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Tiramisu-Inspired Energy Balls Recipe

4.5 from 136 reviews

These Tiramisu-Inspired Energy Balls combine the rich flavors of espresso, creamy cashew butter, and cocoa powder for a deliciously indulgent yet healthy snack. Packed with dates, oats, and a hint of cream cheese, these no-bake energy balls offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an ideal treat for on-the-go or a guilt-free dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups pitted dates
  • ½ cup unsalted, unsweetened cashew butter
  • ¼ cup whole-milk plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ⅓ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Soften Dates: Place the pitted dates in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them until they are fully covered. Let them stand for about 10 minutes until they soften. Then drain the dates thoroughly to remove excess water.
  2. Prepare Mixture: Add the drained dates to a food processor and pulse until they are coarsely chopped. Then add the unsalted cashew butter, plain whole-milk yogurt, instant espresso powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Pulse the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated. Next, add the rolled oats and pulse again until everything is fully combined and the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
  3. Chill Mixture: Transfer the prepared mixture to a small bowl. Cover it and refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up slightly, making it easier to work with.
  4. Form Energy Balls: Lay out a sheet of wax or parchment paper. Using approximately 1 tablespoon of the date mixture, spoon it onto the paper. With moistened fingers, gently press the mixture into a round about 1½ inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. Place ¼ teaspoon of reduced-fat cream cheese in the center of the round. Carefully pinch and seal the date mixture around the cream cheese, then roll the sealed ball gently to form a smooth 1-inch diameter energy ball. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture and cream cheese.
  5. Refrigerate Balls: Place the formed energy balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until they are no longer sticky and feel firm to the touch.
  6. Finish and Serve: Once chilled and set, dust the energy balls generously with the cocoa powder. Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

  • To soften dates faster, soak them in warm water instead of boiling water but allow a longer soaking time.
  • If you can’t find cashew butter, almond butter or peanut butter can be used as alternatives, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
  • Use moistened fingers to prevent the mixture from sticking when forming the balls.
  • These energy balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or frozen for up to a month.
  • Adjust the amount of espresso powder according to your espresso or caffeine preference.

Keywords: tiramisu energy balls, healthy snacks, no bake energy balls, espresso snacks, date and oat balls, vegan snack, vegetarian energy balls