Almond Joy–Inspired Energy Balls

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Servings:

8

Nutrition Profile:

Sesame-Free Soy-Free Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free

These Almond Joy–Inspired Energy Balls feature all the classic flavors of the popular candy bar with some added perks. Antioxidant-rich dates provide natural sweetness, while shredded coconut and dry-roasted almonds add fiber and that nutty flavor combination we all know and love. But the real standout feature of this grab-and-go snack is the almond butter center, which adds a creamy, rich texture and healthy fats to keep you going until your next meal. But don’t take our word for it. Give these bite-size energy balls a try with all of our tips and tricks for success below!

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

We prefer almond butter without additives like salt, sugar or palm oil. If your almond butter is thin or separated, give it a good stir and pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up so it’s easier to work with.
As you roll the balls, have a small bowl of water nearby to keep your fingers and hands moist; this will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands. If the mixture feels loose and difficult to roll, you can let it chill in the fridge or freezer to firm up before proceeding.
Chilling the energy balls helps the chocolate drizzle set, but also helps the balls stay firm. Be sure to store them in the fridge so they maintain their texture.

Nutrition Notes

Naturally sweet dates are exceptionally nutrient-dense and offer several health benefits. Dates are high in fiber and are packed with plant compounds called polyphenols that may aid in preventing vascular diseases. The antioxidants in dates may also help decrease the risk of developing diseases such as dementia or heart disease.
Almonds offer more fiber and calcium than other tree nuts in a 1-ounce serving. The fiber can help you feel full for longer, while calcium supports healthy bones. Almonds may also lower your cholesterol.
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids—an antioxidant that has various health benefits, including improved heart health. Dark chocolate is a good source of iron, while the magnesium in chocolate could help reduce menstrual cramping.
While shredded coconut is high in saturated fat, it can be part of a healthy diet. Shredded coconut is high in fiber, plus using unsweetened shredded coconut as we do here is an easy way to cut back on added sugar,

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Ingredients

1 cup pitted dates (about 5 ounces)
1/3 cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup unsalted, unsweetened thick almond butter plus 2 tablespoons, divided
2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cacao), broken into pieces

Directions

Place dates in a small heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Drain well.
Meanwhile, pulse almonds in a food processor until coarsely chopped, about 8 pulses. Add the drained dates, coconut, 1/4 cup almond butter, coconut oil, cocoa, coconut extract and salt; process until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon 1 tablespoon date mixture onto a clean work surface; gently press into a 2-inch round (about 1/8-inch thick). Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of the remaining almond butter in the center of the round. Carefully pinch the date mixture around the almond butter to seal; roll between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining date mixture and almond butter.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Microwave chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.
Drizzle the balls evenly with the melted chocolate. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 2 energy balls

Calories 261, Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 21g, Total Sugars 14g, Added Sugars 2g, Protein 5g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 78mg, Potassium 341mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Are energy balls healthy?

Yes. These energy balls are made from whole ingredients such as dates, almonds and unsweetened shredded coconut that offer fiber and antioxidants plus healthy fats to fill you up.
Can I make energy balls ahead?

Yes! Refrigerate the energy balls in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you are layering them, place a piece of parchment between the layers to prevent them from sticking.
When should I eat energy balls?

Anytime! Energy balls are a great snack to fuel an early morning on the go or in the afternoon when you need a pick-me-up. They make a great dessert too!

EatingWell.com, July 2024

Additional reporting by

Hilary Meyer