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    Home » Snacks

    Published: Apr 14, 2020 · Modified: Apr 29, 2020 by Libby Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment · 843 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls

    Jump to Recipe

    Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls - a simple healthy snack that’s naturally sweetened and packed with great whole foods like dates and hemp seeds. They’re no bake, easy to make and taste like an almond joy!

    chocolate coconut energy balls in a grid
    Jump to:
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Tips, Tricks and Tools
    • 🥥 Nutrition
    • 🍽 More bliss ball recipes: 
    • 📖 Recipe

    Sometimes I just want a snack that’s sweet and rich, easy to make, and made with real food ingredients. Who’s with me??

    These chocolate coconut balls are just the ticket! They’re made with just five ingredients - dates, cocoa powder, hemp seeds, flaxseed and coconut. There’s no baking involved and they come together in just 20 minutes. 

    Perfect for when you want a sweet treat, but want something more nutrient-dense than a candy bar. Seriously, these taste like almond joys, but are certainly better for you. 

    🧾 Ingredients

    Dates - I like to use Medjool dates because I find they’re softer, but any variety will work. Make sure they’re soft. If your dates are a bit on the hard side, soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes until they soften up. Make sure to remove the pits before adding them to the food processor. 

    Cocoa powder - Look for high quality cocoa powder. Since this is what gives these bliss balls their chocolate flavor, we want to use the highest quality we can. Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder. 

    Hemp seeds - Technically a member of the same species as cannabis sativa, they are completely different varieties, so no, hemp seeds won’t get you high. Hemp seeds are packed with healthy fats and plant-based protein. Make sure to store these in the fridge too. 

    Ground flaxseed - adds fiber and healthy fats. Make sure to use ground flax - as it helps with digestibility. You can buy it per-ground or grind the seeds yourself in a coffee or spice grinder. Be sure to store your flax in the fridge (or freezer) to keep it from going rancid. 

    Unsweetened coconut - Look for shredded or desiccated coconut. You’ll want small pieces so it easily sticks to the outside of the energy balls. Make sure it’s unsweetened too. 

    chocolate coconut energy balls on plate

    🔪 Instructions

    1 - Blend. Add the dates to the food processor and blend until they form a paste. Then add the cocoa powder, hemp seeds, ground flaxseed and coconut. Blend until it forms a sticky dough. 

    2 - Roll. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out about 15 rounds. Then roll each one into round balls. 

    3 - Decorate. Put the remaining coconut on a small plate or shallow bowl and roll each ball in the coconut until it’s fully coated. Enjoy!

    💭 Tips, Tricks and Tools

    Tools: food processor

    Why did my energy balls turn out too dry? This is likely because of the dates. If your dates aren’t soft and squishy, you may end up with a dry mixture. Soften your dates by soaking them in water before blending or add a teaspoon of water to your already blended mixture to soften things up. 

    Storage: these don’t need to be refrigerated, but they do last longer when stored in the fridge. You can also store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

    chocolate coconut energy balls in small bowl

    🥥 Nutrition

    These chocolate coconut date balls contain protein (hemp seeds), healthy fats (hemp seeds), carbohydrates (dates and coconut) and fiber (dates, hemp seeds, coconut) making them a balanced and filling snack or dessert. 

    They are naturally sweetened, vegan, gluten-free and nut-free. They are a great snack or the perfect simple dessert. 

    🍽 More bliss ball recipes: 

    • Almond Butter Truffles
    • Seeded Vegan Bliss Balls
    • Oatmeal Energy Balls

    Loved these no-bake chocolate coconut balls?

    Comment below! And rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out! Not making it today? Save these chocolate coconut balls recipe for later by pinning it to your Dessert Recipes Board and make sure to tag us on Instagram @crooked.carrot to show us your Chocolate coconut date ball creations!

    📖 Recipe

    chocolate coconut energy balls in small bowl

    Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls

    A simple healthy snack that’s naturally sweetened and packed with great whole foods like dates and hemp seeds. They’re no bake, easy to make and taste like an almond joy!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 15 balls
    Author: The Crooked Carrot

    Ingredients

    • 10 dates (about 1 cup) pitted, soaked if not soft
    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
    • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
    • ½ cup unsweetened coconut (either shredded or desiccated) divided
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Blend up dates in a food processor, add cocoa powder, hemp seeds, ground flaxseed and 1 tablespoon coconut. Blend until it comes together as a sticky dough.
    • Roll into balls. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough into 15 rounds. Using clean hands, roll the dough into balls.
    • Serve: Put the remaining coconut on a plate or in a shallow bowl. Coat each ball in the coconut to decorate. Enjoy!

    Equipment

    • Food Processor

    Notes

    PREP AHEAD: These can be prepared ahead of time and stored for up to two weeks in the fridge.
    LEFTOVERS/STORAGE: Store in a glass container in the fridge/freezer or in a reusable bag for traveling
    NUTRITION NOTES: These bite-size balls are energy-packed and made with whole ingredients: protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized. Nutrition information is per energy ball.

    Nutrition

    Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @crooked.carrot or tag #thecrookedcarrot!
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    About Libby

    Welcome! I'm Libby, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, photographer & co-adventurer with my husband Dalton. We love all things outdoors, making a mess in the kitchen, and exploring the adventure of life! Read more ↠

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    Libby Bloom RDN

    Hi, I'm Libby! Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Eco-warrior. I help people find food freedom, learn to nourish their bodies AND support a health planet.

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