Chocolate Date Energy Balls with Espresso

November 12, 2025

No-bake chocolate bites made with oats, medjool dates, and flaxseed.

Serves:12–15 balls
Time:~20 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes chilling)
Chocolate Date Energy Balls with Espresso - Image 1
Chocolate Date Energy Balls with Espresso - Image 2
Chocolate Date Energy Balls with Espresso - Image 3

Deliciously addicting. I love making these in advance and keeping them stored in the freezer, perfect served with coffee or as a small chocolate snack after dinner. Made with oats, Medjool dates, and cocoa powder, with a splash of vanilla extract and coffee making them extra yummy and flavourful.

Ingredients

Base

  • 7 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 90 g raw walnuts
  • 90 g porridge oats
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tbsp milled flaxseed
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–4 tbsp water or espresso (add gradually, just enough to bring the dough together)
  • 6-8 tbsp water

For Rolling

  • 2 tbsp finely chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Blend the dry base

  1. Add the nuts and oats to a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely crumbly.

2. Add the dates and flavour

  1. Add dates, cocoa powder, flaxseed (if using whole, add alone to blender beforehand, you might have to blend a larger amount as it is easier to turn into flour) vanilla, and salt. Blend until the mixture starts to come together.

3. Add moisture & richness

  1. Add 2 tbsp water/espresso, and a couple of tbsp of water. Pulse again. Add water until it forms a sticky dough that holds together when pressed.

4. Shape and coat

  1. Roll into small balls. Coat in cocoa powder for a classic brownie truffle look, or in chopped nuts for crunch.

5. Chill

  1. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until firm or eat straight away

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy as a small chocolate snack after dinner or with a cup of coffee.

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze for up to 2–3 months.
  • Great to make ahead and keep on hand for a healthy snack or dessert.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Nuts: Use hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans instead of walnuts.
  • Coating options: Roll in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or finely chopped nuts.
  • Texture: Add a spoonful of chia seeds or hemp seeds for more crunch and nutrition.
  • Nut-free version: Replace the nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Enjoy!

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