Fudgy date and cocoa energy balls

Fudgy date and cocoa energy balls: moist snacks with Medjool dates, almonds, cocoa and coconut. Quick to make, chocolatey and satisfying.

At a glance

• Serves 4
• Prep time: 10 min
• No cooking needed
• Total time: 10 min
• Calories: 250 kcal per serving
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbs: 35 g

Ingredients

• 200 g Medjool dates
• 100 g almonds
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp desiccated coconut
• 1 pinch of sea salt

Method

You’ll need: blender · grater

1. Stone the Medjool dates and blitz them in a blender to a sticky paste.
2. Add the almonds, cocoa powder, coconut oil and sea salt. Blend briefly until you have an even mixture you can shape.
3. Check the mixture: it should be soft but hold together well. If needed, scrape down the sides of the blender in between.
4. With slightly damp hands, shape small balls of the same size.
5. Roll the balls in the desiccated coconut until they're coated all over.
6. Chill the energy balls well in the fridge before serving and enjoy them cold.

Good to know

When a small chocolate craving hits, these energy balls are just right. Soft, dense and pleasantly fudgy. In my fridge they usually disappear faster than they firm up.

Swaps

Almonds → cashews (milder flavour, similar calories); desiccated coconut → finely chopped pistachios (more protein and minerals); cocoa powder → carob powder (caffeine-free, naturally milder and sweeter)

Allergens

Contains tree nuts (almonds) and, depending on the cocoa or coconut product, may contain traces of other allergens. Suitable for children in small, easy-to-chew portions, and generally fine in normal amounts during pregnancy, as long as all the ingredients agree with you.

Dairy-free recipes