Vegan Energy Balls with Dates and Cocoa are rich, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to make with just 5 ingredients-and without any coconut. This quick no-bake, raw recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and oil-free, making these bites perfect for a satisfying snack or sweet dessert.
Love energy bites? Try my date and peanut butter balls and oat date balls next!
I love always having some wholesome treats in the fridge, and these energy balls with dates and cocoa are one of my favorite ways to avoid reaching for store-bought, highly processed snacks when a sweet craving hits.
I make them often because they are literally ready in minutes, naturally sweet with no refined sugar, and so satisfying-just process the ingredients, roll the mixture into balls, and enjoy.
After making everything from spirulina date balls and date walnut coconut balls to oat flour protein balls, I've learned that the best energy bites are the ones that are simple enough to make whenever you need them.
You'll love having these rich, chocolatey little bites ready in the fridge for a quick snack or dessert whenever you want something sweet without the extra fuss.
🍫Ingredients
- Dates
- Walnuts
- Cocoa powder
- Peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
🥣How To Make Energy Balls with Dates and Cocoa
Grind the walnuts: Add the walnuts to a food processor or high-powered blender and pulse until finely ground. Be careful not to overprocess, or they may turn into walnut butter
Make the dough: Add the pitted dates, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough. If your dates are dry or firm, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat them dry.
Shape the balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a small ball. I got 17 bite-sized energy balls, but you can make them larger if you prefer. Roll each ball in cacao powder or finely ground walnuts for a simple coating.
📋Variations
- Peanut butter: Swap it for almond butter, cashew butter, or your favorite nut or seed butter.
- Vanilla: You can skip the vanilla extract or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter and replace the walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version
💡Marinela's Tips
- Use soft dates: Soft, sticky dates make the mixture easier to process and help the balls hold together.
- Don't overprocess the walnuts: Pulse until finely ground, but stop before they turn into nut butter.
- Adjust the texture: If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more peanut butter or another date. If it's too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes.
- Keep your hands slightly damp: This makes rolling the energy balls much easier and less messy.
- Chill before serving: A short chill in the fridge makes the balls firmer and gives them an even better texture.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Only if your dates are dry or firm. Soft, fresh dates can be used straight away. If needed, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
If the mixture feels too sticky to roll, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. You can also lightly dampen your hands before shaping the balls.
📖 Recipe
Vegan Energy Balls with Dates and Cocoa (No Coconut)
Equipment
- 1 Food processor or high-powered blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates
- 1 cup walnuts raw
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the walnuts to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Do not overprocess, or the walnuts may turn into butter.1 cup walnuts
- Add the dates, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands into small balls. You should get about 17 bite-sized energy balls. Roll the balls in cacao powder or finely ground walnuts if desired.
- Enjoy right away or refrigerate until chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh, soft, pitted dates: I used Mazafati dates, but any soft, sticky variety with a rich caramel flavor and chewy texture will work.
- Soften the dates if needed: If your dates are dry or firm, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain and pat them dry before adding them to the food processor. Soft dates can be used without soaking.
- Don't overprocess the walnuts: Pulse just until finely ground to prevent them from becoming walnut butter.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between layers if needed. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
If you try these vegan energy balls with dates and cocoa, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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Katie says
Love these coconut-free date balls! They're super sweet, and keep me full for hours! I'll be making this recipe very regularly from now on.
Marinela says
Oh, that's great, Katie! I'm so happy to hear that you love this easy recipe for date energy balls. Thank you for your lovely review!
Andrea says
these date balls are the perfect snack! so good!
Marinela says
I'm glad you like them, Andrea. Thank you for commenting!
Choclette says
Gosh but I love date balls. They're so delicious and as long as you don't eat the lot in one sitting, really quite healthy too. I've tried many variations, but not yet with walnuts. Yum!
Marinela says
I totally agree with you, Choclette, and I'm glad you like them! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Nancy says
These date balls are super tasty and easy snack whenever you feel peckish or need something sweet!
Marinela says
I'm glad you love them, Nancy! Thank you for your lovely feedback.
Aneta says
These chocolate date ballls made my day. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! 😊
Marinela says
I'm so glad you like them, Aneta! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.