A Delicious Snack Recipe – Date Balls
Date balls have become a go-to snack for me when I need energy. They are sweet, delicious and satisfying. I like to pack a couple of them in my purse when I am having a busy day so that I can eat them on the go. They also make a treat to share with friends on a hike, golf outing or other outdoor activity where you are burning calories. The protein from the nuts helps balance out the natural sugar in the dates, and the healthy fats will keep you satisfied. Please keep your serving size to one or two balls, as dates are very sweet and these are a treat.
I have three different variations which will give you some fun options. I like to experiment with different nuts, dried fruits and nut butters. You don’t have to follow the recipes exactly, which I like, because I can use what I have on hand in my pantry.
Thank you to my talented (and healthy) friend Sandrine for this recipe – it’s a keeper!
Ingredients
- Peanut Butter Date Balls
- 8oz dates
- 6oz nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts...whatever you have on hand!)
- 2oz peanut butter or almond butter
- a handful of chocolate chips
- Tropical Date Balls
- ½ cup almonds
- 1 cup dates
- 2/3 cup dried fruits (I like pineapple or apricot)
- 2/3 cup coconut flakes
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Date Balls
- 1 cup dates
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup of coconut (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
- Pulse the nuts in food processor until desired size (some people like them chunkier).
- Add dates and pulse until dates are broken down.
- Add other ingredients and continue to pulse in the food processor.
- Form balls with your hands.
- Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
