Packed full of energy-boosting, nutritious ingredients these chocolate peanut butter energy balls are a tasty snack that's suitable for vegans and perfect for hungry kids.
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Hands up if you have a peanut butter addict in the house.
We are a house of peanut butter lovers and we get through one of those enormous 1kg tubs pretty much weekly. I buy the unsweetened kind.
With three hungry kids to feed I love how many different things you can do with peanut butter. So much more than just a peanut butter sandwich!
For example you can make delicious cookies with it, dip carrots into peanut butter, make peanut butter hummus or even make chickpea blondies using peanut butter.
This recipe however, is for chocolate and peanut butter energy balls. Using just five ingredients (plus two extra optional ones), they're:
- easy to make
- filling
- moreish
- kid approved
- vegan
- freezer friendly.
What are energy balls?
Energy balls are sometimes known as bliss balls.
They are typically dates, blended with other nutritious ingredients such as fruit, seeds or nuts, and then rolled into balls.
Are energy balls healthy?
Energy balls typically contain nutritious plant-based ingredients containing vitamins and minerals.
However, they also can be high in sugar (albeit natural sugars) and calories.
Ingredients
For full recipe, ingredients and quantities go to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
To make this recipe you will need:
- 250g dates, ideally medjool
- 50g oats
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter, ideally unsweetened
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons cocoa or cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- Pinch salt (optional)
Equipment
You'll need a food processor* to make energy balls. Process until all the ingredients come together in a big mass and then they'll be easy to roll.
Troubleshooting
- If your dates feel dry soak them in hot water for 20 minutes before processing.
- If you find your mixture too soggy I would recommend adding some extra oats or dates to the mixture until it comes together.
- Energy balls are much easier to roll if you lightly oil your hands first.
- Results can vary, especially if you're adding ingredients like fresh fruit - the juice levels, the exact quantity of fruit etc are hard to predict.
Great for kids to make
Energy balls are easy for children to make.
An adult can make the mixture in the food processor and scrape it out into a bowl (so as to avoid the sharp blade).
Lightly oil your child's hands and let them roll away - or get creative with the shapes.
I've made energy balls while teaching toddler cooking classes on many occasions and they're always popular.
More energy ball recipes
- hidden vegetable carrot cake energy balls
- nut free coconut energy balls
- raw blackberry energy balls
- fig and apple energy balls
- pumpkin and apricot energy balls
Or you might like these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars.
How to make chocolate peanut butter energy balls
If you've made this recipe please a star rating and comment below. Thank you!
Please do not reproduce this recipe without permission.
Chocolate peanut butter energy balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 250 g dates* chopped
- 50 g oats
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds optional
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder or cocoa powder
- Pinch salt optional
Instructions
- Place 50g oats in a food processor with 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds and a tablespoon of chia seeds (if using). Pulse until broken down.
- If you've soaked your dates* drain them well and pat dry with some kitchen towel.
- Place the dates into the food processor with the ground oats and seeds and add 3 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons cacao or cocoa powder and a pinch of salt if using.
- Pulse again until the mixture comes together.
- If the mixture seems too sticky add a little extra oats.
- Lightly oil your hands and roll into 12 balls.
- Place in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Keep refrigerated.
Notes
- *If possible use medjool dates to make this recipe as they are stickier. If you are using another kind of dates and they are dry you will need to soak them in hot water for 20 minutes before starting to make your energy balls.
- Depending on the strength of your food processor you may wish to grind down the seeds and oats before adding the dates to make a smoother texture.
- Nutritional information is approximate and is intended as a guide only.
- Suitable for freezing.
Nutrition
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Lilly
I was wondering if you had a nutritional table for this recipe
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Lilly, I have added it into the recipe card now for you
Kunal Pahuja- Handmade Chocolates
Amazing Recipe. I’ve tried it at home. Everyone liked it so much. Thank You so much!!
Mandy Mazliah
Glad you liked it!