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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Date Balls

    Published: Mar 4, 2022 · Modified: Mar 12, 2025 by Maria Doss · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    pinterest image.
    pinterst image.
    pinterest image.
    pinterest image.

    These Date Balls are made using 4 wholesome, nutritious ingredients. It is raw, sweet, chocolatey, and fudgy and is the perfect guilt-free treat when a craving strikes.

    Jump to Recipe
    energy balls with dates in a bowl.

    If you're searching for a delectable healthy after school snack or a guilt-free indulgence after your meal, look no further than these chocolate date balls—they'll become your new favorite no bake snack like the almond butter balls.

    There are various types of dates available, including Medjool, Deglet Noor, Zahidi, and Barhi. Medjool and Noor dates are the most popular and have a rich, caramel-like flavor.

    You can find dates in most grocery stores and health food stores in the produce section or in the dried fruits section. I usually buy mine at Costco and keep it in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life.

    They are enjoyed on their own as a healthy snack or used as a versatile ingredient in baking, smoothies and energy bars.

    If you buy whole dates, you’ll need to remove the pit yourself. As I explain in date recipes, 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.

    Jump to:
    • Why this recipe works?
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to make?
    • How to store?
    • Helpful tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More healthy snacks using dates
    • Date Balls

    Why this recipe works?

    • Make it your own! Increase or decrease any ingredient to modify the taste or texture. Too sweet? Add more walnuts or cocoa powder. Like it intensely chocolatey? Then increase cocoa powder.
    • No cooking required! Just add 4 ingredients into a food processor, blitz and roll them into balls.
    • Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, raw, vegan, and loaded with fiber.

    Ingredients

    Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

    ingredients needed for the recipe.
    • Dates - I like to use the Medjool variety for these date balls. They have a rich, almost caramel-like taste with a soft, chewy texture. Deglet Noor variety is much smaller with firm flesh and might not grind smooth.
    • Walnuts - Raw walnuts add earthiness and tons of added omega-3 fatty acids into the date balls recipe (refer more details here).
    • Cocoa powder - As I mention in my oatmeal banana smoothie recipe, dutch processed cocoa powder has sweeter and is less astringent when compared to natural cocoa, and is better suited in raw preparations.
    • Coconut oil - Offers binding and helps the date balls firm up when refrigerated.

    Tip: When purchasing dates, look for ones that are plump, moist, and free from mold or any signs of spoilage.

    Variations

    • Nuts - Try using another type of nuts like toasted almonds, cashews, pecans, or shredded coconut.
    • Spices - To add more flavor, you can try using ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves or vanilla extract.
    • Seeds - Chia seeds, flax seeds or hemp seeds give an extra crunch and added nutrition.
    • Chocolate Chips - Stir in mini chocolate chips before rolling.

    How to make?

    You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

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    dates, walnuts and cocoa powder in a food processor.
    a food processor with ground brown mixture.

    1 & 2. Add dates, cocoa powder, walnuts, and coconut oil to a food processor. process for 1 to 2 minutes or until finely ground.

    Tip: Stop the machine, scrape the sides often, and grind as fine as possible. Do not be tempted to add any liquid such as water or milk. The mixture might look dry in the beginning, but as the machine runs, the natural oils in walnuts and coconut oil will add enough moisture, to help combine.

    Pro tip: If you are using Noor dates, then soak them in some water for 30 to 60 minutes, and drain the water completely before proceeding with the recipe. This softens them and makes them easier to grind.

    ground brown mixture in a glass bowl.
    two hands scooping brown dough from a tablespoon.
    two hands rolling a brown ball.

    3 to 5. Transfer the mixture into a bowl and mix with a spoon, to combine. Make 1 tablespoon measure balls, pinch them with your fingertips to hold them together, and roll them into balls, between the palm of your hands. Store in the refrigerator.

    Pro tip: The date balls might be slightly sticky, and a bit greasy when rolling. However, they will firm up upon refrigeration.

    How to store?

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

    To freeze - When stored properly in a freezer-safe container, the date balls freeze well and stay good for about 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before eating.

    Helpful tips

    • Dates should be at room temperature, otherwise, the food processor might struggle a bit. So, if you like to store them in the refrigerator then make sure to leave them out for a few hours before proceeding with the date balls recipe.
    • If using a blender, first process the walnuts and cocoa powder, into a powder, then add dates and coconut oil, and pulse until it comes together.
    • Be sure to remove the pits before using.
    • To use Deglet Nour variety - These tend to be much harder when compared to the Medjool variety. So, I recommend soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes, draining all the water before adding them into the processor.

    Recipe FAQs

    Are the date balls too sweet?

    Dates, being a dried fruit, naturally possess a sweet caramel flavor. Nevertheless, this date falls recipe achieves a perfect balance, ensuring it doesn't overwhelm with excessive sweetness, due to the addition of walnuts and cocoa.

    Can you make without a food processor?

    Food processor works great for these date 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 process the walnuts and cocoa powder into a powder and then add dates and coconut oil, and pulse until it comes together.

    What if the mixture is crumbling and not holding together?

    One possible explanation could be inadequate grinding of the date balls mixture. To address this, return the ingredients to your food processor and process them until they reach a smooth and pliable dough-like consistency. If you still find it difficult to shape the mixture into balls, consider incorporating an additional 1 to 2 teaspoons of melted coconut oil, as this will facilitate better cohesion.

    Can I skip coconut oil?

    The date balls will be just as delicious without the coconut oil. However, the balls might not hold together and the mixture might be crumbly.

    grey bowl with brown date balls.

    More healthy snacks using dates

    • homemade date bars on a wire rack.
      Date Bars
    • one tall glass with brown smoothie and a stainless steel straw.
      Date Smoothie
    • a hand dipping one triangle chip into brown hummus dip.
      Chocolate Hummus
    • healthiest date and almond candy
      Date Caramels
    grey bowl with brown date balls.

    Date Balls

    These Date Balls are made using 4 wholesome, nutritious ingredients. It is raw, sweet, chocolatey, and fudgy and is the perfect guilt-free treat when a craving strikes.
    4.7 from 35 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: 104kcal
    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.
      Tip: Stop the machine, scrape the sides often, and grind as fine as possible. Do not be tempted top add any liquid such as water or milk. The mixture might look dry in the beginning, but as the machine runs, the natural oils in walnuts and coconut oil will add enough moisture, to help in combine.
    • Transfer mixture into a bowl and mix with a spoon, to bring the dough together.
    • Make 1 tablespoon measure balls, pinch with fingertips to hold together and roll into balls, between the palm of your hands. Keep them stored in the refrigearotr.
      Pro tip: The date balls might be slightly sticky, and a bit greasy when rolling. However, they will firm up upon refrigeration.

    Notes

    Dates - If you are using Noor dates, then soak them in some water for 30 to 60 minutes, and drain the water completely before proceeding with the recipe. This softens them and makes them easier to grind.
    Medjool dates - 6 dates weigh 3.2 ounces or 92 grams (after removing pits).
    If using Deglet Nour dates, use 15 to 18 dates for the recipe.
    Remove the pits before putting them in your processor.
    If using a blender, first process the walnuts and cocoa powder, into a powder, then add dates and coconut oil, and pulse until it comes together.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ball | Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.

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

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    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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    Comments

    1. Divya Ganapathy

      February 10, 2024 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you
      I made it yummy

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        February 10, 2024 at 7:24 pm

        That’s so great to hear! So glad you love it – Maria ♡

        Reply
    2. cindy3539

      June 25, 2024 at 11:02 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious. I used pecans.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        June 26, 2024 at 1:32 am

        That’s so great to hear! So glad you love it – Maria ♡

        Reply
    3. Jasmyn

      July 16, 2024 at 7:05 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for such a detailed recipe!!! Made it today, so delicious!! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 16, 2024 at 2:40 pm

        That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡

        Reply
    4. Kim

      July 29, 2024 at 6:20 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this numerous times now and love it. I do not add oil as I find it gets greasy enough from the walnuts once it’s mixed fine enough. I also add a few more dates and sometimes dried cherries.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 29, 2024 at 6:55 pm

        That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡

        Reply
    5. Martie Summerfield

      January 30, 2025 at 8:07 pm

      Is there something I can substitute for the coco powder as I really do not like chocolate but I do like the id a bit d the balls.
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        January 31, 2025 at 10:11 am

        Hi Martie, You can skip the cocoa powder and try the recipe without it, but you might want to increase the walnuts a bit to balance out the sweetness, since the cocoa powder helps cut it. Hope it helps - Maria

        Reply
    4.69 from 35 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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