Can you use a different type of nut butter if you don't have almond butter?

Absolutely. Although it will alter the taste, you can use peanut butter instead. If you happen to have a nut allergy, then use sunflower seed butter and just omit the walnuts in step 3.

Are energy balls healthy?

Energy balls are the perfect snack, especially these ones. They have a combination of healthy fats, protein, good-for-you carbs, and are also high in fiber. The ingredients leave you feeling full for longer, and the best part about them is that they're easy to take with you anywhere you go.

Dark Chocolate Walnut Vegan Energy Balls

Name: Dark Chocolate Walnut Vegan Energy Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup Old Fashioned oats; 3 tablespoons dark cocoa; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; Generous pinch salt; 1 cup pitted soft dates, 4 ounces; 3 tablespoons almond butter; 3 tablespoons dark pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted; 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips, plus 3 Tablespoons more for melting, optional

Description

These Dark Chocolate Walnut Vegan Energy Balls are a super simple and healthy snack and will satisfy your chocolate cravings in only 15 minutes!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/2 cup Old Fashioned oats
3 tablespoons dark cocoa
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Generous pinch salt
1 cup pitted soft dates, 4 ounces
3 tablespoons almond butter
3 tablespoons dark pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted
3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips, plus 3 Tablespoons more for melting, optional

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Instructions

Place oats in a food processor and process until finely ground. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add cocoa, cinnamon and salt and stir to combine.
Place dates in food processor and pulse several times until broken into chunks. Add almond butter and maple syrup and process, scraping sides if necessary until it forms a thick paste.
Add paste to the bowl and mash and stir with a silicone spatula until it starts to resemble crumbly cookie dough, about 2 minutes. Continue working the dough, knead with clean hands if necessary to work the oat mixture into a cohesive dough. Add walnuts and chocolate chips. Knead in well. Form into 14 balls. Drizzle with chocolate, if using. Refrigerate to set the chocolate.

Notes

How To Store:

You can refrigerate these for up to 2 weeks as long as you store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 30 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Mixed
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ball
Calories: 97
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 22 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g