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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Chocolate Date Balls (4 Ingredients)

    Published: Mar 4, 2022 · Modified: May 16, 2023 by Maria Doss · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Raw Chocolate Date Balls recipe is made with 4 healthy ingredients - Dates, Walnuts, Cocoa Powder and Coconut Oil. They are no-bake, vegan, gluten free, dairy free - Healthiest treat when you are craving something sweet!

    energy balls with dates in a bowl.

    Chocolate Date Balls

    Sweet, Chocolatey, Nutty and oh so Healthy! Made with just 4 pantry staple ingredients, they are vegan, glute free and dairy free as well. If you are looking for something sweet for snacking or an after dinner treat, but without ruining your diet, then these power balls are your best friend.

    Made without coconut, these are no bake, cheaper and healthier homemade snack that are ready to go in the fridge ---> Perfect pick me up!

    What type of dates to use?

    We always recommend using Medjool dates for this recipe. They have a rich, almost caramel-like taste with a soft, chewy texture. Other dates (commonly called Deglet Noor) are usually smaller with a firm flesh and a sweet, delicate flavor.

    Deglet Noor dates aren’t our favorite for healthy balls because they’re harder and smaller than Medjool dates and not as caramely. Of course, they can be used for energy balls, but you’ll likely want to soak them in water to soften them before using.

    Tips for buying dates

    You can buy whole dates or pitted dates. We usually buy ours at Costco in the unrefrigerated produce section or can be easily found in all major US grocery stores or Amazon.

    If you buy whole dates, you’ll need to remove the pit yourself. Just split the date open with a knife or your fingertips and the pit will come right out.

    If your fresh dates have white spots on them they’re still good! The white spots are just the sugar crystalizing on them, not mold. That said, they might be a little hard or dry. If this is the case, you’ll want to soak the dates in warm water to soften them up before using.

    How to buy dates?

    You can find them in the produce section at the grocery store. Look for Medjool variety that are shiny, feel fleshy and not too dry.

    Can I use other type of nuts instead of walnuts?

    You can try using pecans, cashews or toasted almonds for this recipe.

    Are they sweet?

    Dates tend to be naturally very sweet since they are a dried fruit. However, when combined with walnuts and cocoa powder, this recipe is not overly sweet.

    Can you make without a food processor?

    Food processor works great for these balls because it chops the dates and nuts more evenly. however a high powered blender (like a Vitamix) can work with limits. When using a blender, first powder the walnuts and cocoa powder into a powder and then add dates and coconut oil, and pulse until it comes together.

    Texture

    The balls are sweet, slightly sticky and might feel a but greasy when rolling. However, they firm up a bit and is a wonderful soft yet firm texture upon refrigeration.

    Pro Tips for Success

    Dates should be at room temperature, otherwise the food processor might struggle a bit.

    If using a blender, first powder the walnuts and cocoa powder into a powder and then add dates and coconut oil, and pulse until it comes together.

    Be sure to remove the pits before putting them in your processor.

    To use Deglet Nour variety - These tend to be much harder when compared to the Medjool variety. So, we recommend soaking them in water for at least 15 minutes and then press out all the water before adding into the processor.

    Expert tip

    You can adjust the measurements based on your taste preference. Taste the mixture before after processing and you make the following adjustments-

    If it tastes too sweet - Blend few additional walnuts / increase cocoa powder

    Like it more chocolatey? Add an additional teaspoon or two cocoa powder

    Like it more sweet? Process an additional date.

    Variations

    • Nuts - Try using other type of nuts like toasted almonds, cashews or pecans.
    • Spices - To add more flavor, you can try using ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, vanilla or cloves.
    • Seeds - Chia seeds, flax seeds or hemp seeds to give an extra crunch and added nutrition.
    • Salt - Add a pinch of salt.
    • Chocolate Chips - Stir in mini chocolate chips before rolling.
    ingredients needed.

    pitted dates, walnuts and cocoa powder in a food processor.

    ground dates, walnuts and cocoa in food processor.

    How to make?

    Add the dates, walnuts, cocoa powder and coconut to a food processor and process until finely ground. Press them into a tablespoon measure and then roll into balls. Refrigerate to firm up.

    How long will they keep?

    You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Can I freeze them?

    Yes, when stored properly in a freezer safe container, they freeze well, and stay good for about 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before eating.

    How many calories in one ball?

    One ball contains 129 calories with 2 grams protein, 11 grams sugar, 2 grams fiber and 14 grams carbs.

    dates, chocolate and walnut dough.

    scooping a tablespoon of dates and walnut dough.

    healthy balls in a bowl.

    More healthy snacks using dates:

    • Sweet Chocolate Hummus
    • Chocolate Date Smoothie
    • Date Caramels
    • Date Nut Bars
    • Carrot Cookies

    Follow me on INSTAGRAM, TIK TOK, FACEBOOK or PINTEREST for more delicious recipes.

    chocolate date balls in a bowl.

    Chocolate Date Balls (4 Ingredients)

    Raw Chocolate Date Balls recipe is made with 4 healthy ingredients - Dates, Walnuts, Cocoa Powder and Coconut Oil. They are no-bake, vegan, gluten free, dairy free - Healthiest treat when you are craving something sweet!
    4.6 from 29 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Servings: 9 Balls
    Calories: 129kcal
    Author: Maria Doss

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Walnuts
    • 6 large Medjool dates remove pits
    • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil

    Equipment used

    • Food processor
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients into a food processor, process for 1 to 2 minutes or until finely ground.
    • Transfer mixture into a bowl and mix with a spoon.
    • Make 1 tablespoon measure balls, pinch with fingertips to hold together and roll into balls. Store in the refrigerator. (The balls might feel a touch greasy when rolling, but they firm up upon refrigeration)

    Notes

    Medjool dates - 6 dates (by weight) - 3.2 ounces or 92 grams after removing pits.
    If using Deglet Nour dates, use 15 to 18 dates for the recipe.
    To use Deglet Nour variety – These tend to be much harder when compared to the Medjool variety. So, we recommend soaking them in water for at least 15 minutes and then press out all the water before adding into the processor.
    Dates should be at room temperature, otherwise the food processor might struggle a bit.
    If using a blender, first powder the walnuts and cocoa powder into a powder and then add dates and coconut oil, and pulse until it comes together.
    Remove the pits before putting them in your processor.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ball | Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g

    Nutritional information is based on third party calculations, should be considered estimates and not be construed as a guarantee. Varying factors such as product types, brands purchased, produce, the way ingredients are processed and more change the nutritional information in any recipe.

    Did you make this recipe?Mention @KitchenAtHoskins or tag #kitchenathoskins!

    Did you make this recipe? I’d love your feedback! Please let me know by leaving a comment or review below or snap a photo and share on Instagram.

    All contents and images are my original work, unless and otherwise mentioned. Please do not use my recipes or images without linking back to www.kitchenathoskins.com. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite in your own words and don’t forget to include a link back to the original recipe.

    Some of the links above are affiliate links, which pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you for supporting kitchenathoskins.com.

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    Maria Doss
    Maria Doss

    I am Maria Doss, the recipe creator, photographer and writer behind Kitchen at Hoskins. Here you'll find lots of creative recipes that use clever techniques or flavor profiles. It might intertwine two cuisines together to create a perfect blend or use an innovative technique.
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