Perfect as an after workout snack or when your sweet tooth is calling, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls are filled with good for you ingredients and are the perfect sweet bite.
So, are you someone who makes New Year’s resolution to lose weight? To exercise? To eat better? I love the idea of starting over at the beginning of the year, a reset. But then I also read a statistic somewhere (don’t quote me on this!) that only 8% of people actually keep their New Year’s resolutions.
That’s why I have never been great at following a specific “diet”. I’m more of a believer of making healthy changes in the way you eat, but I don’t cut things 100% out. Because for me, that just doesn’t work.
But what does work for me is finding recipes that are easy, fresh and delicious. And also good for you.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls
I love working out, so I’m always looking for a good snack that would be satisfying yet easy for before and after workouts. When I saw these Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls, I knew I had to make them.
I have seen the energy ball craze all around me, but this was actually my first time making them myself. And I can’t believe I waited so long, because these were so easy. Not to mention incredibly tasty.
I was a little leary of the bittersweet chocolate, thinking that it would not be sweet enough for my tastes, but it was actually pretty darn perfect. The sweetness from the dates, combined with the chocolate – it was perfection. My kids loved these, too, which is great since they are always looking for a snack before dinner. I can give them one of these and actually feel good about it.
These may have been my first energy balls, but they definitely won’t be my last!
How to Make Energy Balls
- You will need to soak the dates first so that you’ll be able to process them for the energy balls. All you need to do is soak them for 15 minutes in hot water and they should be soft enough. Make sure you save the water you soaked the dates in – you’ll need some of it.
- Process the softened dates in a food processor. If you need to, use some of the water so that the dates start to form a ball.
- Add the remaining ingredients and pulse to combine. Again, you can use some of the soaking water, if needed. The mixture won’t be smooth – you’ll just want it combined in pieces.
- Roll the mixture into balls with your hands.
- Refrigerate the balls for 30 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes, until they are set up.
- Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
My dates had pits in them, so I had to go in and remove them. This is super easy, and only takes a minute or two, but you want to make sure you don’t have any pits ruining your energy balls.
The recipe calls for lightly toasting the oats. You can do this in the oven, but I find it is easiest in a skillet on the stove. Just put them over low to medium-low heat and stir them until they become fragrant and lightly toasted.
Also, you can sub in almond butter, cashew butter, or any other “butter” for the peanut butter. My favorite is the Adam’s No-Stir kind.
More Healthy Recipes
Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
Lighter Cajun Chicken Pasta
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf
Mango Chicken Salad
Broccoli and Spaghetti Squash with Lemon Pepper Recipe
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed pitted Medjool dates
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats lightly toasted
- 2 ounces coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon baking mat.
- Soak the dates in hot water for 15 minutes. Drain the dates, reserving 1/2 cup of the soaking liquid. Transfer the dates to a food processor and process until coarsely chopped an the mixture just stars to form a ball. Add a little of the reserved liquid if needed.
- Add the oats, chocolate, flaxseeds, nut butter, and a few tablespoons of the soaking water to the dates and pulse or mix until combined. You want a mixture with small pieces, not something that is completely smooth.
- Carefully roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using the warmth of your hands to mold them together.
- Put on the baking sheet and let set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes.
- Keep in a zip-top plastic bag for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Joan Kubes says
I like to eat fresh foods as often as possible. If you don’t have room for a garden you could try growing some fresh herbs and lettuces in your kitchen window.
Ashley says
Can’t wait to try these out! They look really similar to energy buts that I’ve tried in the past and loved!!! 😍