Energy Balls with Dates and Walnuts

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

An easy snack for busy days, energy balls with dates are perfectly sweet and packed with nutrition! They’re quick to make and are the ultimate mess-free healthy snack for kids and adults alike.

Quick Look at the Recipe

🍽️ Flavor: Sweet and nutty
🕒 Ready In: 20 minutes
👥 Servings: 35 energy balls
🥣 Main Ingredients: Dates, walnuts, shredded coconut
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan, paleo
❄️ Freezer Friendly: Yes!
👩‍🍳 Tip: Since walnuts are naturally soft, they blend easily, allowing the energy ball mixture to become finely ground and perfectly smooth.

Woman smiling while standing in a sunny room.

The One Snack Everyone Asks For

As a busy mom, I’m always looking for quick, healthy snacks. While I love taking time to bake something special like homemade fig bars, sometimes I just need recipe I can throw together in minutes.

That’s why I keep coming back to these date energy balls! If I go a few weeks without making them, my husband starts asking for them. And once my toddler knows we have them, the only thing she wants all day is “date balls.”

What Makes these Energy Balls Special?

Simple, healthy ingredients packed with flavor, natural sweetness, and nutrition.
Quick, no-bake treat ready in minutes!
No-mess snack for perfect for kids and adults.

Ingredients

Fresh dates – Not dried dates! I used Deglet Noor dates in this recipe, but Medjool dates would also be delicious. If you use Medjool dates, you can reduce the number of dates by 50% since they’re so much bigger.
Walnuts – This recipe calls for walnut halves, however, since they’ll be ground up, feel free to use halved, chopped, or walnut pieces. If you use chopped walnuts, use 2 cups instead of 2 1/2 cups.
Shredded Coconut – Make sure to use unsweetened shredded coconut. The dates add all the sweetness this recipe needs.
Chia seeds – If you prefer, you can substitute flax seeds or leave them out.

Tools Needed

Food processor – If you don’t have one, you can also use a high-speed blender.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Walnuts, dates, chia seeds, salt, and vanilla in a food processor.

Step 1: First, place the dates, nuts, chia seeds, salt, and vanilla in a food processor or high speed blender.

Step 2: Blend until it comes together as a soft, smooth dough.

Chef’s Tip: If you let your food processor run too long, the mixture may get very oily and become difficult to work with. In this case, just put it in the fridge for 10 or 15 minutes to firm up again before rolling into balls.

Step 3: Form the dough into small approximately 1 1/2 inch balls and roll in shredded coconut.

Side angle of energy balls with dates in a baking dish.

Step 4: Then put them side-by-side on a dish or baking sheet, cover, and place them in the fridge to chill for an hour.

Enjoy your delicious energy balls!

If you’re looking for more energy ball recipes, check out my pumpkin energy balls and date protein balls!

FAQs

How do I store energy balls with dates?

You can store energy balls with dates in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. They will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Just make sure the container is airtight as it’s very easy for them to pick up other flavors from the fridge or freezer.

Can I make energy balls with dried dates?

Dried dates will work okay in this recipe, however, I don’t recommend it. The energy balls will be drier and less flavorful.

Can I turn date energy balls into protein balls?

Yes, if you want to make date protein balls, simply add a small amount of protein powder to the mixture. For exact measurements, see my recipe for protein balls with dates that was inspired by this recipe.

Why are my date energy balls so oily?

If you let the food processor run too long, the walnuts will release too much oil and make the balls oily. If this happens, simply place the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before rolling them.

Violet’s Tips for Serving

These are my favorite on-the-go snacks! I keep them in the freezer and grab a few right before heading out. By the time the kids are ready for a snack, they’re perfectly thawed and ready to eat.

If you try this recipe, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome