These delicious bite size energy balls made from cacao, nuts, dates, raisins, vanilla and nutmeg. They are so quick and easy to make and perfect for snacking on.
If you’re a huge fan of anything with chocolate in then you;re going to go crazy for these double chocolate energy balls.
I really enjoy making my own like these Coconut Cranberry Energy Balls because I have complete control over what ingredients are included and there’s the ability to explore your creative side
It’s a fun filled and healthy activity that even the kids will enjoy partaking in shaping the balls and of course reaping the benefits by eating what’s been made.
Is cacao vegan?
Yes, it is. Many people often mistake cacao for cocoa. When in actuality they aren’t the produce the same. While both produce derive from the same source the Theobroma tree, the production is opposing.
Cacao is minimally processed so they it can obtain most of it’s original health benefits. The cacao beans are sun dried before under going a “cold pressing” to separate it’s fat content which is known as cacao butter.
Once the fat has been extracted from the beans the remainder is ground into cacao powder. It is pure, unadulterated with no milk content and had a strong bitter taste.
Ingredients you will need
Reasons to make these energy balls
- They are so much fun to make that even the kids will enjoy it.
- You can make endless variations and add or omit ingredients
- These energy balls contain natural occurring sweetness from the dates
- Serves as a great pre-workout snack
- So portable that you can have them on the go
How to make cacao energy balls
- Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes (picture 1)
- Blitz the almonds and walnuts on high speed for 45 seconds, using a S blade. You want the consistency to be semi fine, not chunks or completely ground – somewhere in between (picture 2)
- Add the cacao powder, salt, nutmeg cacao nibbs, raisins, vanilla and pitted dates to the nut mix (picture 3-4)
- Process for approximately 1 minute or until a huge ball is formed (picture 5)
- Roll the dough into miniature balls and dust in excess cacao powder (optional, not required) (picture 6)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to soak the dates and for how long?
Yes, but only for 10 minutes, just so they have some moisture. You can alternatively add a few tablespoon at a time of water to the processor but I prefer to presoak at the initial stages.
Can I nut butter or anything else?
Yes, I’ve made some suggestions below as to what you could include
Do I have to dust the energy balls with excess cacao?
Nope, that’s an optional step. If you don’t like the taste of raw cacao then skip this step
Can I use another type of date besides medjool?
Yes, absolutely. Medjools are extra sweet and juicy but costly and not easy to obtain for some. Substitute with another form of date if necessary.
Other variations
You can add a tablespoon or two of any of the following. Simply add the suggested item to your food processor when combining all of the ingredients together –
- Peanut butter
- Protein powder
- shredded coconut
- seed – flaxseed, pumpkin or sunflower seeds
- Bee pollen
Energy bars: You could easily transfer this mixture into a square baking pan, lined with parchment paper. Press down firm and chill then cut into slices to make bars into.
Notes and tips
- It is essential that you use a food processor in order to make the energy balls
- The amount of energy balls made will vary depending on size of each ball.
- Make sure to use “cacao” vegan chocolate powder and not “cocoa” which isn’t dairy free
- If you want to make more I would recommend making a separate batch so everything grinds down evenly.
- The balls are freezer friendly or refrigerate and consume within a few days.
- You can use another form of date if you can’t get hold of medjools
Other recipes you may like
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Raw Cacao Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pitted medjool dates 150g
- 2 tsp of raw cacao powder
- 2 tbsp of raw cacao nibs
- 1/2 cup of almonds 75g
- 1/2 cup of walnuts 60g
- 1/8 tsp of vanilla powder
- 2 tbsp of raisins
- 1/8 tsp of nutmeg
- pinch of himalayan pink salt
- Extra cacao for dusting optional
Instructions
- Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes
- Blitz the almonds and walnuts on high speed for 45 seconds, using a S blade. You want the consistency to be semi fine, not chunks or completely ground - somewhere in between.
- Add the cacao powder, salt, nutmeg cacao nibs, raisins, vanilla and pitted dates to the nut mix
- Process for approximately 1 minute or until a huge ball is formed
- Roll the dough into miniature balls and dust in excess cacao powder (optional, not required)
Notes
- It is essential that you use a food processor in order to make the energy balls
- The amount of energy balls made will vary depending on size of each ball.
- Make sure to use "cacao" vegan chocolate powder and not "cocoa" which isn't dairy free
- If you want to make more I would recommend making a separate batch so everything grinds down evenly.
- The balls are freezer friendly or refrigerate and consume within a few days.
- You can use another form of date if you can't get hold of medjools
Nutrition
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