Dates Protein Balls are little bites of goodness that are packed with energy and are perfect for a quick snack on the go, breakfast, or a post-workout pick-me-up. Full of dates, nut butter, seeds, oats, dried cranberries and coconut.
These little bites of goodness are packed with energy and are perfect for a quick snack on the go or a post-workout pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!
So, why should you make these Dates Protein Balls?
Well, for starters, they are incredibly nutritious. Dates are a great natural sweetener and provide a good dose of fibre and essential minerals.
Oats are loaded with complex carbohydrates and fiber, making them a fantastic source of sustained energy.
Peanut butter adds some healthy fats and protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Plus, the dried cranberries or raisins and seeds give a delightful texture and an extra boost of vitamins and antioxidants. It's a winning combination, friends!
If you love these protein balls, be sure to also try Hot Cross Balls, Carrot Cake Protein Balls, and Ginger Sweet Potato Balls!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Date Protein Balls come together in no time. With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you'll have a batch of delicious snacks ready to go.
- Packed with dates, oats, peanut butter, and seeds, these protein balls are a fantastic source of energy and provide essential nutrients. They are a great option for a pre-workout boost or a midday pick-me-up.
- These bite-sized treats are perfect for on-the-go snacking. Whether you're heading to the gym, going on a hike, or need a healthy snack for work or school, these protein balls are a portable option that will keep you fueled throughout the day.
- While the base recipe is fantastic as it is, you can easily customize these protein balls to suit your taste preferences. Get creative and add in your favorite nuts, seeds, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips to make them extra special.
Ingredients
- Dates: These sweet and sticky fruits act as a natural sweetener in the protein balls, providing a rich caramel-like flavor while offering a good dose of fiber and essential minerals.
- Oats: Loaded with complex carbohydrates and fiber, oats provide a hearty and nourishing base for the protein balls, helping to keep you feeling full and providing sustained energy throughout the day.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy and flavorful, peanut butter adds a delightful nutty taste to the protein balls while contributing healthy fats and protein, making them more satiating and satisfying.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: These natural sweeteners enhance the overall sweetness of the protein balls, balancing out the flavors and giving a touch of natural sweetness to each bite.
- Dried Cranberries or Raisins: These chewy and fruity additions provide a burst of tanginess and sweetness to the protein balls, offering a pleasant contrast of textures while adding extra vitamins and antioxidants.
- Seeds (Pumpkin, Sunflower, and Linseeds): The mix of seeds adds a delightful crunch to the protein balls while providing a healthy dose of essential fatty acids, minerals, and fiber, boosting their nutritional value.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds a subtle yet aromatic flavor to the protein balls, enhancing their overall taste and making them even more irresistible. Try swapping for almond extract for a different flavor.
- Shredded Coconut: Rolling the protein balls in shredded coconut not only adds a tropical touch but also gives them a pleasant coconut flavor and a slightly crunchy exterior, making them even more enjoyable to eat.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Add the pitted dates to a food processor and blend to a thick paste.
TIP: If your dates aren't very soft, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain.
Scrape the date puree into a mixing bowl.
Stir in the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, dried cranberries, seeds and vanilla.
Mix everything together well, and if the mixture feels too dry, add a little more peanut butter. You may even need to use your hands to get in there and give it a good mix.
With damp hands (so it doesn’t stick) roll the mixture into small balls. You should get 20-24. Then roll each ball in the shredded coconut to coat it.
Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The protein balls can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost and serve.
Substitutions
- Peanut Butter: You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or wow butter. Try tahini for a unique twist. Or try it with homemade walnut butter.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: You can substitute maple syrup or honey with agave nectar or coconut nectar. Alternatively, you can use date syrup or brown rice syrup as well. Or try making your own vegan honey.
- Dried Cranberries: You can swap dried cranberries or raisins with other dried fruits. Try chopped dried apricots, cherries, blueberries, or pineapple for a burst of different flavors.
- Seeds: Experiment with different seed combinations based on what you have available or your personal preferences. Some options include pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, or flaxseeds.
- Vanilla Extract: If you don't have vanilla extract, you can omit it or substitute it with almond extract.
Variations
- You can add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolaty twist. You can also roll the balls in cocoa powder or coat them with melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- For an extra crunch, add a handful of chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews to the mixture. It adds a delightful texture and enhances the flavor profile of the protein balls.
- Want to add a tropical twist? Swap the dried cranberries for some dried tropical fruits like chopped dried pineapple, papaya, or mango. It will transport you to a sunny beach with every bite.
- For a warm and cozy flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the mixture. It adds a lovely aroma and makes these protein balls perfect for fall or winter.
- Make them into cookie butter energy balls with a little cookie butter and biscoff spice mix.
Storage
Store: To store the Dates Protein Balls, place them in an airtight container or a sealable bag. Keep them in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 5 days. This makes them ideal for meal prep or snacking throughout the week.
Freeze: Arrange the protein balls in a single layer on a baking sheet or a plate lined with parchment paper. Place them in the freezer for about an hour.
Once the protein balls are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Thaw: When you're ready to eat the frozen protein balls, thaw them in the refrigerator. This could take a few hours or thaw them overnight. Alternatively, you can let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes.
We love that freezing the protein balls is a great way to have a batch on hand. Perfect for those moments when you need a quick and healthy snack.
Top tip
- Want extra protein? Add a scoop of natural protein powder - vanilla flavored works well.
- If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a bit more of the sticky binder. If the mixture is too wet and sticky, add more dry ingredients like oats or protein powder to balance it out.
- Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty! Mixing the ingredients by hand allows you to feel the consistency and ensure everything is well combined. Plus, it's a fun and tactile way to get involved in the process.
FAQ
While a food processor makes the process easier, you can still make date protein balls without one. Simply chop the dates into very small pieces.
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, date protein balls can stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you freeze them, they can last up to 1 month.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe
Date Protein Balls
Equipment
- food processor
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates pits removed 250g
- 1 ½ cups oats 150g
- ½ cup crunchy peanut butter 120g
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins
- 2 tablespoons seeds I used a mix of pumpkin, sunflower and linseeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons shredded coconut
Instructions
- Add the dates to a food processor and blend to a thick paste.
- Scrape the date puree into a mixing bowl and stir in the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, dried cranberries, seeds and vanilla. If the mixture is too dry to roll into balls, add a little more peanut butter. You may need to use your hands to mix it.
- With damp hands (so it doesn’t stick) roll the mixture into small balls (you should get 20-24), then roll each ball in the shredded coconut to coat it.
- Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The protein balls can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost and serve.
Notes
- Want extra protein? Add a scoop of natural protein powder - vanilla flavored works well.
- If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a bit more of the sticky binder. If the mixture is too wet and sticky, add more dry ingredients like oats or protein powder to balance it out.
- Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty! Mixing the ingredients by hand allows you to feel the consistency and ensure everything is well combined. Plus, it's a fun and tactile way to get involved in the process.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Sylvia
These are so delicious. They are quick and easy to make. I also added some cinnamon. I definitely recommend this recipe 😋
Nicole
Are you using quick oats or steel-cut oats in this recipe? Would it mater?
Kate Hackworthy
Hi Nicole, I'd use steel cut, but if you only have quick, they'll work too!
Neha
These look and sound so very yum! I make date energy balls and bars all the time, and I loved this version! So glad that I found it on pinterest.
kate
I have such a sweet tooth, so these are going to be my new go-to for when I am craving a little sweet bite. My first batch came out great. Thanks so much for the terrific recipe.
Elizabeth
I love to snack but am also trying to increase my protein intake, so these protein balls hit the spot! I'd love to try these with adding chopped up pistachios.
Suja md
Absolutely delicious; thank you for this fantastic recipe!
dana
These are so delicious and they're the perfect on-the-go snack! I keep a tiny container in my purse with one or two on busy days and it's the perfect pick-me-up.