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Photo:Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Active Time:25 minsTotal Time:1 hrServings:8
Active Time:25 mins
Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:8
Servings:
8
Jump to recipe
TheseAlmond Joy–Inspired Energy Ballsfeature all the classic flavors of the popular candy bar with some added perks. Antioxidant-rich dates provide natural sweetness, while shredded coconut and dry-roasted almonds add fiber and that nutty flavor combination we all know and love. But the real standout feature of this grab-and-go snack is the almond butter center, which adds a creamy, rich texture and healthy fats to keep you going until your next meal. But don’t take our word for it. Give these bite-size energy balls a try with all of our tips and tricks for success below!
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
Nutrition Notes
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients1cuppitted dates(about5ounces)1/3cupunsalted dry-roasted almonds3/4cupunsweetened shredded coconut1/4cupunsalted, unsweetened thickalmond butterplus2tablespoons, divided2tablespoonsunrefinedcoconut oil2teaspoonsunsweetened cocoa powder1teaspooncoconutextract¼teaspoonsalt1ouncedark chocolate(70% cacao), broken into pieces
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)
Ingredients
1cuppitted dates(about5ounces)
1/3cupunsalted dry-roasted almonds
3/4cupunsweetened shredded coconut
1/4cupunsalted, unsweetened thickalmond butterplus2tablespoons, divided
2tablespoonsunrefinedcoconut oil
2teaspoonsunsweetened cocoa powder
1teaspooncoconutextract
¼teaspoonsalt
1ouncedark chocolate(70% cacao), broken into pieces
DirectionsPlace dates in a small heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Drain well.Meanwhile, pulse almonds in a food processor until coarsely chopped, about 8 pulses. Add the drained dates, coconut, 1/4 cup almond butter, coconut oil, cocoa, coconut extract and salt; process until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielLine a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon 1 tablespoon date mixture onto a clean work surface; gently press into a 2-inch round (about 1/8-inch thick). Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of the remaining almond butter in the center of the round. Carefully pinch the date mixture around the almond butter to seal; roll between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining date mixture and almond butter.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielMicrowave chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.Drizzle the balls evenly with the melted chocolate. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielNutrition InformationServing Size: 2 energy ballsCalories 261, Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 21g, Total Sugars 14g, Added Sugars 2g, Protein 5g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 78mg, Potassium 341mgFrequently Asked QuestionsYes. These energy balls are made from whole ingredients such as dates, almonds and unsweetened shredded coconut that offer fiber and antioxidants plus healthy fats to fill you up.Yes!Refrigerate the energy balls in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you are layering them, place a piece of parchment between the layers to prevent them from sticking.Anytime! Energy balls are a great snack to fuel an early morning on the go or in the afternoon when you need a pick-me-up. They make a great dessert too!EatingWell.com, July 2024
Directions
Place dates in a small heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Drain well.Meanwhile, pulse almonds in a food processor until coarsely chopped, about 8 pulses. Add the drained dates, coconut, 1/4 cup almond butter, coconut oil, cocoa, coconut extract and salt; process until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielLine a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon 1 tablespoon date mixture onto a clean work surface; gently press into a 2-inch round (about 1/8-inch thick). Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of the remaining almond butter in the center of the round. Carefully pinch the date mixture around the almond butter to seal; roll between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining date mixture and almond butter.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielMicrowave chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.Drizzle the balls evenly with the melted chocolate. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielNutrition InformationServing Size: 2 energy ballsCalories 261, Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 21g, Total Sugars 14g, Added Sugars 2g, Protein 5g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 78mg, Potassium 341mgFrequently Asked QuestionsYes. These energy balls are made from whole ingredients such as dates, almonds and unsweetened shredded coconut that offer fiber and antioxidants plus healthy fats to fill you up.Yes!Refrigerate the energy balls in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you are layering them, place a piece of parchment between the layers to prevent them from sticking.Anytime! Energy balls are a great snack to fuel an early morning on the go or in the afternoon when you need a pick-me-up. They make a great dessert too!
Place dates in a small heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Drain well.
Meanwhile, pulse almonds in a food processor until coarsely chopped, about 8 pulses. Add the drained dates, coconut, 1/4 cup almond butter, coconut oil, cocoa, coconut extract and salt; process until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon 1 tablespoon date mixture onto a clean work surface; gently press into a 2-inch round (about 1/8-inch thick). Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of the remaining almond butter in the center of the round. Carefully pinch the date mixture around the almond butter to seal; roll between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining date mixture and almond butter.
Microwave chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.
Drizzle the balls evenly with the melted chocolate. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Nutrition InformationServing Size: 2 energy ballsCalories 261, Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 21g, Total Sugars 14g, Added Sugars 2g, Protein 5g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 78mg, Potassium 341mg
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 2 energy ballsCalories 261, Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 21g, Total Sugars 14g, Added Sugars 2g, Protein 5g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 78mg, Potassium 341mg
Serving Size: 2 energy balls
Calories 261, Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 21g, Total Sugars 14g, Added Sugars 2g, Protein 5g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 78mg, Potassium 341mg
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. These energy balls are made from whole ingredients such as dates, almonds and unsweetened shredded coconut that offer fiber and antioxidants plus healthy fats to fill you up.Yes!Refrigerate the energy balls in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you are layering them, place a piece of parchment between the layers to prevent them from sticking.Anytime! Energy balls are a great snack to fuel an early morning on the go or in the afternoon when you need a pick-me-up. They make a great dessert too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. These energy balls are made from whole ingredients such as dates, almonds and unsweetened shredded coconut that offer fiber and antioxidants plus healthy fats to fill you up.
Yes!Refrigerate the energy balls in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you are layering them, place a piece of parchment between the layers to prevent them from sticking.
Anytime! Energy balls are a great snack to fuel an early morning on the go or in the afternoon when you need a pick-me-up. They make a great dessert too!
EatingWell.com, July 2024
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Hilary Meyer
