Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls

Delicious and nutritious almond-date energy balls recipe for a healthy snack.

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Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls Recipe

These Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet cravings while loading up on healthy nutrients. Perfect for a quick snack or a pre-workout boost, they combine the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of almonds. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them ideal for busy lifestyles.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 12 energy balls
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 150
  • Protein: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Fat: 7 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugar: 10 grams
  • Sodium: 2 mg

Why Make This Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls

These energy balls are not only simple to make but also pack a nutritional punch. They are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein, making them a great choice for energy-boosting snacks. They satisfy sweet cravings without the fuss of baking and can easily fit into various dietary preferences, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a wholesome treat.

How to Make Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1 cup dates
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

### Step 1: Preparation

In a food processor, combine the almonds and oats. Pulse until they are finely chopped and crumbly, resembling coarse sand. This will help create a great base for your energy balls.

### Step 2: Mixing

Next, add the dates, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Process everything together until you achieve a sticky and well-combined consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure everything mixes evenly.

### Step 3: Forming

Using clean hands, take the mixture and form it into bite-sized balls. Make them about 1 inch in diameter, but you can customize the size according to your preference.

### Step 4: Finishing

Place the formed energy balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to set. This helps them hold their shape better when serving.

How to Serve Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls

Serve these energy balls as a nutritious snack anytime during the day. They make a great addition to lunch boxes, after-school snacks for kids, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Store Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls

Store your energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer shelf life, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls

  • If you want a little extra flavor, try toasting the almonds lightly before processing them.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
  • Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.
  • Experiment with mix-ins like shredded coconut, chia seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and taste.

Delicious Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips before forming the balls for an indulgent touch.
  • Spiced Pumpkin: Include 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin and a pinch of pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat.
  • Nutty Diversity: Replace almonds with cashews or walnuts for a different taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use other nuts besides almonds?
    Absolutely! You can substitute almonds with any nut you prefer, such as cashews, walnuts, or pecans.

  • What if I don’t have a food processor?
    You can chop the almonds finely by hand and mix ingredients in a bowl, though it may take more effort.

  • Can I make these without oats?
    Yes! You can replace the oats with additional nuts or seeds, or use almond flour for a smoother texture.

  • What’s the best way to enjoy these energy balls?
    They’re delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them crumbled over yogurt or mixed into oatmeal for added texture and flavor.

  • How can I make these energy balls sugar-free?
    You can use ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce in place of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.

Conclusion

Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls are a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious snack. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you can create these delightful energy boosters that will keep you fueled throughout your day. Enjoy these tasty bites, knowing you’re making a wholesome choice for your diet!

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Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls


  • Author: lydia
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 energy balls 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These Easy Almond-Date Energy Balls are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet cravings while loading up on healthy nutrients. Perfect for a quick snack or a pre-workout boost.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1 cup dates
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, combine the almonds and oats. Pulse until finely chopped and crumbly, resembling coarse sand.
  2. Add the dates, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and vanilla extract. Process until sticky and well-combined.
  3. Using clean hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Refrigerate the formed energy balls for at least 30 minutes to set.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 energy ball
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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Pro Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Lydia, the passionate culinary creator behind Ninja Machine Recipes! I firmly believe that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here at Ninja Machine Recipes, I share my favorite recipes that bring loved ones together around the dinner table – from quick weeknight solutions to special celebration treats.

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