Energy Balls

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Check that the dates are soft and sticky; if they feel dry, cover them with hot water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry thoroughly so the mixture does not become wet. Add the soft pitted dates, almonds, unsweetened desiccated coconut, unsweetened cacao powder, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt to a food processor.

   120 g soft pitted dates60 g almonds25 g unsweetened desiccated coconut10 g unsweetened cacao powder5 ml vanilla extract1 g fine sea salt
2. 2

   Pulse until the almonds are finely chopped and the mixture starts clumping together. Stop once it holds when pressed between your fingers; if it looks dusty, process a little longer, as the dates should bind everything without added liquid.

   120 g soft pitted dates60 g almonds25 g unsweetened desiccated coconut10 g unsweetened cacao powder5 ml vanilla extract1 g fine sea salt
3. 3

   Divide and roll the mixture into 8 even balls with lightly damp hands, pressing firmly so they stay compact.

   120 g soft pitted dates60 g almonds25 g unsweetened desiccated coconut10 g unsweetened cacao powder5 ml vanilla extract1 g fine sea salt
4. 4

   Place the unsweetened cacao powder for the coating on a small plate and roll each ball until lightly covered.

   5 g unsweetened cacao powder
5. 5

   Serve immediately, or chill briefly to firm up before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Origin & History

Energy balls are a modern American snack inspired by health-food and natural-food traditions that emphasize minimally processed ingredients. Paleo-style versions became especially popular with the rise of grain-free, refined-sugar-free home snacking in the early 21st century.