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Photo:Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
Active Time:50 minsTotal Time:1 hrServings:20Jump to Nutrition Facts
Active Time:50 minsTotal Time:1 hrServings:20
Active Time:50 mins
Active Time:
50 mins
Total Time:1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:20
Servings:
20
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Jump to recipe
TheseCrunch Bar-Inspired Energy Ballsare reminiscent of the classic candy bar, but they’re loaded with nutritious ingredients that won’t lead to a sugar crash. Soft, chewy dates add just the right amount of sweetness, and the chocolate infused into each ball and drizzled on top finishes them off perfectly. The fiber-filled oats add a toothsome chewiness, while the crisped rice adds the signature crunch to these energy balls. Keep reading for expert tips, including how to keep the texture of the crisped rice.
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)Ingredients11ouncespitted Deglet Noor dates(about2cups)2½cupsold-fashioned rolled oats½cupunsalted unsweetenedcashew butter⅓cupreduced-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt1(3.9-ounce) packagechocolate instant pudding mix4teaspoonsvanilla extract½teaspoonsalt2cupspuffed brown rice cereal, plus more for garnish4tablespoonsdark chocolate chips
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)
Ingredients
11ouncespitted Deglet Noor dates(about2cups)
2½cupsold-fashioned rolled oats
½cupunsalted unsweetenedcashew butter
⅓cupreduced-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
1(3.9-ounce) packagechocolate instant pudding mix
4teaspoonsvanilla extract
½teaspoonsalt
2cupspuffed brown rice cereal, plus more for garnish
4tablespoonsdark chocolate chips
Directions
Place 2 cups dates in a medium heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
Roll about 1 tablespoon date mixture into a ball; place on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining date mixture.
Microwave 4 tablespoons chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl on High in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until melted, 1 minute to 1 minute, 30 seconds. Spoon the chocolate into a small zip-top plastic bag; cut a ¼-inch hole in the corner. Drizzle the balls with the melted chocolate; garnish with puffed rice, if desired. Refrigerate, uncovered, until the chocolate is set, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, you can make the energy balls ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. We recommend waiting to add the chocolate and puffed rice toppings until you’re ready to serve them.The date mixture is thick, so be patient and pay attention to your food processor. Stop to scrape down the sides and stir the contents to help the ingredients incorporate.Absolutely. They’re interchangeable for this recipe, though it may change the texture because quick-cooking oats are a more processed grain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make the energy balls ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. We recommend waiting to add the chocolate and puffed rice toppings until you’re ready to serve them.
The date mixture is thick, so be patient and pay attention to your food processor. Stop to scrape down the sides and stir the contents to help the ingredients incorporate.
Absolutely. They’re interchangeable for this recipe, though it may change the texture because quick-cooking oats are a more processed grain.
EatingWell.com, August 2024
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Nutrition Facts(per serving)171Calories5gFat29gCarbs3gProtein
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.
Carrie Myers, M.S.
andLinda Frahm
Linda Frahm
