Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls

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Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls

These Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls are rich, chewy and naturally sweetened with dates. An easy no-bake snack or breakfast.

Prep Time15

Chilling time30

Total Time45

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 92kcal

Author: Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts

Equipment

food processor

Ingredients

1 cup pitted dates 170g (if hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first)
1 cup rolled oats 90g
½ cup peanut butter 125g
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, for rolling

Instructions

Add the dates to a food processor and pulse briefly to break them up a bit. Add the oats, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey, flaxseed, vanilla and sea salt (save the chocolate chips for later).
Process until it forms a thick paste. You’ll need to stop and scrape the sides down a few times. If it’s falling apart and not a paste, add a tablespoon of water and whiz again.
Tip the mixture into a bowl, and stir in the chocolate chips.
Roll spoonfuls of the mixture into balls, and, if desired, roll them (or some of them) in the cocoa powder.

Notes

Blend longer than you think

Many people stop the processor too early. A little extra blending transforms the mixture from crumbly to smooth without adding extra liquid.

Use soft dates whenever possible

Fresh, soft dates produce the smoothest texture. Older dates still work well after a quick soak.

Taste before rolling

Different brands of cocoa powder vary in intensity. I often taste the mixture before shaping it and adjust with a little extra cocoa or a drizzle of maple syrup if needed.

Chill the mixture if it's too soft

If your kitchen is warm or your peanut butter is particularly runny, refrigerate the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes before rolling.

Don't overdo the chocolate chips

Too many chips make the balls harder to roll neatly because the mixture struggles to hold together.

Use a small scoop

A small cookie scoop keeps every energy ball roughly the same size, so they store neatly and are easy to portion.

Store them chilled

Although they can sit out for a while, I think the texture is nicest straight from the fridge where they're pleasantly firm but still chewy.

Nutrition