These Paleo, Whole30, dairy-free, gluten-free hand-held balls are a delicious and easy snack option! I don’t really love date & nut bars any more, but the chocolate fudginess of these really converted me. My kids do *not* enjoy date-based things usually, but I had kiddos asking for seconds. It’s flexible too – use whatever combination of chopped nuts or seeds works for you or you need to use up in your pantry. No added sugar or sweeteners make these a win all around!
NOTE: If you are on Whole30, these are recommended as emergency and travel food not your Whole30 “dessert.” They are compliant, just as most date/nut RxBars and Lara bars are compliant, but you need to take some personal responsibility to determine if they are a wise choice for your Whole30. I encourage you to read this post from Melissa Urban on the topic.
Chocolate Fudge Date Balls
Ingredients
- 15 dates fresh medjool dates, pitted and soaked (see instructions)
- 1/3 cup+ finely cchopped nuts or seeds see notes
- 2 tablespoons+ cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 single serving (about 0.4 oz) collagen or protein powder optional
Instructions
- Soak the pitted dates in 1 cup hot water for 5 minutes. This will help your food processor blend them more easily. Drain and discard all the hot water, using only the soaked dates for this recipe.
- In a food processor, combine all ingredients. Puree until combined (mixture should stick together in a ball when done). This will probably involve stopping and stirring it down a few times.
- Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Roll in extra cocoa or chopped nuts or seeds to coat. You could probably eat them without this coating, but it helps them be less sticky and looks nice. If rolling in cocoa, dust off excess or you will be inhaling a bit of cocoa powder when you eat them. Makes 10-12 balls, depending on how big you make them.
- Place rolled balls in a storage container. Keeps on the counter for 1-2 weeks, but we prefer them cold out of the fridge or freezer. Keeps in fridge for 3-4 weeks, freezer for 3+ months. If traveling with them, putting them in lunches, etc. I recommend freezing and then they will be perfectly thawed by lunchtime!
Notes
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Also, have 1/4 cup extra finely chopped nuts or seeds or 2 tablespoons cocoa or even some chopped coconut flakes extra to roll in once balls are combined.
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You can use whatever combination of nuts or seeds you have on hand, need to use up, or works for your family in this recipe. For us that's usually cashews, almonds and walnuts.
Amazing! Taste like brownie batter truffles. So delicious!
I’m not a huge fan of dates but these are yummy and the whole fam loves them!
Love that these even won over the non-date lover. Thank you!
These are so yum! I added some hemp seeds and maca. Rolled in coconut. Everyone loved them!
Made these without telling my hubby what they were made of. He raved about them. I will definitely make these again.
I’ve been eyeing these. Pretty sure they’ll set off my sugar dragon but not sure I’ll make it through February without trying them!
They are delicious and love that they have no added sugar! But, yes to making sure they aren’t feeding a sugar dragon. You can see my post on things you can do besides eating the cookie if you are looking for other ways to help those sugar cravings.
Made these after finishing my first whole 30! Delicious and my family loves them.
First, CONGRATS on your first Whole30 – that’s wonderful! And thank you, I’m so happy your family enjoyed them!
These taste just like brownies to me. I love munching on one or two of them for a snack.
I keep a batch of these in my freezer at all times. Perfect snack when you need a pick me up or want to impress your friends with a delicious treat! Bonus takes like 5 min to put together. I need speed! Thank you!!!
These little gems are a perfect treat with a cup of tea..
Love the collagen included in recipe.
A perfect healthy indulgence!
I share your website with everyone I share goodies with.It’s on my “Favorites”.
I just love that you pass my website along and it’s bookmarked, thank you!
These are amazing! My kids seriously had no idea they were eating “heathy” or with good for you ingredients! Super easy and quick to make, highly recommend making a double batch because they won’t last long!
These have become a favorite in our house. Super easy to make and the perfect little treat (served with a cup of tea during the afternoon slump) 🙂
Love love love! These have been a great little treat for our family. I just saw the suggestion of trading out the nuts for oats – I may try this as we have one but free kid.
So happy these have been a great one for your family, thank you!
To clarify, if I can’t use seeds or nuts, I can sub 2 tbsp of cocoa? Thanks!
I don’t think that would get the right texture, as the nuts/seeds are part of the bulk that holds these together. You could possibly try oats if you can tolerate those, but I haven’t tried it.
These are so easy and SO DELICIOUS!!! Thank you!
Love an easy and delicious win, woot! Thank you!
These are ridiculously delicious. I’m on maybe my 6th or 7th Whole30. These don’t set off cravings so I enjoy them with a cup of hot tea – especially on days with intense workouts. I have yet to try a recipe of yours that isn’t amazing!
I’m so happy you loved these and my recipes overall – thank you!