With just 5 simple ingredients, no added sugar, and flavor similar to brownie batter, these no-bake Chocolate Date Balls are a favorite snack. They store well, too!
I love using dates to sweeten no-bake snacks and bars like my Fruit and Nut Bars and Date Bars—and they are such a great base for these Chocolate Date Balls.
Quick Look: Chocolate Date Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serving: 12
- Flavor Profile: Natural cocoa flavor with cookie dough texture
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for everyday snacks and meal prep
- Why to Make: It’s a yummy homemade snack with protein and fiber.
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Table of Contents
These Chocolate Date Balls are great for toddler snack, pregnancy snack, or a postpartum snack—they have balanced nutrition and are satisfying from the beneficial fats.
Why this Recipe Works
By making a quick batter with dates, cashews (or nut-free sunflower seeds), cocoa powder, and vanilla, you can create a chocolate energy bite that’s free in added sugars, high in nutrients including protein and fiber, and just tastes great.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Chocolate Date Balls so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Cashews: I like to use raw cashews in this recipe because of their neutral flavor and creamy texture once blended. You can also use almonds, or go with sunflower seeds if the balls need to be nut-free.
- Medjool dates: This type of date is best in these no bake bites as they are sweet but also blend easily. Look for pitted ones or plan to remove the pits.
- Vanilla: You can use pure or artificial vanilla extract here to add a little extra flavor.
- Cocoa powder: I use unsweetened cocoa powder to add the chocolate flavor to these no bake date balls.
- Unsweetened coconut (or rolled oats): These help ensure the batter is easy to form into balls and also give you the option of rolling them in something not sticky, sort of like truffles.
How to Make Chocolate Date Balls
Here’s a preview of how to make these Chocolate Date Balls so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Place the cashews in a medium bowl and cover with water. Let sit to soften. Drain and pat dry.
Step 2. Add the cashews to the bowl of a food processor with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3. Pulse until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.
Step 4. Roll into balls. I use a mini ice cream scoop to make this easy. Serve or store for later.
Chocolate Date Balls FAQs
Yes, just use raw sunflower seeds in place of the cashews or almonds. That works well.
No, they are best stored in the fridge for longer term, but they hold their shape just fine at room temperature.
You can serve them plain, cut into smaller pieces, or paired with a toddler smoothie, vanilla milk, a yogurt drink, or a Cherry Smoothie as you like.
How to Store
Store Chocolate Date Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Soften at room temp for a few minutes if needed for younger eaters.
Best Tips for Success
- You may also want to cut them up into smaller pieces if your little one tends to stuff big bites of food into their mouth!
- You can use almonds instead of cashews.
- Roll each in shredded coconut or additional cocoa powder to make them look like truffles.
- Use rolled oats instead of the coconut if you prefer.
More No-Bake Treats
No Bake Chocolate Date Balls
Ingredients
- 1½ cups cashews (or raw almonds or sunflower seeds)
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons shredded and unsweetened coconut (or rolled oats)
Instructions
- Place the cashews in a medium bowl and cover with water. Let sit for 30-60 minutes to soften. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Remove the pits from the dates, if needed.
- Add the cashews to the bowl of a food processor with the rest of the ingredients. Pulse, stopping to scrape down the sides often, until ground into a relatively smooth paste-like dough.
- Use a tablespoon measuring spoon to portion out dough, rolling each in the palm of your hand. (If the batter becomes sticky, wash your hands and start again, or pop the batter into the fridge for a few minutes.)
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Soften at room temp for a few minutes if needed for younger eaters.
- You may also want to cut them up into smaller pieces if your little one tends to stuff big bites of food into their mouth!
- You can use almonds instead of cashews.
- Roll each in shredded coconut or cocoa powder to make them look like truffles.
- Use rolled oats instead of the coconut if you prefer.
Can I use almond flour? Since the recipe calls for blending the dates and nuts together?
What are you wanting to use it in place of?