These chocolate coconut date balls are a delicious and easy no-bake treat! Naturally sweetened with dates and cacao powder, they are the perfect pick-me-up snack. Vegan, gluten-free, and made with just a handful of ingredients!
These bite-sized balls are one of my favorite go-to snacks. The combo of nuts and chocolate satisfies any sweet tooth craving all while being packed with protein and healthy fats to help energize you!
Also, the texture of these energy balls is sensational. It's a cross between a vegan Almond Joy and a brownie: a sweet crunch and a soft, fudgy goodness. Are you drooling yet?? Jump to the recipe to get started or keep reading for all the deets!
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Chocolate coconut date ball ingredients
These chocolate coconut energy balls come together with a few wholesome ingredients.
- Medjool dates, pitted
- Raw almonds
- Raw pecans
- Unsweetened coconut shreds
- Cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
For the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, scroll to the recipe card below.
Tips for making no-bake chocolate coconut date balls
- Soft dates: For best results, check the softness of your dates before starting. You want them to feel soft and squishy. If they are firm soak them in hot water for at least 5 minutes, then drain them before adding them to the food processor.
- Blending: Pulse the ingredients on high in the food processor for about a minute. The mixture should come together creating a somewhat sticky dough with little bits of nuts throughout. When it's done, you should easily be able to roll a ball between your hands. If it's crumbly, add another tablespoon of warm water and pulse again.
- Texture: For a smoother texture, pulse the nuts by themselves first (or chop them by hand) and then add the rest of the ingredients and pulse again.
- Bite-sized balls: use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop for the perfect little bites!
- Parchment paper: line a tray or large plate with parchment paper to prevent the balls from sticking.
Customization ideas
These no-bake energy bites are the perfect midday snack and can easily be customized to fit your mood or the season! Here are some of my favorite variations:
Protein: swap the cacao powder for your favorite chocolate plant-based protein powder to increase the nutritional value and protein amounts. Alternatively, roll the balls in hemp seeds or crispy quinoa versus shredded coconut!
Chocolate: add cacao nibs, mini chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or vegan white chocolate chips to the balls for an even sweeter bite. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the balls and chill for 15-30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
Nuts: I love the combination of almonds and pecans, but feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts!
Seeds: pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds can be added for extra crunch and nutrients.
Spices: add cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of espresso powder for additional flavor.
Store date balls
Enjoy these tasty bites at room temperature, slightly warmed, or straight out of the fridge!
Fridge: After making, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If desired, place in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to warm up (such a cozy option when the weather is a bit cooler)!
Freezer: A cool and refreshing option, perfect for summer! Store the balls in the freezer, in a freezer-safe sealed container, separating them with parchment paper if needed to prevent sticking. Let them thaw slightly at room temperature before enjoying (a cool and refreshing option for summer).
More no-bake ball recipes
🍓Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bites
🥥 Date Almond Coconut Protein Balls
🥜 Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Protein Balls
📋 Recipe
Easy Vegan Chocolate Coconut Date Balls (No-Bake)
Equipment
- food processor
- plate or tray lined with parchment paper
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates, pittted about 8 dates
- ½ cup raw slivered or sliced almonds
- ½ cup raw chopped pecans
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- ⅛ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
Coconut Coating
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- First, feel your dates and make sure they are soft to the touch. If they aren't, soak them in hot water for at least 5 minutes to help them soften, then drain them. Add all of the ingredients (start with two tablespoons of water) to a food processor and pulse until a sticky batter is formed with bits of nuts throughout (mine took about 30 seconds). When the batter is done, you should easily be able to roll a ball between your hands. If it's too crumbly, add another tablespoon of water and pulse again.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of batter into your hand and roll into a ball. Repeat this process until the batter is gone (makes about 15-20 balls).
- For the coconut coating: Add coconut shreds to a shallow bowl and roll until coated, place back onto the parchment paper and let chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. Enjoy!
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