Are you looking for a delicious and healthy snack to keep your energy levels up throughout the day? Look no further than these Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls! Bursting with flavors and nutrients, these little bites are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. The natural sweetness from dates, the crunch of walnuts, and the rich taste of chocolate come together to create a delightful treat. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own. Let’s dive into how to whip up these tasty energy balls!
What You’ll Need for Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these energy balls. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 150g (around 1 cup) pitted dates
- 80g (1 cup) rolled oats
- 90g (1 cup) walnuts, plus extra for decoration
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 100g (3.5 oz) sugar-free chocolate
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cold water (for soaking dates)
- Paper molds (for serving)
Step-by-Step Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls Recipe
- Soak the Dates: Start by soaking the pitted dates in cold water for about 15 minutes to soften them up. Once they’re nice and plump, drain and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Grind the Oats: In a food processor, grind the rolled oats until they become a fine powder. This will help to bind your energy balls nicely.
- Chop the Walnuts: Roughly chop the walnuts, but make sure to reserve some for decoration later.
- Blend the Mixture: In the food processor, blend the soaked dates until they form a smooth paste. Then, mix in the ground oats, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, salt (if using), and orange zest. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Form the Energy Balls: Scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands.
- Chill: Place your energy balls on a plate and refrigerate them for about 15 minutes to firm them up.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler, melt the sugar-free chocolate with olive oil until it becomes smooth and glossy.
- Dip and Decorate: Take each ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it well. Then roll it in the reserved chopped walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Final Chill: Return the chocolate-coated balls to the fridge for another 15 minutes until the chocolate is set.
- Serve: Once set, place your Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls in cute paper molds and they’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls
These energy balls are perfect for any occasion! Serve them as a snack during your afternoon slump or offer them at your next gathering. For an elegant touch, place them in decorative paper molds when serving. They can also be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. If you’re packing lunch for yourself or your kids, these bites make a delicious and healthy addition to the lunchbox!
Expert Tips for Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls
- Make It Vegan: If you want to keep this recipe fully plant-based, stick to sugar-free dark chocolate that’s vegan-friendly.
- Add More Flavor: Experiment with different nuts or seeds, like almonds or chia seeds, to customize your energy balls.
- Sweetness Levels: Adjust the sweetness by adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if your dates aren’t as sweet.
Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls FAQs
Can I use any type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans, depending on your preference!
How long do these energy balls last?
They can last about one week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze these energy balls?
Absolutely! These energy balls freeze well. Just pop them in an airtight container and they can last up to three months in the freezer.
These Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls are not just a fantastic energy booster, they’re also easy and fun to make. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a healthy snack on hand whenever those sweet cravings hit. Enjoy!
Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the pitted dates in cold water for about 15 minutes to soften them up. Once they are nice and plump, drain and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a food processor, grind the rolled oats until they become a fine powder.
- Roughly chop the walnuts, reserving some for decoration later.
- In the food processor, blend the soaked dates until they form a smooth paste. Mix in the ground oats, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, salt (if using), and orange zest. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands.
- Place the energy balls on a plate and refrigerate them for about 15 minutes to firm them up.
- In a double boiler, melt the sugar-free chocolate with olive oil until it becomes smooth and glossy.
- Dip each energy ball into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it well, then roll it in the reserved chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
- Return the chocolate-coated balls to the fridge for another 15 minutes until the chocolate is set.
- Once set, place the Date, Walnut, and Chocolate Energy Balls in cute paper molds and they’re ready to enjoy!