Date and Coconut Energy Balls

These date and coconut energy balls are a quick and easy snack. Made with dates, coconut, biscuits and walnuts, you will be lucky if you can keep up with the demand. I love having a batch of these stored in the fridge for the boys to snack on and to add to their lunchboxes. The best thing about them? They are super easy to make! You only need 7 ingredients, 20 minutes and a food processor.

Ingredients and Benefits

• Dates: For this recipe, we used the Camel Dates by Cinderella. You can opt to use any variety, but be sure to use pitted dates. These dates are ripened on the date palm until perfection in Iran, and then quickly packed and delivered to ensure they stay fresh. According to various clinical studies, dates have a good nutritional profile containing several vitamins and minerals including calcium, vitamin K and magnesium which are all needed for healthy bones. It also contains selenium which is an antioxidant that helps to prevent tissue and cell damage from toxins, and folate which is a B vitamin involved in healthy red blood cell formation and important in pregnancy.
• Coconut: The shredded coconut is high in antioxidants so it’s good for fighting disease. But it’s also high in saturated fats, so try not to use too much.
• Walnuts: Medical News Today reports that walnuts are a good source of healthful fats, protein, and fibre. They may enhance heart and bone health and help in weight management, among other benefits.
• Honey: Not only does honey improve cholesterol, but it also helps to lower blood pressure.

Helpful tips to making great no bake energy balls

• Soak the dates in warm water for approximately 10 minutes to soften them.
• Use a good food processor. I love how compact this one from kitchen aid is. If you prefer shopping from Amazon then this is a great deal! And finally, Russell Hobbs never disappoints…
• Try a variety of nuts (ie. Pecan nuts/almonds/peanuts).
• Add different things (ie. once processed you can add chopped cranberries/chia seeds/sunflower seeds/chocolate nibs.
• Why not add some spices such as cinnamon?
• Turn them into delicious chocolate balls by adding a tablespoon (or more) of cocoa.
• Use a kitchen scale to get even size balls. I make mine 20g. You can also use a cookie scoop to try and get even size balls.
• Let your energy balls refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before you roll them. This will allow the flavours to develop but also makes it easier to roll out.

Storing these date and coconut energy balls

These dates and coconut balls are great to snack on during the day, however, they aren’t the best stored at room temperature. They are best to be stored in the fridge, and enjoyed directly from there. They should keep for at least a month if kept refrigerated.

Can you freeze these date and coconut energy balls? 

Yes, absolutely! These are freezer friendly. Simply place the energy balls in a zip lock bag and place them in the freezer. These frozen energy balls will keep fresh for a maximum of 6 months. 

Simply thaw them by placing them in the fridge overnight or allow them to sit at room temperature. 

How to make these Date and Coconut Energy Balls

To get started, pit the dates if need be and soak them in hot water for at least 10 minutes.

While the dates are soaking, crush the biscuits. In a high-speed blender or food processor, add all your ingredients, including the dates. Pulse until fully combined, scraping regularly down the sides. Remove and place into the fridge to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Using your hands, form the balls and roll them in coconut until evenly covered. I suggest weighing the mixture before rolling it out into balls to ensure even sizing. (I made mine 20g each). Once finished, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months.

Until next time!