Easy Chocolate Coconut Date Energy Balls (Vegan) | Walder Wellness, RD (2024)

This energy ball recipe uses only 4 simple ingredients (plus water!), all of which pack in a variety of nutrition benefits.

Hemp Seed Nutrition:

• one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in heart health, brain health, and reducing inflammation throughout the body
• a great source of plant-based protein, with just 3 tablespoons providing 10 grams of complete protein
• a good source of micronutrients, like:
  • vitamin E
  • zinc
  • iron
  • calcium
  • potassium
  • magnesium

This coconut date ball recipe is incredibly easy to make! The only equipment you need is a food processor (I use this one) and about 20 minutes of “active” time.

Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for them to firm up in the freezer ;).

All you do is pulse the pitted medjool dates, desiccated coconut, cacao powder, hemp seeds, and a splash of water in your food processor until it forms a paste-like texture.

Then, use a spoon and take a couple scoops of the mixture into your hands. Roll into balls, then roll those balls into some extra coconut to coat the outsides.

Place the finished energy ball on a plate or baking sheet and repeat until you’ve used up all the date mix. Transfer to the freezer for 2 hours to firm up. That’s it!

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Recipe Modification Ideas

While this recipe tastes SO good on it’s own, here are some ingredient additions that you may enjoy:

• rice crispy puffs (puffed rice)
• raw nuts, like almonds or pecans
• raw seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin

I haven’t personally tried adding the above ingredients to these date balls, but I think they would taste SO good and add a bit of crunch to them!

Definitely – it’s part of the recipe directions, but can also be a storage method for these date balls.

If you think you’ll eat these balls up within the week, simply store them in an airtight container in your fridge.

However, if you’d like to keep them for longer you can store them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer. Simply thaw the balls for a few minutes before you enjoy them!

Servings: 12 balls

4.70 from 13 votes

• 20 large medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup desiccated coconut (shredded, unsweetened) + more for rolling
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
• 1/2 cup hemp seeds
• 2 Tbsp water

• PREP: Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Then, place a few spoonfuls of desiccated coconut into a separate small bowl or dish. This is NOT the 1 cup of coconut that goes into the balls, but what the balls get rolled into so that they're coated on the outside! Set aside.

• In a large food processor, add pitted medjool dates, desiccated coconut, cacao powder, hemp seeds, and water. Pulse until it forms a paste-like texture. If things aren't sticking together, feel free to add a splash more water until it does.

• Using a large spoon, take a couple spoonfuls of the mixture from the food processor and place it in your hands. Roll into balls, then roll the balls in the dish with the coconut until the outsides of the balls are fully coated. Place finished ball onto the parchment lined baking sheet/plate. *this part is meant to be a little messy!

• Repeat until all mixture is used up. Recipe as written should make about 10-12 balls, depending on size.

• Place the plate/sheet of balls into the freezer for 2 hours to allow them to firm.

• Allow balls to thaw for a couple minutes before you enjoy them! The texture is meant to be soft and chewy. Store remaining in the fridge or freezer 🙂

*STORAGE:

• If you think you’ll eat these balls up within the week, simply store them in an airtight container in your fridge.
• However, if you’d like to keep them for longer you can store them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer. Simply thaw the balls for a few minutes before you enjoy them!

*INGREDIENT ADDITIONS: While this recipe tastes SO good on it’s own, here are some ingredient additions that you may enjoy:

• rice crispy puffs (puffed rice)
• raw nuts, like almonds or pecans
• raw seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin

* ALLERGENS: This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. While coconut has the word “nut” in it, it is not considered a tree nut (like almonds, cashews, or walnuts). For most people allergic to tree nuts, coconut should be ok to eat. However, some individuals can also be allergic to coconut. If you have a nut allergy, please talk to your doctor to see if coconut is ok for you.

Nutrition

As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.

Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate, coconut, dates, hemp seeds, make ahead, meal prep

Author: Carrie Walder