Homemade Chocolate Coconut Date Balls

I don’t like to claim that any food is “healthy” these days, but I will say these protein balls are at least healthier than candy.

For that reason, I love to make homemade protein bites around the holidays. When you’re surrounded by all the holiday candy and cookies, it’s nice to have the option to grab a coconut date bite for a better fuel source.

Reaching for a date ball will still satisfy your sweet tooth without as much of a sugar crash that you may get from candy.

Ingredients for Coconut date balls

(Exact measurements are in the recipe card below)

• Pitted dates
• Almond meal
• Protein powder
• Hazelnuts
• Water
• Melting chocolate
• Chia seeds
• Cacao powder
• Unsweetened shredded coconut

Soak the dates in water for about 10-15 minutes or until soft.

Roast the hazelnuts in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Leave 12 hazelnuts whole to place in the center of the balls.

Chop some hazelnuts to mix into the melting chocolate.

Place the softened dates, water used to soften the dates, remaining roasted hazelnuts, almond meal, protein powder, chia seeds, and cacao powder in a food processor. Blitz and combine.

Roll the mixture into balls.

Place a hazelnut into the center of each ball.

Melted the chocolate in a pan. Add in the coconut and chopped hazelnuts. Stir well.

Coat the date balls in the melted chocolate mixture. Place coated bites onto parchment paper to cool.

Place the energy balls into the fridge to harden. Or in the freezer for an icy version.

Recipe notes and FAQ

Vanilla protein powder is used here. You can use any protein powder you have on hand. Plain, vanilla, or chocolate are the flavors that will probably taste the best.

What’s the difference between cacao powder and cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder and cacao powder are similar, but are processed differently. Cacao powder has a stronger, more bitter flavor, but a higher nutritional content. You can use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder in this recipe.

How long do homemade date balls last?

Store your coconut date balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or the freezer for up to 2 months.

More energy bite recipes to try

• Chocolate energy balls
• Cranberry energy bites
• Homemade energy bite roundup
• Pumpkin spice energy bites
• Peanut butter oatmeal energy balls

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If you make date and coconut balls I’d love to see them. Tag me in your pictures if you make this protein balls recipe.