Date and Walnut Energy Balls

These Date and Walnut Energy Balls are a perfect healthy snack, packed with natural sweetness and nutty flavors. They are easy to make and require no baking, making them a convenient treat for any time of the day.

Preparation Time:

• • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• • 150g (5.3 oz) dates
  • 80g (2.8 oz) oat flakes

• • 60g (2 oz) walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for hands and chocolate)
  • 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate without sugar

• 30g (1 oz) walnuts (for decoration)

Instructions:

1. 1. Prepare the Dates:
      • • Soak 150g of dates in cold water for 15 minutes to remove preservatives.
        • Remove the pits from the dates.

   2. Grind the Ingredients:
      • • Grind 80g of oat flakes in a blender until they become a fine powder.
        • Grind 60g of walnuts in the blender.
      • Grind the soaked dates in the blender until they form a smooth paste.
   3. Mix and Form Balls:
      • • Combine the ground oats, ground walnuts, and date paste in a mixing bowl.
      • Lubricate your hands with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
      • Form the mixture into small balls.

1. Chill the Balls:
   • Place the balls in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
   • • Melt 100g of dark chocolate with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a water bath until smooth.

3. Decorate the Balls:
   • • Grind 30g of walnuts in the blender for decoration.
     • Dip the chilled balls into the melted chocolate.
   • Sprinkle the ground walnuts on top of the chocolate-coated balls.
4. Chill Again:
   • • Place the decorated balls in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the chocolate.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Enjoy these energy balls as a quick snack, a dessert, or a healthy treat after a workout.
  • They pair well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Tips:

• Feel free to add your favorite spices, such as cinnamon or vanilla, to the date mixture for extra flavor.
• You can substitute the dark chocolate with any sugar-free chocolate of your choice.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Rich in Fiber: Dates and oats provide a good amount of dietary fiber.

• Healthy Fats: Walnuts add beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
• Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants.

Dietary Information:

• • Vegan

• • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy-Free
  • Refined Sugar-Free

Storage:

• Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with natural ingredients and free from refined sugars.

• • Quick and Easy: No baking required and minimal preparation time.
  • Delicious: A satisfying blend of sweet dates and crunchy walnuts.
  • Versatile: Perfect for a quick snack, dessert, or on-the-go treat.

Conclusion:

These Date and Walnut Energy Balls are a delicious and healthy snack that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of day. Your family and friends will love them, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the natural sweetness and nutty goodness of this wonderful treat! Bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. 1. Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
      • Yes, you can substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or any other nuts you prefer.

1. 1. Can I add other dried fruits to the mixture?
      • Absolutely! You can add dried apricots, raisins, or cranberries for additional flavors.
   2. Is there a substitute for oat flakes?
      • • You can use almond flour or coconut flour as a substitute for oat flakes.

   3. Can I skip the chocolate coating?
      • Yes, the energy balls are delicious even without the chocolate coating.

1. 1. How do I keep the energy balls from being too sticky?
      • Chilling the mixture before forming the balls helps reduce stickiness. You can also coat your hands with a little oil.
   2. Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
      • • Yes, a food processor works well for grinding the ingredients.

   3. What type of dates should I use?
      • Medjool dates are ideal due to their softness and sweetness, but any type of pitted dates will work.

1. 1. Are these energy balls suitable for kids?
      • Yes, they are a healthy and nutritious snack option for kids.
   2. Can I make these energy balls without oil?
      • • Yes, you can omit the oil, but it helps with the texture and prevents sticking.

   3. How long do these energy balls last?
      • They last up to 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 1 month in the freezer.