Coconut date balls are a delicious, decadent, and healthy dessert that takes just minutes to make with just a few simple ingredients. They’re a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings with natural sugar. Check out this easy recipe to make a batch for the school week, an upcoming event, or for a special treat!
These energy bites aren’t just tasty, they’re way healthier than most snacks. They’ve got a lot of fiber, so they help with digestion and keep your blood sugar steady. Plus, they’re full of good fats and keep you full for hours without piling on the calories.
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make coconut date balls. All you need is space and your hands to shape the ingredients, and you’re good to go! Once you’ve made your first batch, you’ll wonder why you didn’t add these to your snack lineup sooner!
For a different take, check out my stuffed dates recipe for another delicious way to incorporate dates into your treats!
Table of Content
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are some main reasons why I love these coconut and date balls–I am sure you’ll agree!
- They’re simple and delicious, using only a few ingredients.
- A healthy treat without refined sugar perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- It takes just a few minutes to whip up a batch of healthy date balls that can last all week.
- They are extremely customizable. See variations and amp them with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients & Substitutions
See recipe card for quantities.
- Dates - If you can’t find Medjool dates, other dates, like Deglet Noor, are also acceptable for the recipe but are less sweet and gooey.
- Cashews - add a nutty flavor, but walnuts, macadamias, pistachios, or pecans can also work as substitutes.
- Cocoa Powder - Use unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Sea Salt - A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
- Coconut Oil - is used as a binder, but you can also use peanut butter instead.
- Water - A little water goes a long way to helping the ingredients stick together.
- Desiccated Coconut - Depending on your dietary and snacking preferences, it can be sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut.
How to Make Coconut Date Balls
Making your first batch of these energy balls is fast, simple, and straightforward. Here’s the no-bake recipe in 4 simple steps that takes just a few minutes to make!
- Add the dates, cashews, salt, cocoa powder, water and coconut oil in a food processor.
- Blitz till the mixture has broken into chunky pieces. Avoid forming a smooth paste!
- Take a tablespoon of the date mixture and form a ball between your palms.
- Roll the ball into some desiccated coconut. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Soften the Dates: If your dates feel a bit dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes and then drain before blending. This ensures a smoother, stickier mixture that's easier to work with.
Adjust the Texture: If the mixture feels too dry, add a few drops of water or a touch more coconut oil. If it’s too sticky, mix in a bit of extra coconut flakes or finely ground nuts. This helps achieve the perfect consistency every time!
Keep Them Fresh: When storing the Coconut Date Balls, cover them with plastic wrap inside their container to protect their freshness and prevent them from drying out. This keeps them moist and delicious for longer!
Variations
You can customize these coconut date treats using different ingredients with your unique twist. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
Fall-Inspired Flavors
- Turn these into a fall dessert by adding pumpkin pie spice or a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or chili powder for a cozy twist.
Nutty Variations
- Use almonds, walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nut butter for a distinct, rich flavor.
Crunchy Additions
- Mix in crispy rice or your favorite cereal for an extra crunch that adds texture to every bite.
Superfood Boost
- Add dried raisins, hemp seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or cranberries for added depth and nutritional benefits.
Toasted Coconut Flavor
- Bake the coconut flakes to toast the coconut and bring out the warm nuttiness.
Chocolate Coconut Date Balls
- Make these date bliss balls more indulgent with chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate on top. Perfect for kids who love chocolate coconut treats!
Serving Ideas
This coconut date ball recipe can be a delightful treat as-in, but here are some other fun serving ideas for this sweet treat:
1. With Coffee or Tea: Serve them alongside my Caramel Latte or Masala Chai as a sweet accompaniment.
2. Dessert Table: Add to as a no-bake dessert for your party spread along with some mini blueberry muffins, chocolate chip pecan cookies and oreo truffles.
2. Post-Workout Boost: Pair with my banana date smoothie or a handful of nuts for a quick energy boost.
3. As Iftar Appetizer: Serve them as a naturally sweet and nutritious option during Iftar alongside vegetable pakoras, chicken puff pastry, and a refreshing drink like strawberry basil lemonade.
FAQ
Once you’ve made the coconut balls, put them into an airtight container and then into your refrigerator, where they should last for about two weeks. If you want to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic; they can last indefinitely.
You can buy the ingredients for the coconut date energy balls pre-chopped if you don’t have a blender. Or you can chop up the ingredients by hand with a knife.
Yes, these date bites are healthy because they’re made with natural ingredients like dates, coconut, and nuts. They’re a perfect snack for a quick energy boost and are free from refined sugar!
If you are using Medjool dates, they are pretty soft and sticky and don’t require any soaking. If you use any other dry type, soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes.
More No-Bake Desserts
Looking for other quick and easy desserts? Check these out:
Let’s Stay Connected! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for the latest updates. And subscribe to my YouTube channel for video recipes.
📖 Recipe
Coconut Date Balls (No Bake)
Ingredients
- 8 Medjool dates
- ½ cup cashews unsalted
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- pinch sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoon desiccated coconut medium
Instructions
- Remove the pits from the Medjool dates if they aren't already pitted.
- Add pitted dates, cashews, cocoa powder, sea salt, coconut oil and water to the food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them between your palms to form bite-sized balls.
- Spread the desiccated coconut on a plate. Roll each ball in the coconut until fully coated.
- Place the coconut-coated balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- Serve the the date balls as a healthy dessert or quick snack. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- To freeze these date coconut balls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
- If the mixture feels dry, add a few drops of water or a bit more coconut oil. If it’s too sticky, incorporate extra desiccated coconut or finely ground nuts.
Nutrition
PIN IT FOR LATER
Leave a Review