No-Bake Chocolate Energy Balls

Chocolate energy balls rolled in coconut sugar and hemp seeds on a cutting board lined with parchment paper.

5 from 7 votes

These superfood chocolate energy balls are loaded up with all the good stuff such as chia seeds, hemp seeds and flax so you can snack smart and know you're giving your body plenty of nutrition.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings:

Author: Deryn Macey

Ingredients

1 cup packed soft pitted dates 220 g
1 1/2 cups raw walnuts 200 g
2 tbsp chia seeds 21 g
2 tbsp hemp seeds 20 g
1 tbsp ground flax seeds 7 g
2 tbsp plant-based protein powder 15 g
2 tbsp cacao powder (or regular cocoa powder) 12 g
2 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla optional
2 tbsp water if needed

Instructions

Blend the walnuts for a minute or so until they're broken down into coarse, grainy flour.
Add the rest of the ingredients and blend into a thick, sticky dough you can pinch together between your fingers. If the dough seems too dry to roll into balls, add 1-2 tbsp warm water and process again.
Use your hands to roll the balls into approximately 16 bite-sized balls. Optional to roll the balls in your choice of coating, if desired. Try coconut sugar, cacao powder, cinnamon, hemp seeds or coconut.

Notes

Dates: It's important to use soft, moist dates in this recipe. If your dates are overly dry or you're not sure, soak them in hot water for 15 minutes then drain well before using. If using soaked dates, you can omit the 2 tbsp of water.

Seeds: If you don't have both chia and hemp seeds available, you can use 4 tbsp of one or the other. If you don't have ground flax, you can leave it out.

Protein: Hemp protein powder can be substituted with any other protein powder or powdered peanut butter, or replaced with an additional 1 tablespoon of cacao powder.

Coating: I rolled mine in a mixture of coconut sugar and cinnamon for an extra treat, totally optional. You could also roll them in hemp seeds, chia seeds, coconut or cacao powder, or drizzle with melted chocolate. For more of a dessert truffle, coat the balls in melted chocolate and place in the fridge or freezer until hardened.

Storing: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer (recommended) for up to 3 months. If taking to-go they're ok up for 1-2 days at room temperature, or longer if kept cool.

Nutrition