These Almond Butter Energy Balls are so delicious. Sweet, nutty, perfectly flavored. Made with all healthy but super simple ingredients, and sweetened with dates. Low-calorie and packed with nutrients - fibers, and proteins. A perfect energizing snack.
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Last week I had a huge craving. I wanted something sugary but healthy, something easy to make, without the need to fire up my oven. No-bake energy balls showed to be the perfect solution in situations like this. They are quick, simple, and always delicious.
I love Peanut Butter Balls but this time I wanted to use almond butter because the flavor is not so intense. I also decided to mix in some superfoods, to make the balls more nutritious and healthier.
These Almond Butter Energy Balls turned out to be just what I needed. Delicious, nutty, and super sweet. Perfect bite-sized treat that is energizing too.
Afternoon snack. Pre-workout. Post-workout. Camping. Lunchbox. Hikes. Road trips... These balls are perfect for every occasion.
Why should you make them?
- They are sweet, nutty, and perfectly flavored. Soft and fudgy.
- Wholesome and seriously delicious.
- They are made with only 6-simple pantry ingredients in 10 minutes.
- They are nutritious - full of fibers for gut-health and weight loss. Packed with proteins and healthy Omega-3s.
- They are made without added sugars. Low in calories, kids-friendly and very satisfying.
- Perfect everyday snack for the whole family.
Ingredients used
To make these almond energy balls, you will need only 6 ingredients that are very common in everyone's pantry.
- Almonds. They are nutritious, delicious and so healthy. Loaded with proteins and healthy Omega 3's, they do wonders for our heart health. Almonds are also packed with powerful antioxidants, including vitamin E, and essential but deficiant mineral magnesium.
- Almond butter. I used natural creamy almond butter.
- Medjool dates. They have a rich, almost caramel-like taste and a soft, chewy texture. Dates bind ingredients together but also give a natural sweetness.
- Flax seeds. Flax seeds are packed with Omega-3s wich improves mood, boosts immunity, and fights inflammation. Also, flax seeds are packed with fibers. Adding flax seeds made almond balls more nutritious.
- Maca powder. It's a superfood known to boost mood, energy, and stamina. (1) If you don't like maca or don't have it you can easily skip it in this recipe. But I highly recommend you buy maca powder and start using it.
- Vanilla extract. For extra flavor punch.
How to make Almond Butter Energy Balls
To make almond butter balls, you will need a good food processor or chopper. Other than that, the recipe is pretty straightforward.
Step by step instructions
- Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. I like to use measuring cups.
- Put Medjool dates in a bowl and soak in hot water for a few minutes. Drain, and reserve the water!
- Take a high-speed food processor and put all ingredients. Note: add soaked dates first for easier mixing.
- Mix everything on high speed for a few minutes until the dough is formed.
- Don't worry if the dough seems dry in the beginning. Just continue mixing. Dates will release juices and make it sticky. Scrap down the dough with a spatula if needed.
- After two minutes, stop the mixing and check texture by pinching the dough between your fingers. It should be sticky and able to keep its shape.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of resrved hot water from dates (just a teaspoon). Mix again and check the texture.
- At this point, it's good idea to taste the dough. These almond butter energy balls are mildly sweet, so if you feel like you need a bit more sweetness, feel free to add some sweetener. (See "Recipe tips" section for sweetener recommendation). Make sure you mix the dough again after adding the sweetener.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and roll between your palms to form a little ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Place balls on a plate, serving tray or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
- It makes 22 bite-sized balls. The recommended serving size is 2 balls.
Substitutions
- You can use creamy or crunchy almond butter here.
- You can substitute flax seeds with ground chia seeds or hemp seeds.
- You can substitute Medjool dates with regular dates (Deglet Noor). Regular dates are smaller than Medjool dates, so you might need to use more, 12-14 dates for this recipe.
Tips for storing
- Keep energy balls covered in air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- To freeze: Place the balls in a zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw for 5 minutes on the room temperature before using.
Recipe tips
- Use a high-speed food processor to ensure everything mix well.
- If almond butter is too hard, microwave it for a few seconds to soften.
- Make sure you use natural almond butter, without added sugars, oils or salt.
- Make sure you grind flax seeds before using them. Grinding flax seeds is the best way to make the most of their health benefits.
- If you notice that the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a bit of reserved date water, just a teaspoon. NOTE: Add water little by little and check the dough.
- If you accidentally add too much water and dough turns out to be too mushy, just add more almonds.
- Additional sweetener recommendation:
- I recommend using date syrup, raw honey or maple syrup.
- Stevia, or any low-carb sweetener is fine too. This is totally based on your preference.
- If you're adding liquid sweetener, then there's no need to add date water. Sweetener will bind the dough and make the mixture sticky.
These Almond Butter Energy Balls are the perfect healthy, low-calorie snack. Energizing, sweet and satisfying. And the best part is, they are super easy to make without much fuss. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe
Almond Butter Energy Balls
Almond Butter Energy Balls are so delicious. Sweet, nutty, perfectly flavored. Easy made with only 6-ingredients. Without added sugar. Perfect snack! Vegan+GF
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool dates
- 1 cup almonds
- ½ cup creamy almond butter
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon maca powder optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Put Medjool dates in a bowl and soak in hot water for a few minutes. Drain, and reserve the water!
- Put all ingredients in food-processor. Note: add soaked dates first for easier mixing.
- Mix everything on high speed for a few minutes until the dough is formed.
- Check the texture by pinching the dough between your fingers. It should be sticky and able to keep its shape.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of resrved hot water from dates (just a teaspoon). Mix again and check the texture.
- Taste the dough and add sweetener, if desired and to taste. (See "Recipe tips" section for sweetener recommendation).
- Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and roll between your palms to form a little ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Place balls on a plate, serving tray or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Makes 20-22 bite-sized balls. The recommended serving size is 2 balls.
Substitutions
- You can use creamy or crunchy almond butter here. Both are good.
- You can substitute flax seeds with ground chia seeds or hemp seeds.
- You can substitute Medjool dates with regular dates, called Deglet Noor. Regular dates are smaller than Medjool dates, so you might need to use more, 12-14 dates.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ball | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Pease take a moment and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!
DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible.
This post is originally published in August 2020. It's updated with more information and republished in August 2021. The recipe stayed the same.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
I love energy balls and always look out for different flavors to try. I have never used Maca before but I got some after seeing your recommendation. Can't wait to make it again using it.
Gail Montero says
I like to have a delicious but healthy snack at hand so this is right up my alley! YUM!
Julie says
How yummy is this? I love the almond butter in this and how they are simple to make. My twins gobbled them up!
Gloria says
I could use a few of these right now. Perfect for when I need an energy boost. Healthy and easy to make.
Claudia Lamascolo says
I always wanted to try these but never found a flavor I liked until now this is on my must make list thanks!
Camille says
This is so amazing! Thank you for sharing this!
Heidy says
This was such a great recipe! The entire family enjoyed it! I will definitely make it again! Have a great day!
LaKita says
These energy balls are so easy to make and delicious! The perfect snack to enjoy in the afternoon to give me a little boost.
Alex says
I've never used maca powder before! I'll have to try that. I'd love to make my treats a bit healthier!
Erin says
Dates are just the best in energy balls! They make such a great fudgy texture. Can't wait to try these!
Farrukh Aziz says
I personally love using dates in my snacks and food, and this seems like a perfect recipe! Plus, the addition of maca is a must! (it adds an awesome flavor!)
Melanie says
These look absolutely like my kind of snack! I loooove anything almond, this is on my to-do list before the week starts! Yum!
Linda says
Love these energy balls. So easy to make, delicious, and make a healthy snacks option
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
I made these almond butter energy balls with one substitution: chia seeds instead of flax seeds, and they were simply delicious and very fulfilling! Thanks for the recipe.
Gina says
These are my favorite kind of snacks to have on hand. Love how you added maca powder in these, always looking for ways to incorporate that superfood besides smoothies!
Sharon says
These almond butter energy balls are easy to make for a quick sweet mid-afternoon snack.
Allyssa says
So tasty and really easy to make! Fam loves it, will surely make this again! Loved it! Thanks a lot for sharing!
Emily says
Thank you for sharing this easy and delicious recipe, Natalie! These are a handy nutritious snack to have around!
Allyssa says
This is so easy to make! Thanks a lot for sharing this almond butter energy balls recipe! So delicious! Well done!
Daniela says
Such a perfect treat! Thank you for this amazing recipe. I have a feeling I'll be making them often from now on
Anaiah says
These almond butter energy balls were so delicious! I love bringing these little snacks everywhere I go as a little pick me up. My toddler loves to eat them too so it's even better that it's made with minimal ingredients.
Meryl says
These are delicious! I love that they are a healthy snack when you kinda just want a treat!!
Jennifer says
These are so delicious! I made a double batch and took them to yoga and they were gone in a flash!
Raquel says
A tasty summer treat that doesn't require baking!
Ruth says
Thank you, this was so easy to make and perfect for after my workouts.
Julia says
These were such fun to make and my family loved them at least there are few in the tin every time `i walk past. The flavours in these energy balls are amazing and definitely fill the need for something sweet,
Choclette says
Energy balls are one of my favourite things to make. Quick, easy and healthy - as long as I don't scoff the lot in one sitting that is. I often use peanut butter, but haven't tried almond butter. I bet they're delicious.
Marinela says
I adore desserts like these almond butter energy balls! Low-calorie, healthy, and super energizing, my favorite treats after an intense workout. Thank you for the recipe!
jack says
These energy balls love fab, can't wait to make them this evening!
Lucy says
I love energy balls, they're my go to snack. I love your version, especially the addition of flaxseeds, which I've been trying to include more in my diet so your recipe is perfect. Thank you for sharing it!
Jenn says
So perfect for make-ahead snacks for school lunches! Thanks for the recipe!
Elizabeth says
These energy bites are so easy to make and taste delicious. Great recipe!
Julie says
A perfect healthy, low-calorie snack with great flavors. Bonus that it also gives me the afternoon boost that I need too.
Crystal says
Energy balls are the perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack! Thanks so much for this healthy recipe!
Kayla DiMaggio says
Yum! These almond butter energy balls were so delicious! The perfect mid work slump pick me up!
Sandra says
These are the perfect yummy little bites for the mid- afternoon, gotta have a healthy snack blues! Thanks!
Irina says
What delicious balls for the afternoon pick-me-up! I love the idea! I cannot wait to make them!
Mindee Taylor says
Loved the flavor! These energy balls were the perfect mid-day pick me up!
Allison says
Made these with my kids as an after school snack. They were great! Thanks for sharing.
Unati Ghind says
SOUNDS DELICIOUS! What can be used as a substitute for maca powder?
Natalie says
Maca has a unique flavor, it's quite hard to find a proper substitute, taste-wise. You can leave it out. Or use cinnamon.
Sandra says
Love these! I didn't realize how yummy dates are. PLUS... no baking to do. :)
Faith Still says
These look so good and I love that they are sweetened with dates! I actually pinned to my recipes I want to try board.
Andrea says
We have been enjoying almond butter lately. Great little snack!
Sandra Shaffer says
These are the perfect pick me up snack! Grab while I'm waiting for dinner to finish and I'm good. Will keep these stocked!
Tyanne says
Using dates is such a good idea in energy balls! I will have to try that next time I make them.
Jill says
I have all of these ingredients just waiting for this recipe! Its perfect, quick, healthy and easy to whip up! Also delicious!
Andréa Janssen says
What delicious balls to eat when you're craving something sweet, or just want a bit of extra energy. I love how easy you can prepare them.
Christina says
Having bariatric surgery I am always looking for good energy balls. Thank you.