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You are here: Home » Snacks

Date Balls with Superfoods

Dec 9, 2024 -May contain affiliate links

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Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 2 reviews

For a quick, protein-filled pick-me-up, make up a batch of these date balls to keep on hand and snack on them often.

Date balls in two stacked tea cups

Made with raw cocoa, nuts, and dried berries, these no-bake energy ball truffles are just the kind of yummy, gluten-free, vegan, nutrient-packed, easy-to-make, good-for-you snack that you need to take care of your chocolate fix for the day.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Date energy balls come together quickly and are free of refined sugar. They are a naturally sweetened snack that can double as a gorgeous homemade gift for any occasion. You can customize the flavor and texture to suit your preferences. See our tips below!

Dates add natural sweetness while goji berries, chia seeds, and cocoa nibs provide tons of superfood nutrients and vitamins. This is a sweet treat you can feel good about snacking on.

Ingredients for energy balls labeled

Ingredients for Date Balls

  • Goji Berries or dried cranberries.
  • Orange Juice &Hot Water. to soften the berries
  • Dried Sour Cherries.
  • Pitted Medjool Dates. These provide natural sweetness. If you prefer deglet noor dates, you can use those instead, just soak them along with the goji berries.
  • Coconut Oil. at room temperature
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. 
  • Salt.
  • Raw Hemp Seeds.
  • Chia Seeds.
  • Raw Cocoa Nibs.
  • Chopped Walnuts or Pecans.
  • Cashew or Almond Flour. Other date ball recipes use peanuts and peanut butter, you can go ahead and replace the nut flour with peanut butter if you wish.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Coating

  • Dark Chocolate Chunks. You can use any chocolate you like.
  • Coconut Oil. Room temperature.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder.

How to make Date Ball Energy Bites

energy balls ingredients in a food processor
  1. Step 1: Soak the goji berries in orange juice and hot water. Add the dried fruits, oil, and almond milk to a food processor or high-powered blender.
ingredients for energy balls being ground in a food processor
  1. Step 2: Pulse to finely chop and combine.
energy ball ingredients in a food processor after being ground to a paste
  1. Step 3: Add the cocoa powder and salt. Pulse to combine well.
energy ball mixture in a mixing bowl
  1. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the remaining ingredients, and mix by hand. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, then roll into balls.
overhead shot of 22 energy balls coated in cocoa powder
  1. Step 5: Roll the date balls in cocoa powder and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
close up view of sate balls on parchment paper
  1. Step 6: Drizzle with chocolate and serve.

Substitutions and Variations for Energy Bites

One of the fun things about these protein-rich treats is that you can come up with endless variations that still taste amazing. 

  • Try mixing in your favorite nut butter like peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter. You can swap out the cashew or almond flour and use any nut butter instead. 
  • Use ground flaxseeds to add omega-3 fatty acids.   
  • Add spices like red pepper flakes to bring some heat, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and even some espresso powder.  
  • Use agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup for extra sweetness.  
  • Have some fun and crush your homemade granola bars to coat the exterior. 
  • Want to add more crunch? Add a cup of mini chocolate chips for an extra treat. 
  • Up the protein content by adding your favorite protein powder. 
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt for that salty-sweet balance.
  • Some recipes add rolled oats, quick oats, steel-cut oats, or instant oats as a binder for energy balls.  Our recipe worked great without them
  • Coat the date balls with shredded coconut to make coconut date balls
  • Add pumpkin seeds, almonds, or rice cereal for extra crunch.

Tips to Make Tasty Energy Balls

  • If you don't have fifteen minutes to wait while the mixture refrigerates, pop the bowl in the freezer for five minutes instead. 
  • Use a cookie scoop to make sure that all of your date balls are equally sized. 
  • Once you form the truffles, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the fridge while you prepare the chocolate for drizzle.  
  • Using a high-quality cocoa powder improves the overall flavor of the recipe.

Raw cocoa, nut & berry truffles. #truffles #cocoa #goji berries, #Chia Seeds, #cocoa nibs, #vegan # gluten Free #kosher

Serving Suggestions

  • Keep these date balls with superfoods on hand for quick snacking.
  • Place them in a clear gift bag and tie a pretty bow around them to give as a homemade gift.
  • After drizzling with chocolate, sprinkle with espresso powder, sesame seeds, pink salt, or crushed nuts to add some color and texture.

Storage Tips

  • Once the chocolate drizzle has hardened, refrigerate your date balls in an airtight container until you serve them. 
  • Freeze leftover energy balls in an airtight container for up to three months and thaw them directly in your lunch box or at room temperature. 
  • You can start by freezing them spread out on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and then move them to a freezer-quality bag once they are mostly frozen.
close up view of sate balls on parchment paper

More Great Energy Ball Recipes to Make

Keep a batch of each of these on hand in your freezer at all times!

  • No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls 2 Ways
  • Chickpea Cookie Dough
  • One Bowl Cocoa Nut Energy Bites

Naturally Sweet Recipes Using Dates

  • No Fuss Salted Tahini Date Caramel
  • Date Sweetened Raspberry Lemonade
  • Maamoul - Nut or Date Filled Middle Eastern Cookies
  • Date Protein Shake
  • 5- Ingredient Chocolate Chia Pudding
  • Almond Butter Cookies
  • Charoset Bites

If you enjoyed this recipe, it would help us tremendously if you left us a star rating in the comments below or on the recipe card. Do you have any questions about the recipe? Do you need a swap for any of the ingredients? We are here to help, just leave us a question in the comments below.

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Close up view of date balls with superfoods

Date Balls With Superfoods


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Vicky Cohen and Ruth Fox
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 24 truffles
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Made with supefoods, these date balls  are just the kind of nutrient-packed,  vegan, and gluten-free snack you need to energize your day.  


Ingredients

Units Scale

FOR THE DATE BALLS

  • ½ cup Goji Berries, if you can't find them replace them with dried cranberries
  • 4 tablespoon orange juice
  • 4 tablespoon hot water
  • ½ cup dried sour cherries
  • 5 large Medjool dates, pitted or 10 smaller dates, pitted
  • 2 tablespoon coconut oil, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon raw hemp seeds
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoon raw cocoa nibs
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ¾ cup almond flour, cashew flour or any other nut flour
  • CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE AND COATING
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Soak goji berries in orange juice and water until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain and discard the liquid. If you are using dried cranberries, you don't need to soak them. 
  2. Combine the soaked goji berries, cherries, dates, coconut oil, and almond milk in a food processor. Pulse a few times to form a rough paste.
  3. Add unsweetened cocoa powder and salt and pulse again until well combined. Transfer to a bowl.
  4. Add hemp seeds, chia, cocoa nibs, walnuts, and almond flour. Mix well using a spatula or your hands. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  5. Working with approximately 1 tablespoon at a time, form the truffles and place them in the freezer while you prepare the drizzle. It helps to use an ice cream scoop to form the balls.
  6. To make the drizzle, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl, and melt in the microwave at 20-second increments, stirring after each 20 seconds.
  7. Roll the truffles in unsweetened cocoa powder and drizzle with melted chocolate

Notes

  1. If you want to serve them as a boozy dessert you can replace the orange juice with Whiskey or Dark Rum.
  2. If the dates you are using seem a little dry, soak them in orange juice like the goji berries
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: raw
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Date Ball
  • Calories: 88
  • Sugar: 5.2 g
  • Sodium: 31.9 mg
  • Fat: 5.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.9 g
  • Fiber: 2.2 g
  • Protein: 2.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.1 mg

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mayihavethatrecipe on Instagram and hashtag it #mayihavethatrecipe #tahiniandturmeric

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joanie Avena

    December 26, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    Hi! I sure enjoy your posts of good recipes. In response to the hair issue and it driving you mad, I may have some solutions for you. I need to know more though before I make any recommendations for your specific hair care needs. It is frizzing, bushy and dry? What is your hair type-fine or course, thin or thick quantity, length presently, do you have any processes on your hair currently such as a perm, color, or hi lighting? A pic would also be helpful. I was a licensed practicing hairdresser in CA for nearly 40 years and have been called on over the years to help many unhappy "harried" people, mainly women, to assist in managing their manes. I specialized in restoration hair care for individuals who had natural or processed problem hair. It's not necessary for you to be in hell with your tresses...let me take a look-maybe I may be of assistance. I'm inviting you to correspond with me to end your hair wildness, to tame it and soothe your concerns. I know how frustrating it can be! I tend to be that half full type of person as well so let me lend a hand to do something positive to impact you in a pleasant way. Happy Holidays! Be well!
    Yours truly,
    Joanie

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 27, 2013 at 2:40 pm

      Thank you for taking the time to write and offer your help. I will be in touch with you via email.

      Reply
  2. Sarah & Arkadi

    December 26, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    These truffles look fantastic!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 27, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      Thank you very much, and they are healthy too!

      Reply
  3. Dianna

    December 27, 2013 at 1:17 am

    From your description of your hair, it sounds like you might benefit from a Chi Enviro treatment! I have very curly hair that has its own agenda too! I can tame it on low humidity days, but on humid days it looks like I have a Brillo pad sitting on top of my head!!! I had my first Chi Enviro treatment about 2 years ago and it was life-changing!! It is like Keratin, but this is chemical-free and it smoothes the hair shafts so that humidity doesn't affect it in the same way as before the treatment. My hair still curls in humidity, but it's a softer and smoother curl, rather than that Brillo pad look! You might want to do an internet search to find a beauty shop in your area that does the Chi Enviro treatments.

    Thanks for so many wonderful recipes!! Our absolute favorite was the Cold Rice & Tofu Salad with the Three Mustard Dressing! I made it several times during the warm weather and served it to my husband and grown children. Everyone loved it! We have recently stopped eating corn and peas so when it gets warm again, I will just add other vegetables - like green beans and carrots.

    Good luck with your hair!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 27, 2013 at 2:33 pm

      Thank you very much for your hair advise, I will email you, if that's OK.

      Reply
  4. Ashley

    December 27, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    These truffles look and sound delicious! I need some healthier options in my life right now - too many cookies this holiday season!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 27, 2013 at 2:39 pm

      That's what we though, some healthy treats would be great after indulging in cookies over the holidays.

      Reply
  5. jessica // the kosher foodies

    December 27, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    sorry to hear about your hair issue

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:39 pm

      Thanks. I could be worse...

      Reply
  6. Yosef - This American Bite

    December 27, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    My favorite ingredient here is the chia!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:38 pm

      We are fans of chia, and we have also discovered that cocoa nibs give a great crunchy texture, we are obsessed with them now

      Reply
  7. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes

    December 28, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    Sorry about your hair troubles but if it's any consolation I hate my hair, too!! It's the worst!! It's very fine and VERy thin and I'd basically trade hair with anyone if I could 🙂

    I DO love these truffles!!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:35 pm

      I feel for you. AL least we have cocoa truffles!

      Reply
  8. Monica

    December 28, 2013 at 9:45 pm

    Hard to believe these truffles look so good and are healthy and vegan. Great job!
    And I wish you beautiful hair transformation in 2014! ; )

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:34 pm

      Thank you and thank you. I think I need a hair miracle 🙂

      Reply
  9. Thejewishhostess

    December 28, 2013 at 11:14 pm

    I forwarded this recipe to my daughter. We make different versions of these truffles all the time but this recipe has extra healthy ingredients !

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:33 pm

      Thank you very much. We really wanted to pack the nutrients in there!

      Reply
  10. Jamie Geller

    December 29, 2013 at 2:45 am

    try a wig 🙂 now you have to share truffles with me!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:32 pm

      Ruth has bought about it at times, but she really wants to find a solution for her real hair. We will share the truffles with you any time. When will you be back in the US?

      Reply
      • Jamie Geller

        January 01, 2014 at 12:59 pm

        LOL - that's certainly the less expensive direction 🙂 I will be back for KFWE in Feb are you guys going?!

        Reply
  11. Sarah Klinkowitz

    December 29, 2013 at 10:12 am

    These look so yummy!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:31 pm

      Thank you we enjoyed them a lot.

      Reply
  12. Layla @ Brunch Time Baker

    December 29, 2013 at 10:34 am

    These truffles look so yummy! Its like they are calling my name!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      Really easy to make, you just need to have all the ingredients available.

      Reply
  13. Lillian @ sugar and cinnamon

    December 29, 2013 at 10:52 am

    I once got so frustrated with my hair I had it cut an inch short. Don't do that! It was even worse! On another note these truffles look absolutely amazing! I'm so jealous right now 🙂

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      I did that as well, and I know it's not the solution. Good thing I have these truffles to make me feel better!

      Reply
  14. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl

    December 29, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    So this is pretty much the recipe I need right now in life! These truffles look amazing!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 2:29 pm

      Thank you. We are guessing you need a little "cleansing" from the holidays!

      Reply
  15. Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen

    December 29, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    Oh my gosh - these could NOT look any better. It makes me want to fly down there and try them myself!!! Don't be surprised if you get a knock on your door! Hahahaha!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 10:40 pm

      Ha, ha, ha, we will be waiting for you. We would love to meet you in person. We better make another batch just in case, because we just finished the last one.

      Reply
  16. Dina

    December 29, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    these sound amazing and healthy! would love to try them.

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 10:37 pm

      Thank you Dina, if you please let us know what you think.

      Reply
  17. marcie

    December 29, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    I love guilt-free ways to enjoy sweets, and these truffles look incredibly delicious! I need guilt-free after my holiday binging. Happy New Year to both of you!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 29, 2013 at 10:35 pm

      Happy New Year to you too! We figured we could come up with some truffle packed with nutrients and we did!

      Reply
  18. Natalie @ Obsessive Cooking Disorder

    December 30, 2013 at 12:56 am

    oh my, that top photo looks divine! I've been planning on making truffles and this looks amazing. now if only I can convince the family to try these healthier versions hehe....

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 30, 2013 at 9:01 am

      You don't have to tell them they are healthy and maybe go a little heavier on the chocolate drizzle on top 🙂

      Reply
  19. Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life

    December 30, 2013 at 10:02 am

    Also saw these on FG and put them on my to do list:) I love truffles, especially date based ones, and these are way better than your average date + coca recipe. You are so creative! These would make my bad hair and makeup days much more managable!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 30, 2013 at 9:54 pm

      Thank you. We figured everyone needed something a little healthier after the holidays.

      Reply
  20. Melissa {lilmisscakes}

    December 30, 2013 at 10:16 am

    These look so good, I love your presentation in the little paper cups, so cute!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 30, 2013 at 9:53 pm

      Thank you Melissa.

      Reply
  21. Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner

    December 30, 2013 at 11:14 am

    I love it when healthy looks yummy, like these truffles!
    Bad hair day?! Oh yes, I can sympathize!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 30, 2013 at 9:52 pm

      Thanks, good way not to feel guilty eating truffles!

      Reply
  22. Ronnie Fein

    December 30, 2013 at 11:46 am

    Oh boy oh boy, you got me here. Because, basically, I have had a bad hair day for my entire life. I have thin, wispy, fly-away hair that I can never make look good. And I have NEVER gotten used to it. Oh well, at least the color is nice. So, I hear you about the hair. As for the truffles, they look delish, so I could eat them for any reason. But, truth to tell, I will still hate my hair even after eating a pound of these.

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 30, 2013 at 9:51 pm

      So sorry you feel like that about your hair, I thought you looked really good when I met you. You will have to meet my sister now so you can talk about hair 🙂

      Reply
  23. Alison@AliBabka

    December 30, 2013 at 10:30 pm

    Hakunah Matata! We all have those days (so you're not alone) but still stinky. These would for sure brighten up my days though.

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      December 30, 2013 at 11:09 pm

      This truffles are Full of omega 3 and other great nutrients, maybe that will help my hair 🙂

      Reply
  24. Kelly

    January 01, 2014 at 6:41 am

    These truffles look great! Love that they are healthier too, I need that after all the indulging I've been doing. Hope you both have a wonderful 2014!

    Reply
    • Vicky & Ruth

      January 01, 2014 at 2:05 pm

      Thank you Kelly!

      Reply
  25. Couldn't Be Parve

    January 02, 2014 at 2:03 am

    As someone with very curly hair, I feel you on the hair issue. I love your pictures of the truffles, they sound delicious but look even better.

    Reply
  26. kim

    March 05, 2024 at 2:58 pm

    Can you provide an approximate measurement for the dates either in grams or volume - like 1/3 cup? It is hard to know how many to use.

    Recipe sounds great and I am anxious to try it once I get all the ingredients. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Vicky and Ruth

      April 16, 2024 at 9:48 pm

      You need approximately 120gr of pitted dates.

      Reply

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Welcome!

We are Vicky & Ruth, authors of the vegan cookbook Tahini and Turmeric. Born and raised in a multicultural Jewish-Lebanese-Spanish household our culinary journey began in Barcelona, Spain where we learned from our family the rich flavors of Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, Morocco, and Spain. From our mother's fragrant Lebanese dishes to our grandmother's secret Sephardic Turkish specialties, our Moroccan friend's fragrant recipes, our sister's vibrant Israeli creations, and our neighbor's authentic Spanish fare, each dish was a key that unlocked new exciting yumminess.

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