Date Nut Energy Balls are an ideal snack for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious energy boost. Packed with the natural sweetness of dates, healthy fats from nuts, and a hint of spice, these energy balls are not only tasty but also incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds and walnuts recommended)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder (or substitute with pumpkin spice)
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Blend Dates
Place the pitted dates and vanilla extract into a food processor. Blend until the dates form a sticky ball. If the dates are dry, add a couple of tablespoons of water to help them blend more smoothly.

Step 2: Add Nuts and Spices
Incorporate the nuts, a pinch of salt, and the cinnamon powder into the food processor. Pulse the mixture to your desired consistency—coarse for a bit of crunch or finely for a smoother texture. The oils released from the nuts will help in forming the balls.

Step 3: Form the Balls
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Using your hands or a spatula, mix until you have a uniform, sticky dough. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into small bite-sized balls.

Step 4: Chill and Serve
Place the balls on a rimmed baking sheet. You may refrigerate them briefly to firm up, or simply store them in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

• Toasting the nuts on low heat before blending can deepen their flavor, adding a delightful toasted aroma to your energy balls.
• Grinding the dates and nuts separately before mixing may help achieve a more even texture throughout.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these energy balls as a snack, a quick breakfast option, or even as a healthy dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Nutritional Information (per ball)

• Calories: 130
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of nuts? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different nuts like pecans, cashews, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a variation.

Q: How long can I store these energy balls? A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 10-14 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months for extended storage.

Conclusion

Date Nut Energy Balls are a versatile, easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for anyone on the go. These energy balls are a great way to satisfy sweet cravings while providing a substantial energy boost, thanks to their balance of natural sugars and proteins. Enjoy making these delightful treats and indulge in their wholesome goodness anytime!

Healthy Date Nut Energy Balls Recipe

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• Author: recipes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 cup mixed nuts (specifically almonds and walnuts)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder (or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist)
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt (optional, enhances flavor)

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Instructions

Step 1: Blend Dates

• Place the pitted dates and vanilla extract in a food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a cohesive, sticky ball. If the dates are too dry, a few tablespoons of water can be added to facilitate blending.

Step 2: Add Nuts and Spices

• To the sticky date mixture, add the nuts along with a pinch of salt and the cinnamon powder. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired texture; pulse briefly for a chunky texture or more thoroughly for a smoother consistency. The natural oils from the nuts will help bind the mixture.

Step 3: Form the Balls

• Transfer the date and nut mixture to a bowl. Using hands or a spatula, mix until it forms a uniform, sticky dough. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time, and roll it between your palms to form small, bite-sized balls.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

• Arrange the balls on a rimmed baking sheet. They can be refrigerated briefly to firm up, which makes them easier to serve, or stored in an airtight container.

Variation

• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture for an extra protein kick.
• Chocolate Version: Roll the balls in cocoa powder before chilling for a chocolate-covered version.

Notes

• Ensure that the dates are soft and sticky; if they aren’t, soaking them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending can make them easier to process.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these energy balls as a quick snack during the workday, after a workout, or pack them for a nutritious snack on the go.

Tips

• Toasting Nuts: Toasting the nuts on low heat before blending can significantly enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.
• Texture Variation: For a finer texture, grind the dates and nuts separately before combining them.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 130 per ball
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: Very low
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g