Cocoa Energy Balls (4 Ingredients, 100kcal, No Added Sugar)

These Cocoa Energy Balls are simple 4-ingredient snacks with just 100 Calories, and made with no added sugar in under 10 minutes.

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While the whole recipe is just below, don’t miss all my tips further down, including ingredient swaps, my cooking tips, and step-by-step shots!

Cocoa Energy Balls

These Cocoa Energy Balls are simple 4-ingredient snacks with just 100 Calories, and made with no added sugar in under 10 minutes.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 balls

Calories: 102.3 kcal

Author: Carine Claudepierre

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Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

• ▢ 1 ½ cup Medjool Dates - (note 1)
• ▢ ¼ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - (note 2)
• ▢ ½ cup Rolled Oats - (note 3)
• ▢ ½ cup Walnuts - (note 4)

Optional

• ▢ ⅓ cup Dark Chocolate Chips - (note 5)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, add the pitted Medjool dates. Cover with boiled water. Set aside 5 minutes.
• Drain the soaked dates over a sieve, and discard the water.
• Place softened dates in a food processor with cocoa powder, rolled oats, walnuts, and vanilla, if used.
• Process in 30-second bursts, on medium-high speed, stop the food processor, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, and repeat these steps a few times, until it comes into a sticky, consistent chocolate batter. If a little bit dry, add 1-2 teaspoon water, blend to incorporate.
• Add chocolate chips if you like, pulse a few times to incorporate. They add sweetness, and I highly recommend it as the batter has no added sugar apart from the dates.
• Lightly oil your hands, and use a tablespoon to scoop out some batter. Roll into ball between your oiled hands.
• If you like, roll in unsweetened desiccated coconut, or keep plain.
• Place them in a airtight container.

Notes

Note 1: The recipe should work well with any variety of dates. Some are less ‘juicy’ than Medjool and will require a little water to bring the dough together.

Note 2: Or cacao powder, or carob powder, but it won’t have a chocolate flavor.

Note 3: Or quinoa flakes, or puffed rice for gluten-free options.

Note 4: Or other nuts like pecan, walnuts, or seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds.

Note 5: Add for sweetness and extra chocolate flavors. The batter is not very sweet without chocolate chips.

Storage: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 102.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 18.4g | Protein: 2.4g | Fat: 3.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 0.8mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12.5g | Vitamin A: 27.4IU | Calcium: 31.8mg | Iron: 0.8mg | Magnesium: 39.6mg | Phosphorus: 67.1mg | Zinc: 0.5mg

Ingredients and Substitutions

You only need four simple ingredients to make this recipe. Here’s how to pick and swap them.

• Medjool Dates – These provide natural sweetness and a sticky binder for the energy balls. You can also use other date varieties, but some might need a little extra water to help the dough come together.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This gives the energy balls their rich chocolate flavor. You can also use cacao powder for a similar taste, or carob powder if you prefer, but it won’t taste like chocolate.
• Rolled Oats – These add bulk and a slight chewiness to the energy balls. Quinoa flakes or puffed rice also work if you’re looking for different textures or gluten-friendly options.
• Walnuts – These contribute a nice crunch and healthy fats to the energy balls. Other nuts like pecans or seeds such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are fine too.
• Dark Chocolate Chips – These add extra sweetness and a more intense chocolate taste to the energy balls.

How to Make Cocoa Energy Balls

These balls are so easy to make, here’s how in pictures.

Pour all the ingredients in a food processor.

Blend on high speed and roll into balls.

Carine’s Tips

Let me share a few more tips for a perfect energy balls.

• Adjust Sweetness – If you like your energy balls sweeter, you can pulse in the optional chocolate chips. Alternatively, you can stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and increase the rolled oats to ⅔ cup to account for the added liquid.
• Flavor Boost – A touch of vanilla extract really brings out the other flavors in these energy balls.
• Nut-Free Option – If you need a nut-free snack, swap the walnuts for seeds. Pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, or sunflower seeds work particularly well.
• Consistent Balls – For uniformly sized energy balls, use a measuring spoon, like a tablespoon, to scoop out the batter before rolling.
• Prevent Sticking – Lightly oiling your hands before rolling the balls will prevent the mixture from sticking to them and make the process much smoother.
• Texture Control – If your mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time and process until it reaches a sticky, workable consistency. If it’s too wet, add a little more rolled oats.

More Energy Ball Recipes

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Almond Flour Energy Balls

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Nut-Free Energy Balls