Almond Dates Energy Balls recipe | No Sugar Energy Balls recipes
In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick, healthy, and delicious snacks can be a challenge. These Almond and Dates Energy Balls are a perfect solution for those looking for a nutrient-packed treat that’s easy to make and free from refined sugar. Both almonds and dates are superfoods that offer numerous health benefits, making this snack ideal for boosting energy, supporting heart health, and providing essential nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and magnesium, while dates are a natural source of sweetness, loaded with potassium and fiber to support digestion.
These energy balls are simple to prepare and can be stored for days, making them a convenient go-to snack for busy mornings, post-workout refuels, or even as a healthy dessert. Let’s look into this easy recipe that yields a naturally sweet and satisfying snack.
video recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 6-7 pitted dates
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla essence
- 1/8 tsp desiccated coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Grind Almonds: Begin by grinding 1/2 cup almonds into a coarse powder using a food processor. Pulse the almonds until you reach a coarse, sandy consistency, but avoid over-processing to prevent them from turning into almond butter.
- Add Dates: To the ground almonds, add 6-7 pitted dates, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 tsp of vanilla essence. Use the pulse mode on your blender or food processor for 1-2 seconds at a time, with short breaks in between. Repeat this process 8-9 times. This method ensures that the mixture blends without becoming overly chewy.
- Check Consistency: After blending, open the mixture and check if you can easily form shapes from it. If the mixture sticks together without crumbling, it’s ready for the next step.
- Blend with Coconut: Add 1/8 tsp desiccated coconut to the mixture and pulse 3-4 more times to incorporate it evenly. The coconut adds a hint of sweetness and texture to the energy balls.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop the mixture using the same size ladle for uniformity and shape it into small balls without cracks. This recipe yields approximately 7 energy balls.
- Refrigerate: Once shaped, refrigerate the energy balls for about an hour to allow them to firm up.
Step pics
take the almonds in a blender
Blend it to a coarse powder
use pulse mode 5-6 times in short span leaving interval instead of blending it on high speed. this enables the almonds to release oil gradually.
add pitted dates.
pinch of salt
add vanilla essence – though optional, i would prefer it.
pulse it until it combines and is easy to form shape. by now almond releases oil and starts combining.
add desiccated coconut.
pulse it again
transfer to a plate.
scoop out using the same ladle to maintain shape
scoop a portion and start rolling it between palms to form a even crack free shape.
even, smooth and crack free.
i would suggest to refrigerate these for at least an hour before serving. it helps to make the shape firm.
serve it as healthy guilt free snack to enjoy. !
Storage
These Almond and Dates Energy Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. However, for optimal freshness and flavor, it’s recommended to make them in small batches and consume them within a few days.
Expert Tips
- Blending: Use the pulse mode instead of continuous blending to maintain the perfect texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that the dates are soft and fresh for easy blending. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes.
- Custom Add-ins: You can also add ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or cocoa powder for added nutrition and variety.
Printable recipe
Almond and Dates Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 6-7 pitted dates
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla essence
- 1/8 tsp desiccated coconut optional
Instructions
- Grind almonds into a coarse powder.
- Add dates, salt, and vanilla essence. Pulse blend 8-9 times.
- Check consistency; add desiccated coconut and pulse 3-4 times.
- Shape the mixture into balls and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Enjoy fresh or store for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.