These Vegan Chocolate Walnut Date Balls With Coconut, aka Coco Bliss Balls, offer an easy, raw, no-bake treat. Packed with chewy dates, crunchy walnuts, rich cacao powder, and all rolled in tropical coconut flakes, these energy bites are gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a post-workout pick-me-up or a sweet afternoon dessert, they're the healthy snack your taste buds (and body) will love.
Love date balls with nuts? Try my lemon coconut balls for a tangy twist, green spirulina balls for a superfood boost, or my classic 5-ingredient chocolate bites for a quick and simple fix.
Craving a sweet treat that's good for you and packed with chocolatey bliss? Look no further than Vegan Chocolate Walnut Date Balls! These bite-sized treats are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, thanks to their star ingredients - dates and walnuts.
Dates offer natural sweetness and fiber, keeping you energized, while walnuts provide healthy fats and plant-based protein for a satisfying crunch. Plus, they're easy to make in minutes with just 5 simple ingredients and no baking required!
Looking for more date snacks? Check out my date walnut brownies, banana date smoothie, or peanut butter stuffed dates for even more deliciousness!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: No oven needed! Make these yummy bites in minutes, perfect for busy days or quick snacks.
- Good for you: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, they're a yummy treat that fuels your body and brain.
- Naturally sweet: No refined sugar needed! Dates provide natural sweetness, making them a perfect alternative for health-conscious individuals.
- Kid-approved: The delicious combination of chocolate, coconut, and walnuts is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Portable & convenient: Perfect for taking on-the-go as a satisfying snack or post-workout energy boost.
Ingredients
- Dates - I used Mazafati dates but you can use any variety such as Medjool, Deglet Noor, or any other type you on hand. Tip: Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes for easier blending.
- Desiccated coconut flakes (unsweetened) - Add a tropical crunch without extra sugar by using unsweetened flakes.
- Cacao powder (unsweetened) - Infuse rich, chocolatey flavor and antioxidants. Cocoa powder works too.
- Walnuts - Provide a satisfying crunch when chopped or blended. I used raw walnuts, but feel free to toast them for an extra flavor boost!
- Vanilla extract - Add a subtle touch of sweetness.
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 Chocolate Coconut Date Balls With Walnuts
- Prepare the walnuts. Finely chop your walnuts by hand or pulse a few times in a food processor. If desired, you can also toast the walnuts lightly for an enhanced flavor before adding them to the mixture.
- Blend the base. Combine dates, desiccated coconut flakes, cacao powder, and vanilla extract in a food processor and process until smooth.
- Roll and coat: Once the mixture is well combined, add the finely chopped walnuts and mix thoroughly. Using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, measure out portions and shape the mixture into balls. Roll each ball in coconut flakes. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Desiccated coconut flakes - Shredded coconut swaps nicely, but it's moister! Reduce the amount or add extra chopped walnuts to balance texture and prevent your date balls from becoming too soft.
- Cacao powder - Substitute cacao powder with cocoa powder for similar chocolatey flavor (sweeter) or charob powder for naturally sweet, caffeine-free option.
- Walnuts - Swap walnuts for hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews or pistachios for similar crunch, or flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds for nut-free bliss.
- Vanilla extract: - For a different flavor, use almond extract or omit it entirely.
Variations
- Citrus zing: Mix in some freshly grated lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Spiced treat: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Coconut-free option - Swap coconut for oat flour, rolled oats, or instant oats for a new texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Morning fuel: Enjoy them alongside your coffee smoothie or tea for a healthy and energizing breakfast.
- Afternoon snack: Pack these in your lunchbox for a guilt-free afternoon pick-me-up.
- After-school surprise: Welcome your kids back with a healthy and yummy snack they'll love.
- Post-workout power: Refuel your body after an intense workout session with a naturally energizing treat.
Storage
Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Alternatively, you can freeze the energy balls in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Top Tips
- Smooth blending. Soak dry dates 10 mins for easy blending. Drain well before using.
- Skip the chopping! Toss your walnuts right in with the other ingredients - the food processor will do the work for you.
- Just right texture. Add water (if the mixture is too dry) or more coconut flakes (if it is too wet) to adjust the consistency in your food processor.
- Nutty twist. Swap walnuts for almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for a new flavor and crunch. You can even try a mix of nuts for a more complex texture.
- Uniform bites. Use a tablespoon or ice cream scoop for even-sized balls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Date balls stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container.
It depends on the firmness of your dates. If they're soft and squishy, soaking isn't needed. But if they're hard or dry, soaking them for 5-10 minutes in hot water will make them easier to blend and result in a smoother mixture.
Absolutely! Swap walnuts for almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, or even a mix of nuts for a flavor twist. Experiment and find your perfect nutty match!
No food processor? No problem! Chop walnuts finely, mash dates with a fork, mix it all up, roll into balls, and enjoy. Date balls for the win!
Absolutely! Spice things up with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or cardamom. Add a burst of sweetness with dried cranberries, raisins, or finely chopped apricots. The possibilities are endless!
More Vegan Dessert Recipe Ideas
- Vegan apricot cake
- Eggless strawberry muffins
- Chocolate chia pudding
- Pineapple carrot cake muffins
- Homemade chocolate hearts
- Dairy-free carob cake
More Healthy Snack Options
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Walnut Date Balls With Coconut (Easy Vegan Snacks)
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 15 dates, pitted if your dates are dry, soak them in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
- ¾ cup desiccated coconut flakes, unsweetened + more for rolling
- ⅓ cup raw cacao powder
- ½ cup walnuts raw or toasted, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Finely chop your walnuts by hand or pulse them a few times in a food processor. If desired, you can also toast the walnuts lightly for an enhanced flavor before adding them to the mixture.
- Combine dates, desiccated coconut flakes, cacao powder, and vanilla extract in a food processor and process until smooth.
- Once the mixture is well combined, add the finely chopped walnuts and mix thoroughly. Using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, measure out portions and shape the mixture into balls. Roll each ball in coconut flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage. Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Alternatively, you can freeze the energy balls in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
- Smooth blending. Soak dry dates 10 mins for easy blending. Drain well before using.
- Skip the chopping! Toss your walnuts right in with the other ingredients - the food processor will do the work for you.
- Just right texture. Add water (if the mixture is too dry) or more coconut flakes (if it is too wet) to adjust the consistency in your food processor.
- Nutty twist. Swap walnuts for almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for a new flavor and crunch. You can even try a mix of nuts for a more complex texture.
- Uniform bites. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for even-sized balls.
- See the post above for more substitutions and variations ideas.
Nutrition
Did you make these energy balls with dates and walnuts?
I would greatly appreciate it if you had a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below.
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Natalie says
Delicious. I love that you used walnuts. I love walnuts, and my boys love them too. I'm going to make this tonight. Can't wait.
Marinela says
How wonderful, I hope you'll enjoy it!
Crystal says
These chocolate coconut date balls look like the perfect healthy snack! And I love that the recipe requires only 5 ingredients and that it's vegan. Thanks so much!
Marinela says
Thank you too, Crystal, for such a lovely comment!
Julia says
These made such a lovely sweet treat that didn't make me feel guilty as they're doing me so much good. They are quite delicious and a great thing to include in lunch boxes.
Marinela says
Thank you, Julia! Yes, they are the perfect light snack to put in children's school lunch boxes.
Kayla DiMaggio says
Such a fun an easy recipe! Perfect for snacks!
Marinela says
Thank you, Kayla!
Choclette says
Date balls are my absolute saviour when I'm on one of my refined sugar-free health kicks. I make them a lot as gifts too as they're always popular. Love your inclusion of walnuts. I usually use cashews, so next time I make some I shall use your recipe.
Marinela says
Wonderful idea, to surprise our loved ones with this simple deliciousness. Yes, cashews would be the perfect substitute for walnuts, too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Choclette!
Emily says
These chocolate coconut date balls are so good, I love that they're vegan! Thank you for sharing this delicious and healthy recipe!
Marinela says
Thank you for your lovely comment, Emily!
Stefanie skrzypek says
these look incredible, can't wait to try!
Marinela says
Thank you, I hope you'll enjoy them!
Anaiah says
Healthy, delicious, and naturally sweetened is always the way to go! I love how easy this vegan chocolate coconut date balls recipe is. It's the perfect snack for an energy boost!
Marinela says
So true! Thank you, Anaiah!
Jeri Barrett says
I used raw almonds (what I had on hand) and raw almonds butter. Turned out great! These r a delicious sweet Treat! Thanks for posting your recipe.
Marinela says
Almonds sound delicious, too! Thanks so much for the feedback, Jeri! Really happy to hear that you like them.
Astrid Cooper says
Easy and oh so yummy. Made these over and over again.
Thanks for sharing.
Marinela Malcheva says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Astrid! Thank you for the lovely review.