Healthy Energy Balls

5 of 1 vote
Prep time: 10 minutes
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Looking for a healthy and delicious snack? These healthy energy balls are perfect for satisfying a small craving while staying balanced. Easy to prepare with ingredients you probably already have at home, I always keep a few in the freezer for when hunger strikes!

Ingredients for your Energy Balls

This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Pitted dates: The naturally sweet base of the recipe, adding both flavor and softness. If they’re a bit dry, soak them in hot water for a few minutes to rehydrate.
  • Rolled oats: Rich in fiber, they give the dough hold and add a nourishing touch.
  • Ground almonds or hazelnuts: A great source of protein and healthy fats (omega 3 and 6), as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Personally, I love the hazelnut version, which adds a richer, more indulgent flavor!
  • Almond or hazelnut butter: To bind the dough and also provides protein and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
  • Fleur de sel or sea salt flakes : Don’t forget it! A pinch is enough, but it brings out all the flavors and balances out the sweetness of the dates.

Note: You can add a little of vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, or 2 teaspoons of cocoa to vary the pleasure.

You’ll find the exact quantities in the recipe card at the end of this article.

Preparing these Healthy Energy Balls

Start by soaking your dates if they’re a bit hard. Soak them in hot water for 30 minutes, making them easier to blend.

Next, place the dates, ground almonds or hazelnuts, rolled oats, almond or hazelnut butter and a generous pinch of fleur de sel in a blender. Add the spices of your choice (vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, etc.). Personally, I don’t necessarily need them.

Blend until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few lumps left: this will add texture to your energy balls. The dough should be sticky but still come away easily from the mixer bowl.

Note : You may need to add a small amount of water – about a tablespoon – depending on the freshness of the dates, whether you’ve soaked them, and the consistency of the almond butter. This is completely normal!

Now it’s time to shape the balls! Take portions of about 15 g (the equivalent of a tablespoon) and roll them between your hands to give them a regular shape.

Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Note: Energy Balls freeze exceptionally well! Simply place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer. Take them out whenever you’re feeling peckish – I let mine thaw at room temperature or on a radiator for 15 to 30 minutes.

Variation Ideas for Healthy Energy Balls

  • Chocolate: Add dark chocolate chips to the dough before forming the balls.
  • Cocoa: Roll your energy balls in unsweetened cocoa powder for an even more chocolaty version.
  • Dried fruit: Add raisins, dried cranberries or apricot pieces before forming the balls for a sweet and tangy touch.

How to enjoy your Healthy Energy Balls?

These date energy balls are perfect anytime. I often enjoy them:

  • As an energizing snack before or after a workout.
  • With a cup of tea or coffee when I’m working and need a boost.
  • For a quick breakfast with plain yogurt and fresh fruit.

More Healthy Snacks Recipes

Looking for more healthy snack ideas? Check out these other recipes on my blog!

Frequently Asked Questions about Energy Balls with Dates

How many energy balls per day?

2 to 3 energy balls per day are generally ideal and sufficient! If you do a lot of sports or take them on a hike, you can eat more.

How should you store energy balls?

Energy balls can be stored in an airtight container or sealable freezer bag. They stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. Before eating, let them thaw for 15 to 30 minutes.

How long do energy balls last?

Energy balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Are energy balls actually healthy?

Yes, absolutely! Energy balls provide many essential nutrients, including healthy fats, fiber, and natural energy – all without refined sugar. My recipe is particularly light, with only 40 calories per ball!

Don’t hesitate to leave me a comment, it always makes me very happy!

Portrait of Geraldine LEverd, author of La Cuisine de Geraldine, a food blog with easy and healthy French cuisine.

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Recipe Card

Print Recipe

Healthy Energy Balls

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5 of 1 vote
Simple, quick and tasty, this recipe for date energy balls will quickly become an essential part of your homemade snacks!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 28
Calories 42 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1⁄3 cups dates pitted, 200 g
  • ½ cups ground almonds or hazelnuts 60 g
  • cups rolled oats 60 g
  • 2 tablespoons almond or hazelnut butter
  • 1 pinch sea salt flakes or fleur de sel
  • 1 pinch Vanilla, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Dried Fruit or Chocolate Chips optional

Instructions
 

  • If the dates are too hard, soak them in hot water for 30 minutes to soften them.
  • In a blender, add the dates, ground almonds or hazelnuts, rolled oats, almond or hazelnut butter, and sea salt. Add the spices of your choice (vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa).
  • Blend until you get a dough. It's okay if there are a few small chunks left. The dough should be sticky but should easily detach from the blender bowl.
  • Form evenly sized balls by rolling them in your hands (about 15 g per ball). Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.

Notes

You may need to add a small amount of water – about a tablespoon – depending on the freshness of the dates, whether you’ve soaked them, and the consistency of the almond butter. This is completely normal!

Nutrition

Calories: 42kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe?Tag @la.cuisine.de.geraldine on Instagram and let me know how it was!
5 from 1 vote

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Tasted amazing. Loved that used few ingredients! I did used peanut butter instead of almond/hazelnut. Still worked great!