Almond Butter Energy Balls

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.

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

By Natalie

Almond Butter Energy Balls are so delicious. Sweet, nutty, perfectly flavored. Easy made with only 6-ingredients. Without added sugar. Perfect snack! Vegan+GF

5 from 119 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American, International

Servings 22 balls

Calories 109 kcal

Equipment

• Measuring cups
• Food processor
• Flexible silicone spatula

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 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.

To store: Keep energy balls covered in an 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 before enjoying.

I used a US cup (240ml) as a measure.

See "Recipe tips" section for more info about the recipe.

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

Keyword almond butter balls, almond butter energy balls, almond butter energy balls recipe, almond energy balls, easy almond butter energy balls

Tried this recipe?Don’t forget to rate it and leave the comment. I would love to hear what you think.

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.

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