These energy balls really fill me up with energy but also joy because they’re really exceptionally delicious. I’m not particularly known for healthy recipes but that only means that I wouldn’t be posting them if they weren’t good. This recipe for Almond, Date and Oatmeal energy balls is incredible. I love how it tastes slightly of chocolate and doesn’t need any sweetening agents.
For me these are sweet enough but if you taste the dough (before rolling them into balls) and think that you need more feel free to add honey, maple syrup, agave or whatever you like these days. For me they’re perfect like this and I’m actually thinking of using the mix as a base for a tart! What do you think? :O! Let me know in the comments below.
Let’s talk almonds! The taste in these is really great because I took the time to toast the almonds. It really makes a huge difference in flavour and you should not skip this step. The same applies if you’re switching the almonds for hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts or whichever you prefer.
Now let’s talk chocolate! The inside of these has a tiny bit of cocoa powder (always go for 100% cacao) but not too much. The reason for this is that energy balls are already quite dense and to me, more cocoa powder would make them even denser. However that cocoa powder exterior is here to come to your rescue if you’re a chocolate lover. Also of course if you prefer you can also add more to the inside.
Ingredients
- 120 g almonds
- 320 g pitted dates
- 200 g rolled oats not pre-cooked or quick oats
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder 100% cacao + more to cover the balls
- water if needed
Instructions
- Spread out the almonds on a baking tray and toast at 180C / 350F for 5-10min or until slightly darker in colour and fragrant. Remove and let cool completely.
- Cover the dates in boiling water for 10 min. Then remove the water and let them drip the excess by placing them on a colander over a bowl for 5 minutes.
- Put all the ingredients inside the bowl of a food processor and process until you get an even paste. Try to form a ball in your hands and if you think it’s too dry add a teaspoon of water. Repeat until you like the consistency.
- Measure a tablespoon of cocoa powder and place it on a plate. Add more later if needed.
- Use a cookie scoop to measure out 1 ball and roll the dough between your wet hands until it’s completely round. The water from your hands will then make the cocoa powder stick to the balls.
- Roll the ball on the cocoa powder and pat to remove any excess. Roll once again between your hands.
- They’re ready to eat! They keep in the fridge for 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
1 comment
I like these. Sometimes mix grated coconut with the cacao to roll the balls in. Stops them sticking to each other and tastes lovely. Occasionally substitute a few of the dates with dried cranberries and some of the oats with chia seeds to vary. Thanks for sharing the recipe.