Sweet and chewy easy, no-bake, date protein energy balls are a delicious snack you can enjoy any time of day or use as a pre-workout energy boost.
How about a superhero snack that’s both delicious and energizing? Imagine a treat that’s as sweet as a first date but as reliable as your morning coffee – ladies and gentlemen, it’s Easy Date Protein Balls!
These little spheres of delight combine the power of dates, almonds, oats, chia seeds, and your favorite protein powder to give you a snack that’s ready to conquer your cravings and keep you fueled for the day’s adventures.
Get ready to whip up a batch of these protein-packed energy bites that are as easy to make as they are to pop in your mouth (trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!).
This was inspired by my Peanut Butter Energy Bites on this site, but I wanted something with a little less peanut butter and more date-centered. But, you can’t go wrong either way.
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Date Protein Ball Ingredients
These protein date balls are not only delicious, but they are also a great source of nutrition. Dates are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while almonds are rich in healthy fats and protein. Chia seeds are also an excellent source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a great addition to any healthy snack.
- Medjool dates, pitted
- raw almonds
- rolled oats
- chia seeds
- pure maple syrup or natural sweetener of choice
- vanilla protein powder (vegan)
- cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt
See the recipe card below for quantities and detailed instructions.
How To Make Date Protein Balls
Protein date energy balls are an easy and convenient way to create a healthy and delicious snack. This recipe is highly customizable, and you can easily substitute different ingredients to cater to your taste preferences.
Place the dates in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they form a thick paste. Toss in the almonds and pulse. Then, add the remaining ingredients.
Blend all of the ingredients together until everything is well combined.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out the right amount of mixture. Use your hands and roll them into bite-size pieces.
Place each date ball on a baking sheet with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
If you want to add a little texture and extra flavor try rolling these in some shredded coconut before popping them in the fridge.
Hint: add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the mixture if it seems to dry while blending.
Substitutions
Here are a few substitutions if you need to make these date protein balls fit your dietary needs:
- Nut Allergy: If you’re allergic to nuts, replace almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and texture.
- Nuts: Try using other nuts like pecans walnuts, or cashews.
- Gluten-Free: To make these protein balls gluten-free, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats.
- Omega-3: Use hemp seeds or flax if you don’t have chia seeds.
Date Ball Variations
One of the best parts about this recipe? You’re in control of what goes into these amazing bliss balls, ensuring a wholesome and delicious snack every time.
- Protein – You can skip the protein powder and a scoop of natural peanut butter or other favorite nut butter.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or a dash of cocoa powder for extra flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Feel free to incorporate other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or raisins for added sweetness and texture.
If you’re looking for something a little different try these amazing Chai Spice Energy Balls by Gena from The Full Helping! They are AMAZE…BALLS! (see what I did there?)
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the protein date balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezer: Place the protein balls in a resealable freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store the container in the freezer. These protein balls can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Fuel your day with these Date Protein Balls – a great workout snack or treat that’s as easy to make as they are to devour. Try out this recipe and share your personal twists with me! Happy snacking!
More vegan snack recipes
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Easy Date Protein Balls (Vegan, Healthy)
Sweet and chewy easy, no-bake, date protein energy balls are a delicious snack you can enjoy any time of day or use as a pre-workout energy boost.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 balls 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pitted dates
- ½ cup of raw almonds
- ½ cup of rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup of vanilla protein powder (I prefer Vega)
- ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Begin by placing the pitted dates in a food processor and pulse until they become a sticky paste.
- Next, add the raw almonds and pulse until they are finely chopped.
- Add in the rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, protein powder, salt, and cinnamon to the mixture in the food processor. Pulse until everything is well combined.
- If the mixture appears too dry, add a small amount of water (1-2 tablespoons) to help bind everything together.
- Once the mixture is well combined and holds together, use your hands to roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Store the protein date balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store the protein date balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezer: Place the protein balls in a resealable freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store the container in the freezer. These protein balls can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Refrigerate: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Method: Fridge
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 27.3 g
- Sodium: 62.9 mg
- Fat: 5.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 38.5 g
- Fiber: 5.5 g
- Protein: 5.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: date protein balls, no-bake, easy vegan recipes, easy plant-based recipes, energy balls
Just had to make these! No oil like shop protein balls and such an easy recipe.
These are now on my list of a fave staple to make.
I made mine bite size, I’m happy with small treats- satisfying, but not over indulging on calories.
I’ve frozen half and rest in fridge for a daily treat with a cuppa. I reduced the maple syrup to 1 tablesoon and ysed water for 2nd tablespoon fir moisture. I didnt want the balls to be overly sweet- for my palate.
The dates and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup was perfect for sweetness.
I halved the 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and added hemps seeds for second tablespoon.
I love the options you have suggested, makes this recipe versatile to anyone’s taste.
Thankyou Shane for another winning Wfpb no oil recipe ♡
★★★★★
I made these today, and the combination of flavors and textures is delicious. Reading the recipe, I assumed they would be quite sweet, so I initially cut the maple syrup amount in half. However, I added in the rest because the maple flavor adds so much, as your testing of the recipe may have proved. They taste like a delicious candy confection to me, but a wholesome and healthy one at that.
★★★★
Sweet and chewy easy, no-bake, date protein energy balls are a delicious snack you can enjoy any time of day or use as a pre-workout energy boost.
★★★★★
Want to try this. I have a box of older almonds that are not very soft, and I need to use them. I can soak them. to soften a little. Would prefer to know how many ounces of the dates, as one cup can vary in amount. I hope my small food processor can handle this. I might need to add water with the dates at first, or go ahead and add the syrup. I will come back and give a rating after I’ve made them.
★★★★★
Use 12 large medjool dates.
Hey Shane, wondering if these would work without the maple syrup or using 25% as much and also using walnuts instead for the omega 3’s. Thoughts?
You should have no problems at all.