Energy Balls
Call them energy balls, energy bites, or bliss balls—these Almond Date Energy Balls are naturally sweet, warmly spiced, and incredibly addictive.
Servings: 30 energy balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole raw almonds (150g)
- 1 cup Medjool dates, seeded (about 8-9 large dates) (160g)
- 1 cup desiccated or unsweetened shredded coconut (70 g)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Topping
- 1 cup desiccated or unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped almonds (70 g)
Instructions
- Blitz the almonds. Place the almonds in a food processor and blitz until they are mostly fine. Do not grind them into a powder, or you’ll lose the crunch. If using for topping, blitz extra in a second batch!
- Finish the energy ball mixture. Now add the dates, coconut, olive oil, cinnamon, clove, honey (if using), and salt. Pulse in the food processor for about 30-50 seconds or until the mixture holds its shape when squeezed between your hands. If it is too dry to hold its shape, add a few drops of olive oil and blend again; if it is too wet, add a little more coconut.
- Portion the mixture. Using a cookie scoop (1 1/2-inch) or a tablespoon, take a portion of the prepared mixture and place it between your palms. Press the mixture firmly and roll it into a ball, ensuring it holds together well. If the mixture is very sticky, you may find it helpful to slightly wet your hands before shaping the balls. Repeat until all the mixture is done.
- Coat and store. Coat the balls in desiccated coconut or blotzed almonds, then place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm them up, then enjoy. Store in a sealed container in the freezer or fridge.
Notes
- Shop this recipe: Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients, including the olive oil and honey used in this recipe.
- 1 energy ball equals 1 serving
- Baklava Energy Balls: Substitute almonds with walnuts or pistachios, and add 3/4 teaspoon rose water, and an additional 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
- Middle Eastern Energy Balls: Substitute almonds with pistachios and add 8 (70g) dried apricots, chopped into small pieces; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 3/4 teaspoon orange blossom water.
- Chocolate-Walnut Energy Balls: Substitute almonds with walnuts, omit the ground clove, and add 2 teaspoons cocoa powder.
- Sesame Pecan Energy Balls: Substitute the almonds with pecans (same quantity) and add 1 tablespoon tahini paste to the base recipe.
- Medjool dates are renowned for their large size and exceptional softness.
- They offer a chewy texture and a rich, caramel-like flavor that makes them perfect for energy balls.
- Often referred to as the “king of dates” or Californian Dates due to their widespread cultivation.
- Medjool dates are prized for their superior texture, flavor, and high nutritional value.
- Deglet Noor dates are known as the “queen of dates."
- They are more affordable, smaller, and firmer compared to Medjool dates.
- Deglet Noor dates have a mild, nutty flavor and contain less sugar.
- For use in this recipe, soak dried Deglet Noor dates in water for 5–10 minutes to soften them, then drain and pat dry before adding to the food processor.
Nutrition
Calories: 97.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.9g | Protein: 1.6g | Fat: 7.8g | Saturated Fat: 3.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.7g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 41.4mg | Potassium: 102.1mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 4.3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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