Check the dates and stone them if needed. Roughly chop the almonds or blitz them briefly.
Put the dates in a blender or food processor with the peanut butter, cocoa powder, olive oil and salt. Process everything into a sticky mixture you can shape.
Fold the chopped almonds into the mixture or blitz them in only briefly so there's still some bite.
Shape small balls with your hands. If the mixture is too soft, chill it briefly.
Leave the energy balls to rest in the fridge so they firm up a little.
Serve chilled and store in a container in the fridge.
Good to know
These energy balls are simple and properly good. Soft, chocolatey and with a rich, nutty centre. Just the thing when it needs to be quick.
Swaps
Peanut butter → almond butter (provides vitamin E; contains tree nuts) | almonds → walnuts (contain omega-3 fatty acids) | olive oil → avocado oil (milder flavour, also provides unsaturated fats) | cocoa powder → carob powder (caffeine-free, a little milder and naturally sweeter)
Allergens
Contains peanuts and almonds (tree nuts). For small children, only offer them in a suitable size and texture; in pregnancy the ingredients are generally fine as long as there's no allergy or individual intolerance.
