These 5 ingredient chocolate coconut date balls are an easy, no-bake vegan make-ahead dessert idea. Healthy gluten-free snack for kids.
I make these chocolate coconut date balls almost every week along with this breakfast almond pulp cake. That's because I always make my own homemade almond milk, so I must use the leftover pulp. Only zero food waste recipes are permitted in my kitchen and you must give this one a try!
These nutritious energy balls ready in 15 minutes make the best midday snack or after-lunch treat. These adorable date balls with coconut flakes don't last long in my home. All family loves it!
What's more, these bite-sized healthy snacks are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free. Ohh, I forgot to mention that they are totally guilt-free too, just like these quick luscious dark chocolate hearts!
Are Coconut Date Balls Healthy?
This simple 5 ingredient recipe that yields the most flavorsome energy balls is packed with a variety of nutrients that are actually good for you. They are perfectly filling and satisfying, sweet enough to satisfy your sweet cravings to indulge yourself in any time of the day.
Coconut nutrition benefits
- High in manganese, mineral that is vital for bone and brain health and many of your body's enzime systems
- Rich in copper and iron which help form red blood cells
- High in plant fiber and healthy fat which promotes blood sugar control
- Helps you to improve cholesterol levels and decrease belly fat
- Contains disease-fighting antioxidants that protect your cells from damage
What are the benefits of eating dates?
- Very high in fiber and powerful antioxidants (prevent the development of certain chronic diseases)
- Successfully prevent constipation
- May improve brain function thus promoting brain health
- May promote and ease naural labor and help facilitate contractions (due to the compounds tannins)
- They are one of the best natural sweeteners (a healthy substitute for white sugar)
Cacao powder benefits
- Packed with natural antioxidant named polyphenols which help you reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar, and improve your cholesterol levels
- Rich in flavanoids which improve nitric oxide levels and blood vessel functon thus helping you greatly reduce your blood preassure naturally
- May lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
- May reduce the stress levels in your body and improve your mood and reduce anxiety and depression
What are the health benefits of walnuts?
- Good source of healthy monosaturated fats, omega 3 fatty acids and protein
- Excellent source of various vitamins and minerals like: copper, folic acid, phosphorus, vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin E
- Decrease the LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- May improve brain health
- Contain several boactive components that have anticancer properties
Coconut Date Balls Recipe Ingredients
These sweet bites of deliciousness that melt in your mouth are made with plant-based, non-dairy ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now. No eggs, butter, flour, or refined sugar. Here they are:
- Dates
- Unsweetened desiccated coconut flakes
- Cacao powder
- Raw walnuts
- 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.
Time needed: 15 minutes.
How to Make Chocolate Coconut Date Balls aka Energy Balls
This GF coconut date ball recipe is super easy to make! You can make them with or without a food processor. And you don't need to wait for them to firm up in the freezer. You can enjoy them immediately.
- Chop up the walnuts
I like date balls with coconut flakes to have a more crunchy texture. That is why I chopped the walnuts separately.
- Process all ingredients
Next, put dates, desiccated coconut flakes, cacao powder, and vanilla extract in a food processor. Process until all is well combined and you get a paste-like texture.
If your dates are not soft enough, make sure to soften them first. Put them in a bowl and cover them with hot, boiling water. Let them soak for 5 minutes. If you do this step make sure to completely drain the dates otherwise the mixture won't be sticky but too wet and the balls won't form well. - Roll the energy balls
Finally, add finely chopped walnuts to the mixture and form your date-walnut-coconut energy balls. I measured them with a tablespoon and got 18 pieces. You can make them bigger if you like. Roll each ball in coconut to coat the outsides.
Store them in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Absolutely! These no-bake coconut date balls are freezer-friendly. Put them into a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just defrost them at room temperature before you enjoy them.
Yes, they certainly are a guilt-free vegan dessert full of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. In my opinion, they are the most delicious on-the-go morning or afternoon pick-me-up snack. These tasty energy bites are perfect to eat before or after a workout. They will give you the energy your body needs and ward off any sneaky sugar cravings.
Can you make vegan date balls without a food processor?
Of course, you can! Simply soak the dates do 5 minutes in hot water, strain them well and mash them with a fork. Add raw cacao powder, desiccated coconut flakes, vanilla extract, and finely chopped walnuts. Mix all ingredients together with your hands until they all well combined and shape into balls.
I hope you'll love these flavorful date cacao coconut balls. They are:
- Refined-sugar-free
- Kid-friendly
- Weight-loss friendly
- Nutty
- Crunchy
- Travel-friendly snacks (uper portable for picnics)
- Yummy grab-and-go snacks for kids and adults
More Vegan Dessert Recipe Ideas
- Lovely colorful apricot cake
- Irresistable gluten-free strawberry muffins
- Creamy chocolate chia pudding
- Super moist carrot-pineapple muffins
- 4 Ingredient homemade chocolate hearts
- Unique chocolate carob cake
Vegan Chocolate Coconut Date Balls (5 Ingredient Recipe)
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 15 dates, pitted if they are not soft enough, put them in a bowl and cover with boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain them well
- ¾ cup desiccated coconut, unsweetened + more for rolling
- ⅓ cup raw cacao powder
- ½ cup raw walnuts finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- I like date balls with coconut flakes to have a more crunchy texture. That is why I chopped the walnuts separately.
- Next, put dates, desiccated coconut flakes, cacao powder, and vanilla extract in a food processor. Process until all is well combined and you get a paste-like texture. If your dates are not soft enough, make sure to soften them first. Put them in a bowl and cover them with hot, boiling water. Let them soak for 5 minutes. If you do this step make sure to completely drain the dates otherwise the mixture won't be sticky but too wet and the balls won't form well.
- Finally, add finely chopped walnuts to the mixture and form your date-walnut-coconut energy balls. I measured them with a tablespoon and got 18 pieces. You can make them bigger if you like. Roll each ball in coconut to coat the outsides. Store them in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can process the walnuts with the other ingredients, so you don't have to chop them up first.
- Depending on the texture of your dates, add more coconut flakes if you get a too wet mixture. On the other side, if the mixture is too dry, feel free to add a tablespoon of tap water at a time so you can easily roll the balls with your hands.
- Dates should be at room temperature and have a soft, caramelly texture before making this recipe. In that way, you won't need to soak them in water.
- Freeze any leftovers for up to 2 months in the freezer-friendly container. Just defrost them at room temperature before you enjoy them.
Nutrition
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Made this quick coconut date balls recipe? If yes, please rate it, leave a comment below, and share your photo on Instagram with the tag @go_eatgreen and hashtag it #go_eatgreen. I would love to hear about your experience and your comments just make my day!
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Love, Marinela💚
Natalie
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
How wonderful, I hope you'll enjoy it!
Crystal
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
Thank you too, Crystal, for such a lovely comment!
Julia
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
Thank you, Julia! Yes, they are the perfect light snack to put in children's school lunch boxes.
Kayla DiMaggio
Such a fun an easy recipe! Perfect for snacks!
Marinela
Thank you, Kayla!
Choclette
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
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
These chocolate coconut date balls are so good, I love that they're vegan! Thank you for sharing this delicious and healthy recipe!
Marinela
Thank you for your lovely comment, Emily!
Stefanie skrzypek
these look incredible, can't wait to try!
Marinela
Thank you, I hope you'll enjoy them!
Anaiah
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
So true! Thank you, Anaiah!
Jeri Barrett
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
Almonds sound delicious, too! Thanks so much for the feedback, Jeri! Really happy to hear that you like them.