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You are here: Home / Snacks / No Bake Cocoa Energy Balls without Peanut Butter

July 11, 2021

No Bake Cocoa Energy Balls without Peanut Butter

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These easy, healthy Cocoa Energy Balls only require 5 ingredients! They are sweetened naturally with dates and made without any peanut butter or oats. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Close up of a energy ball with a bite

Are you ready for a quick and easy versatile recipe that requires NO baking?! These delicious energy balls (aka protein balls, power balls, date balls) are perfect for snacks, breakfast, and dessert. Grab the simple ingredients and put these together in minutes.

Healthy no bake energy balls also make a great after school snack for kids. They are kid tested and approved! They taste decadent and sweet, but have no added sugars and all natural ingredients.

These energy balls are completely grain-free without any oats. Oats (especially raw) can upset your stomach and lead to indigestion, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or gluten allergy.

This energy ball recipe is also made without nuts, so they’re safe if you have a nut or peanut allergy. We’ve using sunflower seed butter instead, which is a delicious alternative. If you prefer using nuts, you can use a nut butter like almond butter.

Did I mention that these cocoa energy balls are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats? Let’s get started!

THIS RECIPE IS:

  • vegan + vegetarian
  • gluten-free
  • refined sugar-free
  • oil-free
  • paleo
  • dairy-free
  • corn-free
  • soy-free
  • peanut-free
Bowls of ingredients for energy balls

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS

  • Dates
  • Shredded coconut
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sunflower seed butter or nut butter
  • Optional: sea salt
  • Optional: maca powder
Bowl of healthy cocoa energy balls with a bite taken out

How to make Healthy Energy Balls with Dates

These healthy energy balls are quick and easy without any baking required! First, process the dates into small pieces. Then combine the dates and most of the shredded coconut in a bowl. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maca powder, sea salt, sunflower seed butter and mix well.

Dates processed in a food processor

Line a baking sheet or platter with parchment paper, then begin rolling the batter into balls. After forming each ball in your hand, roll them in the remaining shredded coconut to coat. Place on the parchment paper.

Enjoy right away or store in the fridge! We love eating this treat after storing them in the fridge. They taste extra creamy and have a fudge-like consistency.

Holding a energy ball in front of a tray of energy balls

Cocoa Energy Balls FAQs:

What are energy balls?

Energy balls are a nutritious snack consisting of healthy ingredients like seeds, nuts, and dates! They’re delicious and taste like dessert.

Are energy balls healthy?

These energy balls are a delicious healthy treat. The ingredients are natural and filling. They are grain-free and have no added sugar. The sweetness comes from the natural dates. The dates and shredded coconut are a great source of fiber.

Are energy balls a good snack for kids?

Yes, these energy balls are a great snack for kids. They are filling and won’t cause a sugar crash like typical snacks made with refined sugar. The seed or nut butter provides protein, and it’s a source of healthy fat.

When should I eat energy balls?

These energy balls are a healthy option without any refined sugar, so they’re suitable for breakfast, snacks, and dessert! They’re a great snack to take on the go. Keep a batch stored in the fridge whenever you need something easy.

Hand grabbing cocoa energy ball from bowl
Tower of healthy energy balls

Healthy No Bake Cocoa Energy Balls

Plantivore Kitchen
These easy, no bake Chocolate Energy Balls only require 5 ingredients! They are sweetened naturally with dates and made without any peanut butter or oats. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 balls

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups dates pitted
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon maca powder optional
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt optional
  • ⅓ cup sunflower seed butter or almond butter

Instructions
 

  • Process the dates in a food processor or high-powered blender until they're broken down into small chunks. Add to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  • Set aside 2 tablespoons of the shredded coconut in a small bowl, we'll use it to coat the energy balls at the end. Add the remaining shredded coconut to the medium mixing bowl with the dates.
  • Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maca powder, and sea salt. Mix with a spatula, spoon, or use your hands! Once the ingredients are mixed well, add the sunflower seed butter and mix again.
  • Line a baking sheet or platter with parchment paper. Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of batter and form it into a 1.5-inch ball with your hands. Roll the ball in the small bowl of shredded coconut to coat the outside, then place on the parchment paper.
  • Enjoy the energy balls right away or place in the fridge. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Medjool dates work well for this recipe, but you can also try other dates.
  • If your dates are very dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes then drain.
  • If you only have coconut flakes, process them in a food processor or blender until finely shredded.
  • Maca powder is a superfood that adds a caramel taste.
  • This recipe makes 12 balls that are 1.5-inches. You can also make them 1-inch to make 16-18 balls.
Keyword 30 minutes or less, After School Snacks, Kid-Friendly Snacks, No Bake
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Filed Under: 10 Ingredients or Less, Dessert, Paleo, Quick + Easy, Raw + No Bake, Snacks

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Hi! Welcome to Plantivore Kitchen

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I’m Lauryn – cat mom, wife, and wellness-obsessed content creator living with PCOS, food allergies & celiac disease. I love travel, gluten-free dumplings, wellness… Learn More →

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