Easy Chocolate Coconut Date Energy Balls (Vegan)
Bite-sized and delicious, these chocolate coconut date energy balls are the perfect healthy make-ahead snack. They’re only 4 ingredients and the only equipment you need is a food processor. Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for these healthy no-bake energy bites to firm up in the freezer! Recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free.
According to my boyfriend, these chocolate coconut date balls are “one of the best recipes [I’ve] made lately.” I have to agree – we absolutely DEVOURED them and I can’t wait for you to make them too!!
These energy balls use only 4 simple ingredients, although I share some recipe modification ideas below if you want to play around with them.
As a dietitian, I am all about food that is nutritious and delicious. This recipe is no exception. It makes for the tastiest midday snack or after dinner treat, plus it packs in a ton of nutrition benefits that I highlight below!
This healthy snack idea also happens to be vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free*, making it an awesome idea for a variety of nutrition concerns or preferences.
*While coconut has the word “nut” in it, it is not considered a tree nut (like almonds, cashews, or walnuts). For most people allergic to tree nuts, coconut should be ok to eat. However, some individuals can also be allergic to coconut. If you have a nut allergy, please talk to your doctor to see if coconut is ok for you.
Want more energy ball recipe ideas? Check out my roundup of healthy, no-bake energy bites recipes! I’ve also got a roundup of 30+ healthy meal prep snack recipes for even more snack inspiration!
Are Bliss Balls Healthy?
This energy ball recipe uses only 4 simple ingredients (plus water!), all of which pack in a variety of nutrition benefits.
Medjool Date Nutrition:
- rich in dietary fibre (2 dates provide over 3 grams)
- a source of essential micronutrients like:
- potassium
- magnesium
- copper
- manganese
- iron
- vitamin B6
- a source of antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid
- like other dried fruit, they’re a concentrated source of natural sugar and are not a low sugar food
- despite their high sugar content, they also pack in a ton of nutrition benefits and can be enjoyed in moderation!
- the protein, fibre, and fat content of the other ingredients in this recipe will lessen the impact of dates on blood sugar
Looking for more recipes with dates? These energy balls with dates are another one of my favourites!
Coconut Nutrition:
- rich in minerals, like:
- manganese
- copper
- magnesium
- selenium
- potassium
- iron
- zinc
- a source of insoluble fiber, which helps to promote digestive health and regularity
- a source of fat
- fat helps with the development of our brains, hormones, and all cells throughout our bodies
- fat also helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and helps to keep us feeling full and satisfied
- despite coconut being higher in saturated fats, research shows that coconut intake may actually improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Cacao Powder Nutrition:
- an excellent source of antioxidants, which help to fight free radical damage in the body
- a good source of essential minerals, like:
- iron
- magnesium
- copper
- manganese
- potassium
- zinc
Hemp Seed Nutrition:
- one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in heart health, brain health, and reducing inflammation throughout the body
- a great source of plant-based protein, with just 3 tablespoons providing 10 grams of complete protein
- a good source of micronutrients, like:
- vitamin E
- zinc
- iron
- calcium
- potassium
- magnesium
How To Make Chocolate Coconut Date Balls
This coconut date ball recipe is incredibly easy to make! The only equipment you need is a food processor (I use this one) and about 20 minutes of “active” time.
Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for them to firm up in the freezer ;).
All you do is pulse the pitted medjool dates, desiccated coconut, cacao powder, hemp seeds, and a splash of water in your food processor until it forms a paste-like texture.
Then, use a spoon and take a couple scoops of the mixture into your hands. Roll into balls, then roll those balls into some extra coconut to coat the outsides.
Place the finished energy ball on a plate or baking sheet and repeat until you’ve used up all the date mix. Transfer to the freezer for 2 hours to firm up. That’s it!
Favourite Food Processor For Energy Balls
Large Food Processor
This is my go-to large food processor from Cuisinart. It’s a super quick and powerful way to create things like energy balls, sauces, shredded cheese, veggies, and more!
Recipe Modification Ideas
While this recipe tastes SO good on it’s own, here are some ingredient additions that you may enjoy:
- rice crispy puffs (puffed rice)
- raw nuts, like almonds or pecans
- raw seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin
I haven’t personally tried adding the above ingredients to these date balls, but I think they would taste SO good and add a bit of crunch to them!
Can Date Balls Be Frozen?
Definitely – it’s part of the recipe directions, but can also be a storage method for these date balls.
If you think you’ll eat these balls up within the week, simply store them in an airtight container in your fridge.
However, if you’d like to keep them for longer you can store them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer. Simply thaw the balls for a few minutes before you enjoy them!
More Healthy Energy Ball Recipes
- Coconut Matcha Energy Balls
- Almond Butter Energy Balls
- Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Balls
- Carrot Cake Energy Bites
- Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites (Nut-Free)
Did you give this Chocolate Coconut Date Balls Recipe a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!
Get the Recipe: Easy Chocolate Coconut Date Energy Balls (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 20 large medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup desiccated coconut (shredded, unsweetened) + more for rolling
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 2 Tbsp water
Instructions
- PREP: Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Then, place a few spoonfuls of desiccated coconut into a separate small bowl or dish. This is NOT the 1 cup of coconut that goes into the balls, but what the balls get rolled into so that they're coated on the outside! Set aside.
- In a large food processor, add pitted medjool dates, desiccated coconut, cacao powder, hemp seeds, and water. Pulse until it forms a paste-like texture. If things aren't sticking together, feel free to add a splash more water until it does.
- Using a large spoon, take a couple spoonfuls of the mixture from the food processor and place it in your hands. Roll into balls, then roll the balls in the dish with the coconut until the outsides of the balls are fully coated. Place finished ball onto the parchment lined baking sheet/plate. *this part is meant to be a little messy!
- Repeat until all mixture is used up. Recipe as written should make about 10-12 balls, depending on size.
- Place the plate/sheet of balls into the freezer for 2 hours to allow them to firm.
- Allow balls to thaw for a couple minutes before you enjoy them! The texture is meant to be soft and chewy. Store remaining in the fridge or freezer 🙂
Notes
- If you think you’ll eat these balls up within the week, simply store them in an airtight container in your fridge.
- However, if you’d like to keep them for longer you can store them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer. Simply thaw the balls for a few minutes before you enjoy them!
- rice crispy puffs (puffed rice)
- raw nuts, like almonds or pecans
- raw seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin
Nutrition
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!
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26 Comments on “Easy Chocolate Coconut Date Energy Balls (Vegan)”
I want to make these but am wondering if I can substitute flax seed for the hemp?
Hi Victoria! I think flax seeds would work just fine in place of the hemp seeds! Let me know how that turns out 🙂
Just made theses and they taste like anything you may have had before : simply amazing 🤩
I just added a pinch of salt, cause in my opinion chocolate and salt are a great combo, but that is just me 🙂. Will make them again and again !
Hi Marie! Thank you so much for sharing your experience – I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed these!! Also adding a pinch of salt is GENIUS and I need to do that the next time I make them. You are so right that chocolate and salt are made for each other! I might even include that as an optional addition in the recipe ;). Thank you again and hope you have a wonderful week!
This is definitely a keeper. I’m not sure what the difference is between hemp hearts and hemp seed, I only had hemp hearts on hand so used them. Love this recipe. Very easy to make and they taste great. I understand why your and your husband ate them all, LOL.
Hi Carol,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience – I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one! And LOL yup these don’t last too long in the house hahah. Also hemp hearts are a hulled hemp seed and are what you typically find in store – totally what I was referring to, I tend to use the terms interchangeably. Thanks for pointing it out so I can make that clearer next time!
Ooh just saw Marie’s comment and I’m going to add a little dash of salt in my next batch too! I LOVE this recipe, it is so delicious and easy! I made it last night and it is one happy household over here 🙂 I can’t wait to make these as treats for my friends and family as well, they are going to love this!
Hi Meeyeon! Love it!! I’m going to add salt to the next one too hahah. Thank you so much for sharing your experience – I’m so happy you and the family enjoyed these!! Hope you have a great week 🙂
Absolutely delicious, easy recipe that is a crowd-pleaser! I will definitely be making these on a weekly basis.
Hi Kathryn,
Thank you so much for sharing – it’s so appreciated!! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one! Will be working on more energy ball recipes, so stay tuned 🙂
Hello! I wanted to know if the hemp seed can be replaced by something else?
Hi Jessica!
Thanks so much for your question. Definitely! This one’s pretty flexible. You could try using raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, or some almonds or pecans in their place! I haven’t personally tried those ingredient combinations, but I can only imagine the flavour profile would work great :). I’d love to know if you give them a try!
Can I use fresh whole dates instead of medjool. They are moist like medjool.
Hi Valerie! Thanks so much for your question. Fresh whole dates should work just as well – just be sure to remove the pit 🙂
Thanks. I did try them and worked great. I loved the hazelnut ones and now I will try the coconut ones.
So happy to hear that, Valerie! Thanks so much for sharing. I’d love to know if you try any others 🙂
Can I use chia seeds instead of hemp seeds?
Hi Chloe! I haven’t personally tried these with chia seeds, but I imagine that they would work!
I made these just like the recipe and thought they were delicious. I have a sweet tooth and I’m always looking for that bit of sweetness without so many calories. This recipe satisfied my “healthier” sweet tooth and being a small size helps me to portion my sweet intake a bit. I like the idea of using the dates. I used Deglet dates, which take the same as Medjool dates, but cost a little less. This recipe has been added to by recipe box!
Hi Stacey! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. It’s so appreciated. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe and that it satisfied your sweet tooth!
Love the tip about using Deglet dates – I’m not familiar with them, but I’ll have to keep an eye out next time I’m at the grocery store 🙂
I make these every week without fail. They are my go-to afternoon snack when I need an energy boost. So easy to make and so delicious. I love to mix up the nuts in these too – pecans are my fav combo!
Hi Emma! Aw I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy these ones!! So flattered you make them every week :). Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I will need to try these with pecans – that sounds delish!!
I made these yesterday after being recommended your page by my nutritionist! These are so good and just the right amount of sweet. 😊 As a teacher I can’t take anything that contains peanuts to school, so it is really great to have an energy ball made without nut butter! Thanks Carrie. 😊
Hi Emma! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review – it’s so appreciated!! That’s so nice of your nutritionist to send you my way!
I’m so happy you enjoyed these and that you were able to bring them to school! These chocolate cherry energy bites are another nut-free option if you’re looking for more inspo 🙂
Hi!! Do you have the nutritional facts for this recipe? Grams for carbs, fat and protein?
Hi Teresa! I don’t typically calculate the nutrition facts, but I ran this through a calculator and each ball is approximately 32g of carbs, 4g of protein, and 7g of fat!