Chocolate Prune Energy Balls

These delightful no-bake Chocolate Prune Energy Balls are a perfect healthy snack! Made with only 6 nutritious ingredients, loaded with superfoods and dark chocolate flavor, they are a fantastic source of energy and fiber. + They are naturally sweet, simple and easy to make, and will boost your mood and energy, but also the metabolism.

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Prunes, or dried plums, are in one word amazing! Prunes are not only sweet, beautifully soft and delicious, but they hold such amazing health benefits too. They are either loved or hated by people. In my case LOVED... very much. I have prunes stapled in my pantry since I remember. I always consider prunes great source of quick energy... and as a natural remedy for digestive problems that worked like a charm every time. 

These delightful little energy bomblets are pure deliciousness. Chocolate Prune Energy Balls are what I call quick fix for many problems. They will boost your mood - because of chocolate, boost your energy and digestion - because of wonderful prunes and walnuts, and boost your immunity - because of all the amazing and powerful superfoods that are mixed in this energy balls recipe.  

Chocolate Prune Energy Balls are approved and loved by my two picky eaters - hubs and the kiddo. I'm sure these beauties will be equally loved by you too. Here’s what you’ll need and tips on how to make these little power balls at home.

Chocolate Prune Energy Balls ingredients

This energy balls recipe calls for only six very basic ingredients.

• PRUNES: Prunes are a good source of energy in the form of simple sugars, but they don't cause a rapid blood sugar spike as other dried fruits do. They are also very high in fiber great for our digestion. Fibers keep us full longer and keep our gut healthy. Also, prunes are a great source of vitamin A, potassium - an important mineral that keeps our heart healthy, manganese, iron and powerful antioxidants. (1) But I guess prunes are most know as a natural remedy for constipation. I absolutely love them for THAT! Besides keeping you regular, prunes help prevent colon cancer and cardiovascular diseases, help control obesity and diabetes. (2, 3) Even if you're not a fan of prunes, don't swap prunes for dates here. Give these delicious little dried fruits a chance. 
• WALNUTS: Walnuts are a good source of the plant-based omega-3 fat, an essential fatty acid, and an excellent source of antioxidants that fights inflammation. (4) Same as prunes, walnuts are great for gut health and weight loss. Walnuts enhanced these energy balls with many nutrients but also wonderful nutty taste and texture. You can swap walnuts with almonds here. 
• CACAO POWDER: I used raw cacao powder that is unprocessed, bitter, deep-flavored and incredibly healthy. Cacoa is one of the richest sources of polyphenols – an antioxidant that has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced inflammation, better blood flow, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels. (5) Cacao gave a gorgeous chocolaty flavor and made these energy balls absolutely irresistible.

For this recipe, I used Noberasco Organic Prunes. They are soft and perfectly sweet, pitted and ready to use. + They are ORGANIC which is great! These prunes are part of the Ciao Gusto Italian Deli collection you can get at Ocado. So if you’re looking to discover new and exciting Italian products then you need to check Ocado store out! 

To give these sweet chocolaty delights even more power, I added some more superfoods. I used: 

• FLAX SEEDS: Flax seeds are a true superfood. A functional food ingredient with many health benefits. They are a good source of many nutrients, especially fiber, antioxidant lignan and one of the richest plant sources of the Omega-3 fatty acids. (6, 7) I used ground flaxseed here to boost Omega-3. You can swap flax seeds for hemp seeds - if you're looking for more protein boost, or chia seeds - if you're looking for more fiber boost.
• CEYLON CINNAMON: Ceylon cinnamon, also known as "true" cinnamon, is a highly delicious spice with many health benefits too. Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. (8, 9) Cinnamon gave these raw prune balls a wonderful flavor.
• GOJI BERRIES: Goji berries are very nutritious. They are high in fiber, protein and a range of vitamins and minerals including iron, copper, selenium, and vitamins A and C. Also they are packed full of powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and boost immunity. 

How to make Chocolate Prune Energy Balls

1. Measure and prepare all the ingredients. 
2. Take a high-speed food processor and add 1 ½ cup of pitted organic prunes, 1 cup walnuts, ¼ cup flax seeds (or hemp seeds or chia seeds), ¼ cup cacao powder. Add 2 teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon and process everything on high for about two minutes until the dough is formed.
3. Don't worry if the dough seems dry in the beginning. Just continue mixing. Prunes will release juices and make it sticky. Scrap down the dough with spatula if needed.
4. After two minutes, stop the processing and check texture by pinching the dough between your fingers. Now it should be sticky and able to keep its shape.
5. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of hot water (just a teaspoon). Mix again and check the texture. 
6. Make sure you taste the dough. These chocolate energy balls are mildly sweet so if you feel like you need a bit more sweetness, feel free to add a teaspoon of maple syrup, raw honey or date syrup. Molasses is good here too. 
7. If you're adding liquid sweetener, as suggested then there's no need to add hot water. Sweetener will bind the dough and make texture sticky.
8. In the end, add the ¼ cup Goji berries.  Pulse everything for half more minute.
9. Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll between your palms to form your balls. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
10. Place energy balls on a plate, serving tray or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
11. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until serving for up to 4 weeks.
12. Place in a zip-lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. You don't need to thaw the balls to eat them.

Chocolate Prune Energy Balls calories

These chocolate energy balls are a nutrient dense, low-calorie snack. One ball has only 104 calories. Balls are packed with fibers, healthy brain boosting omega-3s fats, and proteins. It has a good amount of essential minerals and it’s loaded with iron, vitamin A and potassium.

Chocolate Prune Energy Balls benefits

• They are no-bake and made with only 6 ingredients.
• They are full of dietary fibers that promote good digestion, weight loss, and a healthy digestive system.
• They are rich in plant-based proteins.
• They are rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and powerful antioxidants.
• They are ADDED AND REFINED SUGAR-FREE.
• They are loaded with superfoods – like flax seeds, cacao powder and goji berries. 
• They are flavored with super spice - Ceylon cinnamon. 
• They are gluten-free and vegan.
• + Low in calories, kid-friendly and very nutritious.
• These energy balls are an excellent post-workout snack.

FAQ

Are Chocolate Prune Energy Balls good for constipation

Prunes are great options for relieving constipation and helping you stay regular. (10) Researches also shows that using prunes can be more effective than other constipation-relieving methods. Prunes contain significant amounts of sorbitol, sugar alcohol, which has laxative effects in a body. (11) Sorbitol passes through the body undigested. It draws water into the gut to bulk up the stool and stimulate a bowel movement. So, YES! These chocolate prune delights are definitely good for constipation.  

Can I freeze Chocolate Prune Energy Balls

Absolutely YES! Just pop these beauties in a zip-lock bag and put them in freezer. They will hold there for up to 3 months... but you will devour them sooner then that, believe me. When you crave a sweet bite or some energy boost just take one or two from the bag and enjoy instantly. No need to thaw these to eat. 

The great thing about this Chocolate Prune Energy Balls recipe is that it’s super easy to make. You only need like 10 minutes and one bowl. Yup, this recipe is NO-BAKE. All you need is a food processor. 

These amazing little energy bomblets are a truly delicious healthy treat. You definitely should have them stocked in your freezer for when the sweet-tooth craving strikes, or when you feel like you need quick energy pick-me-up snack. I'm sure you gonna love these raw prune balls. 

Enjoy!

Recipe

Chocolate Prune Energy Balls

By Natalie

Chocolate Prune Energy Balls are a perfect healthy snack! These 6-ingredient energy balls are delicious way to boost your energy and metabolism. They are naturally sweet, simple and easy to make. Vegan. Gluten-free. Kids-friendly.

4.6 from 52 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American, International

Servings 16 balls

Calories 104 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cup organic prunes
• 1 cup walnuts
• ¼ cup cacao powder
• ¼ cup flax seeds ground
• 2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• ¼ cup Goji berries
• Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, date syrup or molasses, optional and to taste

Instructions

 

• Put prunes, walnuts, flax seeds, cacao powder, and cinnamon in the high-speed food processor and mix for about two minutes until the dough is formed. Don't worry if the dough seems dry in the beginning. Just continue mixing. Prunes will release juices and make it sticky. Scrap down the dough with a spatula if needed.
• Stop the processing and check texture by pinching the dough between your fingers. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of hot water (just a teaspoon). Mix again and check the texture.
• Taste the dough. Add a teaspoon of maple syrup, raw honey, date syrup or molasses. If you're adding liquid sweetener then there's no need to add hot water. Sweetener will bind the dough and make texture sticky.
• In the end, add the Goji berries. Pulse everything for half more minute.
• Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll between your palms to form your balls. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
• Place energy balls on a plate, serving tray or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge until serving for up to 4 weeks.
• Place in a zip-lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. You don't need to thaw the balls to eat them.

Notes

As a measure, I used US cup (240ml).

SUBSTITUTIONS:
You can substitute flax seeds with hemp seeds or chia seeds. 
You can substitute walnuts with almonds.

Disclaimer: The 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 192mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Keyword Chocolate Prune Energy Balls, energy balls recipe, prune energy balls, prune recipes

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.

More energy balls recipes

If you’re looking for more easy energy balls recipes, give these a try:

• Peanut Butter Energy Balls
• Gingerbread Energy Balls
• Turmeric Cacao Energy Balls
• Pumpkin Seeds Energy Balls
• No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

If you’ve tried this Chocolate Prune Energy Balls recipe or any other recipe on Natalie’s Health, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!

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** This post is sponsored by Ocado. All words, thoughts, and opinions are my own. I always support only products that I truly love and/or use.