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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.

overhead photo of a bowl of chocolate coconut date balls on a light pink backdrops

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!

close up photo of coconut date balls on a white piece of parchment paper

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
overhead photo of medjool dates and bowls of coconut, hemp seeds, and cacao powder on top of a wood cutting board

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.

a pictures of a clear food processor with a mixture of blended dates, coconut, and chocolate inside

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!

overhead photo of 11 chocolate coconut date balls on top of a parchment-lined baking sheet

Favourite Food Processor For Energy Balls

Recipe Modification Ideas

While this recipe tastes SO good on it’s own, here are some ingredient additions that you may enjoy:

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!

straight on photo of a parchment-lined bowl filled with chocolate coconut date balls

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!

closeup photo of a bowl of healthy chocolate coconut date balls, with one ball having a bite out of it

More Healthy Energy Ball Recipes

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)

Bite-size and delicious, these chocolate coconut date energy balls are the perfect healthy make-ahead snack. The only equipment you need is a food processor. Recipe is vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and no-bake!
overhead photo of a bowl of chocolate coconut date balls on a light pink backdrops
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Ingredients

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

*STORAGE:
  • 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!
 
*INGREDIENT ADDITIONS: While this recipe tastes SO good on it’s own, here are some ingredient additions that you may enjoy:
 
* ALLERGENS: This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. 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.

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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pinterest graphic for a 4-ingredient chocolate coconut date balls recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.