Whip up these easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Date Balls for a wholesome, naturally sweet snack or dessert. Made with simple ingredients and no oats, these vegan and gluten-free bites deliver a decadent chocolate flavor thanks to the cocoa powder. Perfect for a quick, no-bake treat.
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until a sticky ball forms. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if the mixture is dry.
1 cup dates, 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 pinch salt
Shape the mixture into equal-sized balls (I used a 1 ½ tablespoon scoop).
Roll each ball in cocoa powder. Enjoy right away, or store for later!
Notes
I used 1 cup of packed dates, measured before pitting, which was about 17 dates in total.
Use soft, sticky dates for the best texture. If they're dry, soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes, drain, and blend.
If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands with water or coconut oil to easily shape into balls.
Store energy bites at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free option.