweetness with honey or maple syrup
Useful hints and tips
- I recommend using a food processor to make easy work of these energy balls. However you can make them by hand if you chop the dates up nice and small.
- Double the recipe, enjoy some now and freeze the rest for a quick and easy snack at a later date.
- Containing no dairy this side dish is suitable for a dairy free or plant based diet.
- Allergy advice: gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soya free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.
FAQs
Once made, place in an airtight container and store in the the fridge for up to a week.
Yes you can, just place in an airtight bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. These energy balls freeze really well so I often make a double batch, enjoying some now and freezing the rest for a quick and easy snack at a later date.
No. I use a food processor as it’s quick and easy. However you can easily use a sharp kitchen knife to finely chop the dates, then add the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine. However, if not using a food processor you definitely want to use medjool dates as they are a lot softer and easier to chop up small.
If you want to add protein powder into the mix then I recommend using vanilla or chocolate flavoured protein powder. If following a plant based diet look for plant based protein powder.
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Additional recipe suggestions
If you like this recipe then try these easy recipes:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Healthy Green Smoothie
- Tropical Smoothie
- Almond & Apricot Flapjacks
- Christmas Spiced Flapjacks
Peanut Butter Date Energy Balls
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Small bowl
- Baking sheet
- baking parchment
Ingredients
- 12 medjool dates (pitted and chopped)
- 4 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Place the dates, peanut butter, cinnamon, cocoa powder and sea salt into the bowl of a food processor and blitz to form a thick dough like consistency.
- Take a teaspoon of the mixture and roll into even golf ball sized balls.
- Place the desiccated coconut into a bowl and roll each of the date balls in the coconut to coat the outside.
- Lay the balls on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and place into the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Remove from the fridge, place into an airtight container and store in the fridge.
Notes
• Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only •
Sam
Friday 8th of March 2024
These were really simple to make and packed full of flavour.
Lesley
Monday 11th of March 2024
Thank you Sam, I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Chloe
Tuesday 27th of February 2024
Really yummy, I subbed the cinnamon for orange extract and these were perfect for me!
Lesley
Tuesday 27th of February 2024
Orange extract would be a great substitution flavourwise.
Hazel
Tuesday 27th of February 2024
I made these with my grandchildren and it was messy but at lot of fun. They loved them.
Lesley
Tuesday 27th of February 2024
I'm glad you they enjoyed them and had fun making them.