Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls

bowl of coconut covered chocolate energy bites.

Enjoy a guilt-free chocolate fix with these quick and easy Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls, a naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and dairy-free snack that's super satisfying.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword energy, healthy, protein, snack

Prep Time 20

Chill Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings balls

Calories 118kcal

Author Stacey aka the Soccer Mom

Cost $10

Equipment

Food Processor
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dried dates pitted
1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts
5 tablespoons raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
1 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 tablespoons warm water if needed

Instructions

To make the Batter:

Place the dates in a bowl of warm water for twenty minutes to soften. While they're soaking, grind the walnuts in a food processor. Leave a few chunks for texture.
Add the dates to a food processor and rough chop until combined (but a few walnut chunks still remain).
If mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons warm water slowly and keep blending. You may need to pause and scrape down the sides. The mixture will be very sticky.
Scrape your date/walnut batter into a large mixing bowl.
Add to bowl: 5 TB raw cacao powder, 1/4 cup + 2 TB shredded coconut (make sure you still have about 2/3 cup set aside for rolling later) and 3 TB maple syrup. Mix with a fork until everything is combined and "wet looking". The mixture should be sticky.

To Make the Protein Balls:

Line a large plate or cutting board with parchment paper. Pour the rest (about 2/3 cup) of the shredded coconut onto another plate. Place coconut oil in a small bowl next to your work area.
Grease your hands with a bit of coconut oil, grab some of the date mixture and roll it into a ball (about one inch in diameter).
Once rolled, place the ball into the plate of coconut and sprinkle/roll it all about pressing down to make sure it sticks. Place the coconut covered ball onto the parchment paper.
Repeat until you run out of batter (makes 18-20 balls).
Allow to set in freezer for 20-30 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Video

Notes

Note: Nutrition information is a rough estimate only; actual values will vary based on the exact ingredients used and amount of recipe prepared.

Prep Tips:

Storage - Place the protein balls in the freezer to set for thirty minutes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge to munch on and for quick grab and go snacks! You can also keep them in the freezer in a zip-top freezer bag. Since dates don't freeze completely, they're safe to eat straight from the freezer!

Add Protein - Each little bite has a gram of healthy walnut protein, but you can supplement this with a Tablespoon of your favorite protein powder for an extra boost! I'd recommend dissolving the powder in one of the liquid ingredients before mixing into the batter -- either the maple syrup or the coconut oil (which can be liquid at room temperature).

Nutrition