Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Energy Balls
Chocolate Coconut Date Energy Balls will help you satisfy your chocolate cravings with a mix of protein, healthy fats, and naturally sweet dates and coconut. Pop these bite sized treats in your mouth for a quick, healthy snack and energy fix.
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Healthy Date Energy Balls
This recipe for Chocolate Coconut Date Energy Balls has been updated from the archives. It was originally published February 27, 2017.
A few years ago I was talking to Madeline about a recipe for Pina Colada Energy Balls that I had posted the previous September. Madeline had no idea what I was talking about. It was funny, because I’m convinced that she had eaten them (and loved them).
It really stood out in my mind because I posted this recipe as we were going through our crazy move after Kevin and I got married and it seemed like it was the only good thing in the house to eat at the time. Those no-bake energy balls pretty much sustained us through marathon sessions of packing and heavy lifting. I especially remember Kevin liking them a ton.
It was funny because he specifically told me not to tell him what was in them. He knew they were a healthy snack and he was sure he would suddenly stop liking them if he knew what the recipe was. But I have a memory of the kids eating them, too. I even showed Madeline the post and nothing about energy balls rung a bell for her at all.
So, I thought: Geez, I guess I had better make some date energy balls again. Instead of making the exact same version, I decided to experiment with a new take: Chocolate Coconut Date Energy Balls. I had a bunch of flake coconut and macadamia nuts leftover from the Coconut Chia Pudding Parfaits.
I knew I wanted to make something with a bit of chocolate flavor to it because I really love the pairing of chocolate and coconut together (who doesn’t?).
Adapting Energy Ball Recipes with Different Ingredients
The great thing about recipes like this is that they’re easily adaptable. Using the same, or approximate, measurements you can substitute different nuts or dried fruits. You can change things up even more if you want to add mix-ins for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Ingredients like mini chocolate chips or pumpkin seeds work really well, or in the case of these Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Energy Balls, I added both (because why not?).
Energy Balls are the perfect after school snack for kids. I also like to have one or two mid morning as a snack. Or, before I pick up the kids from school when I need a little snack boost between meals while I’m working.
I love coming up with healthy snack options that fuel the body while satisfying a little bit of a sweet craving.
Making this date balls recipe didn’t refresh Madeline’s memory about the other energy ball recipe, but she did love eating them and that’s a win in my book. Next time you’re craving a sweet snack, try these date and chocolate energy balls.
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Date Energy Balls Ingredients
These Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Energy Balls feature plenty of good-for-you ingredients:
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Make Date Energy Balls
These date nut balls are so easy to make. Literally, you just put most of the ingredients in the food processor and process them together until you get a thick mixture that is like the consistency of cookie dough.
After making the base of the recipe, I stirred in the mini chocolate chips and the pumpkin seeds. I love the extra punch of chocolate flavor while still maintaining a healthy balance. The pumpkin seeds offer a nice color contrast and an extra crunch, plus they’re good for you.
After forming the balls, I rolled the mixture into balls and coated the outsides with shredded coconut. Super simple!
How to Store Date Energy Balls
Store leftover no-bake energy balls in a zip top storage bag in the refrigerator. It is not necessary to bring them to room temperature prior to serving. They taste great cold. Consume within 5 days for best results.
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Tips for Making Date Energy Balls
When making these healthy energy balls, be sure to buy unsweetened shredded coconut and not the pre-sweetened kind used in baked goods. Unsweetened coconut adds a subtly sweet coconut flavor and lots of texture without any added sugar.
Some dates are sold already pitted, while others are sold with pits in them. Double check that all of your dates are pitted before adding them to the food processor. You don’t want to damage your equipment!
Also, you’re welcome to use any type of dates you’d like. Just make sure they’re not super dry. Although the dates sold in supermarkets are dried, they should still feel somewhat “juicy” and shouldn’t be bone dry.
More Healthy Snack Recipes:
These Chili Lime Spicy Chickpeas make for a great snack or salad topping. You need just 5 minutes of hands on prep and 7 ingredients!
These “Cheesy” Kale Chips are a great, healthy way to satisfy your cravings for something salty and cheesy. Nutritional yeast gives them a nutrient-rich cheesy flavor without any added dairy.
Mocha Roasted Almonds are an incredibly easy snack to make that will help you satisfy your sweet tooth without ransacking your healthy snacking goals.
These easy to make Pumpkin Chai Chocolate Chip Granola Bars feature oats, real pumpkin puree, chai spices, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas.
Homemade Microwave Popcorn is super simple to make and is a great snack when you’re craving something a little salty and a little crunchy.
Have you ever made energy balls?
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Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Energy Balls
Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Energy Balls will help you satisfy your chocolate cravings with a mix of protein, healthy fats, and naturally dates and coconut. Pop these bite sized treats in your mouth for a quick snack and energy fix.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Macadamia Nuts
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1 cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
- 30 Dates, pits removed
- 1/2 tablespoon Coconut Oil
- 1/2 tablespoon Honey
- 4 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds
- 1/4 cup Mini Dark Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 cup Finely Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
Instructions
- Fit the bowl of a food processor with a standard chopping blade.
- Add the macadamia nuts, chia seeds, and the unsweetened coconut flakes to the bowl.
- Place the processing bowl on the food processor unit.
- Fit it with the lid, according to manufacturer instructions, and pulse the mixture 10 times to mix the ingredients and roughly shop them.
- Add the dates, coconut oil, honey, and cocoa powder to the macadamia nut mixture.
- Replace the lid and process for 1 minute, or until the mixture becomes the consistency of thick dough.
- Turn the mixture out into a mixing bowl and stir in the pumpkin seeds and mini dark chocolate chips.
- Divide the dough evenly into 30 rolled balls.
- Then, roll each ball in the 1/3 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to coat the outside.
- Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in a zip top storage bag in the refrigerator. It is not necessary to bring them to room temperature prior to serving. They taste great cold. Consume within 5 days for best results.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 2 ballsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 4gSugar: 12gProtein: 2g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
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Let me know if you try this recipe and what you think of it by leaving a comment below.
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Sheila DelCharco says
I’m making these tomorrow! Do you think they’ll be sweet enough with just the dates if I leave out the honey?
Katie says
yes I think so!
Christine says
Wow! I’ve never heard of energy balls before. And you don’t need to bake them! I’m sure my kids would love these, too. Thanks for sharing the recipe!