.Chocolate Energy Balls.

I made these chocolate energy balls at my son’s school today as a healthy breakfast/snack alternative and the kids loved them. Some moms asked me for the recipe so here you have it.

I used to make these chocolate date balls years ago. In fact, I remember sharing this recipe as part of a presentation I did in nutrition school. They’re so good and so easy to make.

I have tried many different energy balls already. Some that are made with shredded coconut, but these ones today are made with walnuts, hemp seeds, and rolled in chopped almonds. They’re the perfect snack for a little energy boost, and they’re absolutely delicious to boot.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE ENERGY BALLS

Let’s chat a bit about what makes these chocolate energy balls so energizing in the first place.

• Walnuts: walnuts are a great source of healthy, satiating fats that help make these balls filling and balance out the sugar from the dates.
• Dates: medjool dates are my favourite; they’re rich, soft, and caramel-y. They give this recipe its sweetness and supply a good dose of energizing carbohydrates.
• Hemp Seeds: hemp seeds are a staple in my kitchen. They offer 3 important things: fibre, healthy omega-3 fats, and plant-based protein.
• Cacao: the raw, organic cacao powder used in this recipe is definitely a star when it comes to providing some energy. Cacao contains some caffeine, but also plenty of antioxidants and minerals like magnesium.
• Almonds: I like chopping up almonds and rolling the balls in them for an extra dose of monounsaturated fats (and crunch!)

Chocolate Energy Balls

 Prep Time 15 minutes

 Servings 24 balls

Ingredients

• 3 cups walnuts
• 1 cup medjool dates (about 10-12 large dates)
• 3-4 tbsp cacao powder
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds (optional)
• pinch sea salt
• 1/4 cup almonds, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Remove pits from dates. Soak dates in warm water for about 5 minutes to help them soften. 
2. Add walnuts to food processor and pulse until roughly ground, but not a fine powder.
3. Add dates and remaining ingredients to food processor and pulse until a doughy mixture forms. Start with about 10 dates, then taste-test the mixture to see if it needs more sweetness or more cacao powder to your liking.
4. Grab small chunks of dough and roll into small balls.
5. Finely chop or grind almonds in food processor. Add to small bowl.
6. Roll balls in bowl of ground almonds/coconut flakes until covered.

Recipe Notes

Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freezer for longer-term storage.

Enjoy!