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These date and walnut energy balls are made with just 3 simple ingredients and come together in just 10 minutes. No baking, no cooking, no fuss. They are naturally sweet, chewy, and satisfying enough to curb any sweet tooth.
These 3-ingredient date energy balls have become one of my favorite easy snacks to keep in the fridge. My kids absolutely love them and constantly ask me to make another batch because they disappear so fast. I love that they are made with simple wholesome ingredients and come together in just minutes without any baking.
What Makes These Date Balls Perfect?
- Ready in 10 minutes: The food processor will do most of the work for you.
- No baking required: Just blend, roll, and refrigerate.
- Made with wholesome ingredients: No refined sugar, no preservatives, and nothing artificial.
- Paleo and gluten-free: Great for anyone avoiding grains or processed snacks.
- Kid friendly: Most importantly, they taste like a treat, so kids love them.
Ingredients you will need
Below are the 3-ingredients I used to make these date balls. Tips and substitutions on how to make it your own listed further down.
- 1 cup dates: I used large Medjool dates and you will need about 10-12 of them. They are also high in natural sugars, which is what gives these balls their sweetness and quick energy.
- 1-1/2 cup walnuts: walnuts contain protein and healthy fats that help you stay full longer. Walnuts work great, but you can use almonds, cashews, or pecans instead. Any combination works too. Use raw nuts and nor roasted.
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut: used to coat the balls and adds texture it to.
Tip on dates: If your dates are dry or firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and drain well before blending. This makes a huge difference in texture.
Variations
- Try mixing in a tablespoon of cacao powder for a chocolatey version
- For a deep nutty flavor, add 2 tablespoons of almond butter.
- Add in a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.
- Consider adding Chia seeds and flaxseed to boost fiber and omega-3s. Do 1 tablespoon of each. If the mixture is a bit dry, then add in 1-2 tablespoons of honey or 1-2 additional dates.
How to Make Date Energy Balls
Step 1: Add the dates and walnuts to a food processor. Blend until the mixture comes together and looks like a rough dough. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 2: Scoop out the dough and divide it into 14 equal portions. Roll each one into a ball with your hands.
Step 3: Roll each ball in the shredded coconut until coated, then place on a plate or tray.
Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This firms them up and makes them easier to eat.
When to Eat Them
Date balls are flexible. Here are a few situations where they are perfect to enjoy.
- Enjoy before a workout: The natural sugars in dates give you quick fuel without feeling heavy. Eat one or two about 30 minutes before your workout.
- Have it as an afternoon snack
- After school snack for kids: They hit the sweetness craving while actually providing nutrients.
- Perfect for breakfast on the go: Grab two or three with a coffee so you don’t have an empty stomach all morning.
- Enjoy as a Dessert: If you want something sweet after dinner without eating ice cream, one of these does the job I promise. Always takes care of my sweet tooth.
Storage Recommendation
Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. They firm up nicely when cold.
Freezer: These freeze well. Place them in a single layer first to freeze, then transfer to a bag or container. They keep for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Common Questions
A high-powered blender can work, but a food processor gives you more control. You want a rough dough consistency, not a smooth paste.
Your dates might be too dry. Add a splash of water or you can soak the dates before blending.
That usually means the dates were very moist. Just wet your hands slightly before rolling and it becomes much easier.
Yes. This recipe is perfectly vegan with these 3 simple ingredients that are used to make them.
More No-Bake Snack Recipes
- No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites
- No-Bake Chocolate Filled Oat Bars
- Protein Energy Bites
- Protein Brownie Bites
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Balls
Thank you so much for being here and for cooking along with me. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and rating below.
Walnut Date Energy Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, about 10-12, soft (if dates are not fresh and soft, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes)
- 1½ cup walnuts, or raw cashews
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Add the dates and walnuts to a food processor. Blend until the mixture comes together and looks like a rough dough.
- Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
- Scoop out the dough and divide it into 14 equal portions. Roll each one into a ball with your hands.
- Roll each ball in the shredded coconut until coated, then place on a plate or tray.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This firms them up and makes them easier to eat.
Notes
- Serving size: one date ball
- Nuts: You can use walnut, cashew, almonds, or pecans.
- Tip on dates: If your dates are dry or firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and drain well before blending. This makes a huge difference in texture.
Variations
- Try mixing in a tablespoon of cacao powder for a chocolatey version
- For a deep nutty flavor, add 2 tablespoons of almond butter.
- Add in a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.
- Consider adding Chia seeds and flaxseed to boost fiber and omega-3s. Do 1 tablespoon of each. If the mixture is a bit dry, then add in 1-2 tablespoons of honey or 1-2 additional dates.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious and satisfying to my sweet tooth!
I used sunbutter and added dried strawberries and it tasted like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! Love it and it was super easy to make!
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds yummy