Chocolate Date Balls

Ingredients

• 11 pitted Medjool dates (Use 10–12 dates; soak in hot water and drain well.)
• 0.333 cup mixed nuts
• 0.5 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (Plus extra if using coconut flakes for coating.)
• 0.333 cup oats
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (Optional.)
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (Optional.)
• 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (Use honey or maple syrup.)
• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate (Melted for dipping.)

Steps

1. 1

   Soak the pitted dates in hot water for a few minutes to soften them. Drain and squeeze out the excess water.

2. 2

   Place the mixed nuts, coconut flakes, and oats in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground.

3. 3

   Add the softened dates, vanilla extract if using, and honey or maple syrup to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough ball.

4. 4

   Remove the dough from the food processor and roll it into small balls.

5. 5

   Melt the bittersweet chocolate. Dip the date balls in the melted chocolate, or coat them with coconut flakes; they may also be left without toppings.

6. 6

   Arrange the balls on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm enough that they do not stick together.

7. 7

   Transfer the firm date balls to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

The source does not specify the exact soaking time, chocolate-melting method, or freezer time; freeze until the balls are firm and no longer stick together.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• snack
• no-bake
• energy bites
• vegetarian
• gluten-free adaptable
• make-ahead
• freezer-friendly