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Dish of mint chocolate energy balls.
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Mint Chocolate Energy Balls

These no-bake Mint Chocolate Energy Balls combine dates, oats, cashews, cocoa and peppermint for a rich, fudgy snack that's naturally sweetened and easy to prepare.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 16
Calories: 102kcal
Author: Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • 170 g pitted dates if hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first (1 cup)
  • 90 g oats (1 cup)
  • 120 g cashews (1 cup)
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup optional
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  • Check that all the dates are pitted.
  • If they're firm or dry, place them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly. Soft dates blend much more easily and help prevent dry, crumbly patches in the mixture. Save the soaking water if you need it to blend in later.
  • Add the dates to a food processor and pulse briefly until they're chopped and beginning to form a sticky mass.
  • Add the oats, cashews, cocoa powder, maple syrup, peppermint extract and sea salt.
  • Process until the ingredients form a thick, slightly textured paste.
  • I usually stop once or twice to scrape down the sides with a spatula. This helps incorporate any dry cocoa or oats that haven't reached the blade.
  • Pinch a little of mixture between your fingers. It should hold together without crumbling, but it shouldn't feel wet.
  • If it's too dry, add one tablespoon of water (or the soaking water from the dates if you have it) and process again. Avoid adding more liquid until you've checked the texture.
  • Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
  • Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, divide it into 16 portions.
  • I find a small cookie scoop particularly helpful because evenly sized balls are easier to store and serve.
  • Roll each portion gently between your palms until smooth and rounded.
  • If the mixture sticks to your hands, dampen them lightly with water. You only need a little moisture. Wet hands can make the outside of the balls slippery.
  • The energy balls can be eaten immediately, but I prefer refrigerating them for 20–30 minutes first. Chilling firms the mixture slightly and gives the oats time to absorb moisture, producing a more cohesive texture.

Notes

  • Use a reasonably powerful food processor. A small blender may struggle with the thick mixture, particularly if the dates are firm.
  • Don't over-soak the dates. Excess water can make the balls sticky and difficult to roll.
  • Process until the mixture clumps. Finely chopped ingredients aren't necessarily ready to shape.
  • Add water gradually. One tablespoon can make a noticeable difference, so check before adding more.
  • Taste before rolling. This is the easiest point to adjust the peppermint or cocoa.
  • Use slightly damp hands. It prevents sticking without changing the mixture's consistency.
  • Chill before packing. Cold energy balls are firmer and less likely to flatten in a lunchbox.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg