Oat Peanut Butter Date Balls are a delicious no-bake recipe made with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, dates, and natural peanut butter, perfect for a quick vegan, gluten-free snack or healthy dessert.
These easy energy bites are packed with fiber and have a delightful crunch from dairy-free chocolate chips in every bite!
Try my chocolate walnut date balls or cocoa date balls for more scrumptious date energy ball recipes.
Oat peanut butter date balls are soft and sweet, with a satisfying crunch from the dairy-free chocolate chips – the texture is just perfect.
I love this recipe because it's completely raw, ready in minutes, and requires zero cooking, yet it's such a wholesome treat I crave whenever those sweet cravings hit.
Plus, they're so portable! I always pack them for trips and picnics (they're way better than anything you can buy pre-made!), and I love keeping a stash in the fridge for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Just like my peanut butter stuffed dates and spirulina date balls, they’re one of my favorite date snacks to have on hand—hope you’ll love them too!
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Ingredients
- Dates: I used Mazafati dates because they're readily available here in my country and have a perfectly soft and chewy texture but Medjool dates work just as well.
- Rolled oats: Be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
- Peanut butter: Opt for unsalted, natural peanut butter. If you love homemade versions, check out my homemade peanut butter recipe.
- Dairy-free dark chocolate chips: I used vegan dark chocolate chips, but chopped dark chocolate or cacao nibs would be delicious substitutes.
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 Oat Peanut Butter Date Balls
Step 1: In a food processor or blender, process the dates until a sticky date paste forms. If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, drain, and then use.
Step 2: Add the rolled oats and peanut butter to the food processor and process again until well combined and a thick dough forms.
Step 3: Mix the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Using a cookie scoop (mine is about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop the mixture and roll it into balls with clean hands. If the mixture gets sticky, wet your hands with a little water and continue rolling. I got about 12 balls from this recipe. Enjoy right away or refrigerate for later.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut butter: Swap the peanut butter for chocolate hazelnut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom adds a warm and cozy touch.
- Add dried fruit: Mix in some chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a burst of sweetness and chewy texture.
- Cocoa: Add cocoa powder to the date mixture for a richer, chocolatey flavor.
- Add salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract adds a subtle but delicious flavor.
Marinela's Tips
- Use fresh dates: Fresh, soft dates will blend better and create a smoother texture. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before using them. This helps make the mixture easier to work with.
- Adjust the consistency: If the mixture is too sticky to roll into balls, add more oats, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right texture. If it's too dry and crumbly, add a splash of water or more peanut butter to help bring it together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
If your dates are dry, it's best to soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before processing to ensure a smooth, sticky texture.
What if my date mixture is too sticky to roll?
If the mixture is too sticky, simply wet your hands with a little water, or chill the mixture in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to make rolling
easier.
Can I make these energy balls without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop the dates and mash them with a fork, then mix them with the other ingredients. The texture might be a bit different, but they will still work.
More Vegan No-Bake Desserts
- Pumpkin protein balls (no dates)
- Chocolate almond pulp cake
- Raw chocolate date brownies
- Lemon coconut bliss balls
- Homemade chocolate hearts
📖 Recipe
Oat Peanut Butter Date Balls (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Equipment
- 1 Food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates ~12-13 dates (pitted)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter unsalted
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate/cacao nibs
Instructions
- Blend dates into a sticky paste. If dry, soak in hot water for 10 minutes first. Drain before using.1 cup dates
- Add oats and peanut butter, then blend until a thick dough forms.½ cup rolled oats, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- Mix in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
- Scoop and roll into balls. If sticky, wet your hands slightly. Makes about 12 balls. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate.
Notes
- Keep in an airtight container—5 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen.
- Soft dates blend better. If dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes.
- If the mixture is too sticky, add oats one tablespoon at a time. If it's too dry, mix in a little water or more peanut butter.
- Choose creamy, natural peanut butter for the best texture. If it's too dry, add a splash of water to help mix.
Nutrition
If you try these oat peanut butter date balls, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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