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Date Brownie Balls: How I Satisfy My Sweet Tooth in 90 Seconds Recipe

4.9 from 61 reviews

These Date Brownie Balls are a quick and healthy sweet treat made from Medjool dates, cocoa powder, nuts, and optional ingredients like oats and nut butter. They combine natural sweetness, chewy texture, and deep chocolate flavor with the convenience of being ready to eat in under 90 seconds. Perfect for a guilt-free snack or dessert, these no-bake energy balls satisfy your sweet tooth with wholesome ingredients and minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Medjool Dates (pitted, about 1215 dates)
  • 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder or Cacao
  • 3/4 cup Raw Almonds or Walnuts

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
  • 2 Tbsp Nut Butter (peanut or almond)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of Salt

Toppings (optional)

  • Cocoa powder
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped nuts
  • Fleur de sel

Instructions

  1. Soften Dates: If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This makes blending easier and ensures a smooth texture.
  2. Toast Nuts (Optional): Lightly toast your nuts in a dry pan to deepen their flavor. Allow to cool before using.
  3. Prepare Ingredients: Measure all ingredients including cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, oats, and nut butter for easy access during blending.
  4. Process Nuts: Pulse the nuts in a food processor about 8–12 times until crumb-like but not powdered, retaining some texture.
  5. Add Dates: Add the pitted dates to the nuts and process until the mixture clumps together into a sticky paste. Scrape sides as needed. Add 1 tsp water or nut butter if mixture is too dry.
  6. Mix Cocoa and Salt: Pulse in cocoa powder and a pinch of salt, then taste. Adjust by adding more cocoa for bitterness or salt to enhance flavor.
  7. Add Oats or Nut Butter: If using, pulse in rolled oats for chewiness or nut butter for creaminess, blending until the mixture holds together but remains slightly textured.
  8. Scoop and Roll: Use a small spoon or ice cream scoop to portion the dough into one-tablespoon balls. Roll each ball quickly between your palms without overworking to prevent greasiness.
  9. Coat (Optional): Roll the balls in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or sprinkle with fleur de sel for contrasting texture and presentation.
  10. Chill and Set: Place the balls on a tray or parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up, or enjoy immediately at room temperature.

Notes

  • If dates are too dry, soak before using to prevent crumbly mixture.
  • Pulse nuts instead of fully blending to keep texture; avoid over-processing.
  • Chill mixture before rolling if your hands are warm to avoid greasy balls.
  • A pinch of salt is essential to balance sweetness and intensify chocolate flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness sparingly, adding maple or date syrup only if dates are not sufficiently sweet.
  • Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking during chilling.

Keywords: date brownie balls, healthy snack, no-bake dessert, energy balls, vegan snack, gluten free dessert, quick sweet treat