When you need a quick burst of energy or a snack to get you through the afternoon slump, these coconut date balls are packed with simple, good for you ingredients and take only 15 minutes to whip up!
Being a busy momma, I am always looking for something quick to snack on while I’m getting myself and the kids ready to head out the door. I have time for breakfast after I drop the kids off, but if I wait until then to eat my hunger has already gotten the best of me!
Hanger doesn’t look very good on me, that’s for sure.
Made with nuts, dates, and unsweetened coconut (that’s it!) these coconut energy bites are the perfect mid meal snack (or before breakfast snack!) to very deliciously tide you over!
Ingredients for no bake coconut date bites
Dates: These energy bites are sweetened with dates (no sugar added!) and they are plenty sweet with this dried fruit! Buy the pitted dates or pit them yourself (just make sure they do not have pits in them before you toss them in the food processor!).
If your dates are a bit on the dry side, just soak them in water for 10-15 minutes until they are soft.
Coconut: Coconut flakes are often found in the baking section at the grocery store, but you want to be SURE you use the coconut flakes that are unsweetened. The extra sugar isn’t needed in these date balls!
Cashews: Raw cashews (unroasted and unsalted) are the preferred variety, but if you use roasted and salted that is fine too. Cashews are high in monounsaturated fats, have 5g of protein per ounce and are a good source of magnesium as well.
Almonds: Using raw almonds is preferred, but roasted or salted will still work if that is what you have on hand. Almonds add 6g of protein per 1 oz as well as 4g of fiber! They are high in vitamin E and Magnesium, making them an excellent addition to these coconut date balls.
Pepitas: Pepitas are shelled pumpkin seeds and are sometimes found in the bulk section of grocery stores, or bagged along with the other nuts and seeds.
Vanilla Extract
How to make Coconut Date Balls
With only a few simple ingredients (Raw cashews and almonds, pumpkin seeds, coconut, dates, and vanilla extract) these bites of energy come together quickly and easily.
1. Soaking your dates (if they are hard). When you press on the dates, do they give easily to the pressure of your fingers? Are they sticky to the touch? If you answered yes to both, then you can likely skip this step and just toss them right in the food processor.
If you process hardened dates, you will end up with a crumbly texture that will likely take a bit of extra water and a lot of extra time to come together in the processor.
2. Add all ingredients to the food processor. Process the mixture for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mixture is a bit crumbly or dry looking, add water 1 tsp at a time until it is wet and sticky in appearance and easily forms a ball.
3. Roll into balls. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and gently roll into balls. You should get approximately 12 balls depending on the size you roll them.
4. Add toppings and store. Roll in extra shredded coconut if desired. Refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs Tips and Tricks
Can you freeze date balls?
Yes! You can freeze these date bites for up to 3 months. Just toss in the refrigerator a few hours before you want to eat them, or over night. You can also take from the freezer and keep for a snack later in the day (without refrigerating them).
Adding Toppings to Date Bites
Getting the flaked coconut to stick to the dates bites can be tricky. The easiest way I have found to do this is to be ready to roll immediately after processing.
After they date mixture has been in the food processor for 2 minutes, it will be slightly warm and wet looking. The toppings stick best when they are warm and slightly stick from being freshly processed.
Other toppings you can add: Crushed almonds, Shredded Chocolate, Cocoa Powder.
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Coconut Date Balls
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates about 13 dates, packed
- 1/2 cup cashews unsalted preferred
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes plus more for sprinkling if desired
- 1/4 cup almonds unsalted preferred
- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) unsalted preferred
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- If dates are hard, Soak in warm water 10-15 minutes.
- Add all ingredients to food processor. Run for two minutes, scraping down sides as needed. If mixture is too dry or seems crumbly, add a tsp of water at a time until it is slightly sticky and can form a ball easily.
- Roll approx. 1-1.5 Tbsp of mixture into balls. Makes approximately 12 balls. Roll in excess coconut flakes if desired.
- For Best Taste: Refrigerate for 2 hours before eating. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Freeze up to 3 months.
Notes
Not ready to make the dip just yet? Add this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board to save for later!
Want more Quick and Easy Snacks? I’ve got you covered with a few tasty ones below!
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