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!
If you love snacking healthy, then check out No Bake treats - Brownie Bites, Cream Filled Strawberries Recipe, Avocado Truffles, Almond Bars or Chocolate Oatmeal Balls.
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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!
Ingredients and Nutrition
Dates - They contain several vitamins and minerals, high in fiber, antioxidants, promote bone health and help in blood sugar control. However, they are high in calories since they are a dried fruit. They may help prevent the development of certain chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
Walnuts - Good source of the plant form of omega-3 fats, it may help reduce heart disease risk, fight oxidative damage, decrease inflammation, control appetite, type 2 diabetes, improve blood pressure.
Cocoa powder - Abundant in flavanols, Cocoa is one of the richest sources of polyphenols, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also reduces inflammation, increases blood flow, lowers blood pressure. It may also have some positive effects on mood by reducing stress levels.
Coconut Oil - Offering a quick source of energy, it boosts skin health, reduce hunger, has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.
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.
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.
More healthy snacks using dates:
- Sweet Chocolate Hummus
- Chocolate Date Smoothie
- Avocado Chocolate Mousse
- Date Caramels
- Date Nut Bars
- Carrot Cookies
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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!
Ingredients
Equipment used
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 Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 129Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 2g
I am not a certified dietician or nutritionist. The information is a product of online calculator such as Nutrifox.com, although Kitchen at Hoskins attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates and not be construed as a guarantee. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the nutritional information in any recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their fact algorithms. Under no circumstances will Kitchen at Hoskins be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the nutritional information. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health and ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate.
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