Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls are not only mouthwatering but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you get a snack that’s both healthy and indulgent. They’re rich in healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein, making them an ideal option for anyone looking for a filling yet light snack. Plus, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making them a versatile and guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates (about 12 dates)
- ⅔ cup coconut flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder (for rolling)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Process the Ingredients: Add all the ingredients (Medjool dates, coconut flour, cocoa powder, peanut butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt) into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when lightly squeezed. If the mixture seems too dry, add up to 3 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to help it set and firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Form the Balls: Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into small balls.
- Coat with Cocoa Powder: Roll each ball in the ⅓ cup of cocoa powder until it is evenly coated.
- Store: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 12-15 energy balls
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Feel free to add extra mix-ins like chopped nuts, chia seeds, or dried fruit for additional texture and flavor.
- Different Nut Butters: You can swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you prefer or have nut allergies.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you like your energy balls a bit sweeter, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup or agave syrup into the mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
- Reheating: These energy balls are served cold, but if you prefer them at room temperature, simply allow them to sit for a few minutes after removing from the fridge.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of Medjool dates?
Yes, you can substitute Medjool dates with other sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey. Keep in mind that this might affect the texture, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
2. How do I know when the mixture is ready?
The mixture is ready when it forms a crumbly texture that holds together when squeezed. If it falls apart, add a little more water to help it stick.
3. Can I make these energy balls without a food processor?
While a food processor is the easiest tool for making these energy balls, you can also blend the ingredients using a high-speed blender or mash the dates manually and mix by hand. It may take a little extra effort, but it’s possible.
4. Can I use other types of flour instead of coconut flour?
Yes, you can use almond flour or oats as an alternative, but the texture may vary slightly. Coconut flour is very absorbent, so if substituting, you may need to use more or less depending on the flour type.
5. How can I make these energy balls more chocolatey?
For a richer chocolate flavor, you can add a bit more cocoa powder or mix in some chocolate chips (dairy-free, of course, for a vegan version).
6. How long do these energy balls last in the fridge?
They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the fridge.
7. Can I freeze the energy balls?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply store them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
8. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can easily substitute almond butter or any other nut or seed butter for peanut butter.
9. What can I use if I don’t have cocoa powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can substitute with raw cacao powder or even carob powder, though the flavor may be slightly different.
10. Can I make a larger batch of these energy balls?
Yes, feel free to double or triple the recipe to make more energy balls. Just ensure that the mixture stays consistent, adjusting the water or coconut flour as needed.
Conclusion
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls are the perfect snack for those looking for a healthy, energizing, and delicious treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these no-bake energy balls provide a satisfying combination of natural sweetness, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a post-workout snack, these energy balls are a great way to fuel your day!
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 energy balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls are a delicious and nutritious no-bake snack packed with Medjool dates, coconut flour, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. They provide a satisfying combination of natural sweetness, healthy fats, and plant-based protein.
Ingredients
1 cup Medjool dates (about 12 dates)
⅔ cup coconut flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup peanut butter
3 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
⅓ cup cocoa powder (for rolling)
Instructions
- Process the Ingredients: Add all the ingredients (Medjool dates, coconut flour, cocoa powder, peanut butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt) into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when lightly squeezed. If the mixture seems too dry, add up to 3 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to help it set and firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Form the Balls: Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into small balls.
- Coat with Cocoa Powder: Roll each ball in the ⅓ cup of cocoa powder until it is evenly coated.
- Store: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Notes
Feel free to add extra mix-ins like chopped nuts, chia seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
If you prefer a different nut butter, you can swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
If you like your energy balls sweeter, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup or agave syrup to the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 energy ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
