Date energy balls with peanut butter and chocolate, coated in shredded coconut

I’ve been meaning to try making some snacks that I could take with me after the gym, but I kept putting it off because I was always missing the main ingredient: dates. Or, when I did have some, *le husband would eat them before I had a chance to actually make anything with them. 😯

Eventually, I decided to make these date energy balls with peanut butter, dark chocolate, oats, seeds and coconut. They’re really easy to make and require no baking, which is already a big plus in my book.

After every fitness session, I come out of there completely exhausted and with zero energy left. If I also do an hour of cardio afterwards, I can barely move. I don’t understand why people say exercise gives you energy — I’m exhausted every single time. If I also have to work after the gym, I survive on an energy drink or a short shot of espresso. 😀

I like recipes that don’t require too much effort, and this one definitely falls into that category.

There’s no need to turn on the oven, make complicated creams or spend hours in the kitchen. Basically, you prepare the mixture, roll it into balls and you’re done.

I also find them much more interesting than the overly sweet protein bars you can find in stores.

I’m not saying these are some kind of miracle food or that eating one will suddenly make you capable of running a marathon. 😁 They’re simply tasty and filling energy balls, perfect as a quick snack between meals or after a workout.

What Do They Taste Like?

If you like dates, peanut butter and chocolate, chances are you’re going to like this combination too.

The dates make them soft and naturally sweet, the peanut butter adds creaminess, while the cocoa and dark chocolate bring that rich chocolate flavor that I obviously couldn’t leave out. 😂

The coconut coating is mostly there for the texture and looks, but also because I love coconut and tend to add it to pretty much everything whenever I think it works.

Make Them Your Own

The best thing about recipes like this is that you don’t have to treat them like mathematical formulas.

If you want them sweeter, you can add a little honey or maple syrup. I didn’t feel the need for any extra sweetener, as I found the dates sweet enough on their own.

You can also switch up the seed mixture or adjust the amount of cocoa and chocolate if, like me, you believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate. 🤭

The only thing you need to pay attention to is the consistency. The mixture needs to be firm enough to roll into balls by hand. If it’s too soft, you can easily adjust it by adding a little more oats or coconut.

Date energy balls coated with shredded coconut, with one cut open to show the chocolatey interior

How to Store Them

I keep them in the fridge, in an airtight container.

I like having a few ready to go for those days when I get home from the gym completely exhausted and don’t feel like preparing anything else.

They’re also great as a snack between meals, especially when you’re craving something sweet and want a little treat instead of opening an entire pack of cookies. Although I’m not promising you won’t open the cookies afterwards too. 😅

More Recipes with No Added Sugar

If you enjoy sweet treats and snacks but prefer recipes with no added sugar, I have a few more recipes on the blog that are worth trying.

No-Bake Puffed Quinoa Chocolate Dessert

Apple Oat Bread