Medjool Date, Dried Apple, and Almond Butter Energy Balls Recipe
Introduction
These no-bake Medjool date energy balls are a perfect healthy snack that combines natural sweetness with a satisfying crunch. Packed with oats, dried apples, and pecans, they offer a delicious boost of energy anytime you need it.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped dried apples
- ½ cup unsweetened almond butter
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak the chopped dates in a small bowl of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften them. Drain well.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine the rolled oats, dried apples, almond butter, toasted pecans, ground cinnamon, and the soaked dates. Process until the mixture is very finely chopped and well combined.
- Step 3: Scoop the mixture and roll it into 12 balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
- Step 4: Place the balls in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes before serving. They can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the pecans lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch before adding them to the mixture.
- Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty taste.
- Add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract to deepen the flavor.
- For a chocolate twist, mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder before processing.
Storage
Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these energy balls without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand and then mix them thoroughly, but the texture may be less uniform.
Are these energy balls suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely. All ingredients are plant-based, making these energy balls a great vegan-friendly snack.
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Medjool Date, Dried Apple, and Almond Butter Energy Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 energy balls (6 servings) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These no-bake energy balls are a wholesome and delicious snack made from Medjool dates, oats, dried apples, almond butter, pecans, and cinnamon. They provide a perfect balance of natural sweetness, healthy fats, and fiber, making them ideal for a quick energy boost or a nutritious treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped dried apples
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened almond butter
Instructions
- Soften Dates: Soak ¾ cup of chopped Medjool dates in a small bowl of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes until they become soft. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add the soaked dates, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup chopped dried apples, ½ cup unsweetened almond butter, ¼ cup toasted chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Process the mixture until it becomes finely chopped and uniformly combined.
- Form Balls: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per ball, roll the mixture into 12 evenly sized balls.
- Chill: Place the balls in the refrigerator and chill for at least 15 minutes to firm up. They can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Soaking the dates softens them for easier blending and a smoother texture.
- Chilling helps the balls hold their shape and improves texture.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a vegan-friendly and gluten-free snack, ensure oats and other ingredients are certified gluten-free and no animal-based additives are used.
- These energy balls make a great pre- or post-workout snack for sustained energy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: energy balls, no bake, healthy snack, Medjool dates, almond butter, dried apples, pecans, cinnamon, gluten free, vegan snack
