Date and Oat Energy Balls

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These oatmeal date balls are wonderful snacks. Energy balls (or energy bites) are high-density snacks meant to keep you on the go on busy days without having to stop for long to eat.

Energy balls with dates and oats make a great breakfast on the go, too. If eating in the car is your only option, these breakfast balls are a great way to start the morning. Just add your favorite cup of coffee, and you’re ready to hit the road. Enjoy just one energy bite, and you get why these are so great.

How To Make Perfect Energy Balls Every Time

As with most recipes, there is a ratio for each type of ingredient. For energy balls, the ratio is as follows:

• Nuts and Seeds: 2 parts (e.g., mixed nuts, seeds)
• Dried Fruits: 1 part (e.g., Medjool dates)
• Flavor Enhancers: 1 part (e.g., cocoa powder, vanilla extract)

Other Ingredients For Date Balls With Oats

• Coatings: To taste (e.g., shredded coconut, cocoa powder, crushed nuts)
• Protein Boosters: Optional, based on preference (e.g., nut butter, protein powder)
• Flour and Grains: Optional, based on preference (e.g., oats)
• Natural Sweeteners: To taste (e.g., honey, maple syrup)
• Unique Flavors: To taste (e.g., dark chocolate chunks, spices)

What About The Nut Butter?

While you don’t need nut butter to make energy balls, it sure makes the whole process easier. A good ratio is typically about 1 to 2 tablespoons of nut butter per cup of nuts or dried fruits. This can vary based on your preferences and the ingredients you use. Nut butter is both a binder and a way to add some creamier texture to the finished energy balls.

Nut-Free Energy Balls

If you can’t have nuts, that’s not a problem. You can omit them completely and still make great energy balls with dates as the “glue” that holds them together.

Energy Ball Variations

There are so many ways to switch up the flavors of energy balls. The list of things you can add or switch out is almost endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Nuts and Seeds

1. Sunflower seeds
2. Pumpkin seeds
3. Chia seeds
4. Flaxseeds
5. Hemp seeds
6. Almond slices
7. Pistachios
8. Pecans
9. Cashew pieces
10. Pine nuts
11. Walnuts
12. Macadamia nuts

Flavor Enhancers

1. Groun cinnamon
2. Ground nutmeg
3. Ground cardamom
4. Ground espresso powder
5. Matcha powder
6. Ginger powder
7. Almond extract
8. Orange zest
9. Lemon zest

Protein Boosters

1. Protein powder
2. Peanut butter powder
3. Almond flour
4. Almond meal

Natural Sweeteners

1. Coconut sugar
2. Maple syrup
3. Honey
4. Molasses

Dried Fruits

1. Raisins
2. Cranberries
3. Apricots
4. Goji berries
5. Dried mango, chopped

Coatings

1. Melted dark chocolate drizzle
2. Shredded coconut
3. Cocoa powder
4. Crushed nuts
5. Crushed pretzels
6. Mini chocolate chips
7. Granola clusters
8. Crushed graham crackers
9. Dried coconut flakes
10. White chocolate chips

Flour and Grains

1. Oats
2. Rice cereal
3. Quinoa puffs
4. Coconut flour
5. Muesli

Unique Flavors

1. Dark chocolate chunks
2. Spirulina powder
3. Maca powder
4. Acai powder
5. Turmeric powder

Ingredients For Oat Date Balls

Pitted Medjool dates – You can use any type of date, but Medjool dates work best.

Cashews – You can use any type of nut here. Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts will work well here.

Oats – Use traditional oats or quick-cooking oats. While the latter is processed, they do add a nice texture. So the choice is yours.

Unsweetened cocoa powder – This is optional but tasty.

Almond butter – If you prefer, you can use cashew butter, natural peanut butter, or seed butter. The type you use is up to you.

Pure vanilla extract – Use the real stuff, not vanilla flavoring.

Salt – I used pink Himalayan salt. But you can use whichever type of salt you normally cook or bake with.

Optional For Coating Date Oatmeal Balls

• Shredded coconut – These should be unsweetened.
• Cocoa powder – No sugar added.
• Crushed nuts – These should be finely ground or chopped.

How To Make Energy Balls With Dates And Oats

Gather and measure all your ingredients.

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend for at least 5 minutes or until the mixture starts to ball up. Blend it as smooth as you want it. If it’s too dry, you can add a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil. Your dough should be kneadable when done.

Set up your workstation.

Take 1 tbsp. portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. If desired, roll the energy balls in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts for coating.

Place the coated energy balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate or freeze the energy balls for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.

Enjoy one bite at a time.

Storage

To store date and oat balls, place them in layers in a container with a piece of parchment between each layer. Make sure you use an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, and keep these in the fridge in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These freeze really well and can be eaten straight from the freezer. Frozen, they will last up to 2 months if packed well, as shown above.

More Energy Ball Recipes

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• 2 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 cup whole oats
• 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, but tasty!)
• ½ cup unsweetened almond butter
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Optional Coating For Date Oatmeal Balls

• shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• unsweetened cocoa powder (you can mix it with natural sweetener if you think it will be too bitter)
• crushed nuts (any type you prefer)

Please note that the nutrition data given here is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible.

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

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