If you're on the lookout for a snack that's not only delicious but also fuel for your adventures, look no further. Date energy balls without oats are grain-free protein bombs made with nuts and seeds that can be enjoyed for breakfast, a quick snack or dessert! Yes, dessert, but be mindful and eat only one a day.
If you haven’t noticed, I have an undeniable love for ball-shaped food like meatballs, ladoos, truffles, etc. 😁In my defence, this is an easy way to divide our respective shares. I don't know about you, but I found that F is not very mindful of his partner when it comes to food on the table. So, if I don't eat with him or make portions, I don't get enough of my share! 😆
Anyways, today's recipe is a variation of my dates energy bars but without oats. These no-bake energy balls are easy to make grain-free and protein-rich!
Ingredients
Adding natural sweetness and a boatload of energy, dates are the perfect binder for our protein-packed sweet balls. You don't have to use all the listed nuts and seeds. You can just stick to using one kind or use a variety of nuts based on what you have in your pantry.
- raw nuts like almonds or pistachios or roasted peanuts or cashews or pecans, etc.
- seeds like sesame seeds or chia seeds or flaxseeds
- pitted dates
- any flavour like cocoa powder or cinnamon powder or cardamom powder or pumpkin spice!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make it?
The basic recipe that I use for these date energy balls without oats starts with 1 cup of tightly packed pitted dates and a ½ cup of nuts and seeds with a pinch of salt.
Toss in some pitted dates, and your choice of nuts – almonds, cashews, or whatever you love. Pulse it up until you've got a sticky, textured mix. No protein powder needed here – we're keeping it all natural.
Now, here's where the fun customization comes in. Throw in some sesame seeds, a dash of vanilla extract, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra oomph. Roll those bad boys into bite-sized balls (tiny or large - you do you!), and thats it – you've just made some date energy balls that you can start your day with.
As you process, the natural oils of the nuts will bring the mixture together. You should be able to make smooth balls without any mess. You don't even have to grease your hands!
Tip
Don't forget to pit the dates before measuring or adding them to the processor.
Variations
- For nut-free version, replace the nuts with more seeds like sesame, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
- For energy balls without dates, you can check our my sweet rice and coconut balls recipe.
- You can choose to roll the balls in desiccated coconut or cocoa powder etc.
Equipment
- A food processor or a mixier grinder to grind the pitted dates with nuts and seeds.
- A rubber spatula to wipe clean and transfer the ground mixture.
Storage
These energy balls can stay on the counter in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days. You can also keep these refrigerated to last for 1-2 weeks. But I bet, you will eat them through by then.
FAQ
Energy balls are usually made with a combination of nuts, dried fruits, seeds and sometimes nut butter or protein powder making them a grab-and-go bite of good fats and energy.
Any soft sweet dates like Mabroom, Medjool, Sukary, Kudri, etc. will work. If the dates you have are dry, then make sure to soak them in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove, pat dry, pit, measure and use in the recipe.
Energy balls are healthy but generally not a low-calorie snack. The healthy fats in the roasted nuts and flaxseed make these nutritious and filling. Unlike most protein energy balls; this recipe does not call for oats or nut butter or sugar making this grain-free and refined sugar-free.
In a nutshell, these protein balls without oats are a game-changer. They're portable, tasty, and a stellar source of on-the-go energy. So, the next time you're craving a snack that's both a treat and a powerhouse, give these date protein balls a try.
📖 Recipe Card
Date Energy Balls without oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts, (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds, (chia or flax, etc.)
- 2 cups tightly packed pitted dates, (ajwa, mabroom, sukkary, medjool, etc.)
- a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix, (or cardamom powder or cocoa powder)
Instructions
- Add pitted dates, nuts, salt, ground spices or cocoa powder and seeds into a large mixer grinder jar or a food processor. Grind to a fine coarse texture until the mixture comes together and is not too sticky.
- Scoop a tablespoon of the dough and form it into smooth balls between your palms.
- Enjoy them right away or store them for later. Keep the energy balls refrigerated for 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
- If using peanuts, make sure they are pre-roasted or ready-to-eat ones.
- Roll the balls over a bowl of desiccated coconut for a variation.
Nutrition Info
If you have time, read this article that gives great insights on Dates in the UAE.
Tasneem says
So tasty and easy! Love!
Famidha Ashraf says
A super easy sweet snack that anyone without any cooking skills can make for loved ones. Healthy and 🤤