Coconut Cacao Nib Date Balls Recipe

This Coconut Cacao Nib Date Balls Recipe is our modern take on old-fashioned date balls meets a healthier take on chocolate truffles. It’s a healthy sweet treat you’ll adore.

What Are Date Balls?

To be clear, there are a few recipes out there known as date balls. You have old-fashioned date balls, which are a no-bake Christmas cookie made with dates, pecans, and coconut that you’ll find in the south. Then you have date energy balls like this recipe that are packed with good-for-you ingredients like nut butter, dates, and morer.

How To Make This Recipe

This recipe first made it in my kitchen because I wanted a healthy but filling on-the-go snack. But now I eat them as a healthier take on chocolate truffles, hence the name. I like to roll the truffles in cocoa powder to give it a more adult taste and make them look a bit fancier. Here’s how to make it:

Break Up The Oats.

First pulse the oats so that they are all broken up in by about half but are not turned into a flour.

Mix The Base.

Add in all the goodies and pulse them together until the mixture becomes an even ball.

Form The Date Balls.

Make sure your hands are damp as that will help to form them. Also, press on them as you roll them so they are compact as this will help them hold together.

Chill.

Chill the date balls once they’re formed to help them set up!

FAQs About Date Energy Balls

Are they gluten free?

If you use gluten-free oats, then, yes, these are gluten free. And, you can use brown rice syrup or maple syrup in place of honey to make them vegan.

Do you need to soak the dates and currants?

We like to use soft Medjool dates to make these but really any kind of date can be used. If the dates or currants are dry, go ahead and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a few tablespoons of water and microwave for 30 seconds to help them re-soften and to make them easier to blend.

Can I use any kind of nut butter?

Yes, anything from peanut butter to almond or even sunflower butter will work. However, you want it to be creamy and slightly runny so that it is easier to incorporate into the date ball mix.

How long do these last?

These date energy balls last up to four dates when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container! Now, go stock up on all your cooking essentials, then head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!