Description
These no-bake energy balls are portable, nutritious snacks that provide quick energy and lasting protein, making them perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 8–10 dates)
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any creamy nut/seed butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (maple for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for chocolate version)
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1–2 tablespoons water, if needed, to help the mixture come together
- Optional additions: 2 tablespoons chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons protein powder, 1 tablespoon citrus zest
Instructions
- Place the pitted dates in a food processor and pulse until they form a sticky paste. Scrape down the sides.
- Add the oats, chia (or flax), cocoa (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly but evenly mixed.
- Add the almond butter and honey/maple syrup. Process until the mixture clumps together into a coarse, sticky dough. If it feels too dry, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time and pulse again.
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll between your palms to form 1–1.5 inch balls.
- If coating, roll the formed balls in shredded coconut or extra cocoa powder.
- Place the finished balls on a tray lined with parchment and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, transfer to an airtight container.
Notes
Can be made nut-free by swapping almond butter for sunflower seed butter. For more protein, consider adding a scoop of neutral-flavored protein powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American