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Raw Cacao Energy Balls

Feb 26, 2018 · by Kate Kasbee · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments · Modified: Dec 5, 2020

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I am not a chocolate lover. There, I said it. My entire life I’ve been the person in my family who turns up her nose at a piece of chocolate. It’s not that I don’t like it – I’d just rather dive into a plate of fries dunked in ketchup. When my friend Michael invited me to take a bean to bar chocolate making class at his shop, Ethereal Confections, I was skeptical the experience would change my feelings about chocolate. Let’s just say I was wrong.

raw cacao energy balls

We made six vegan chocolate bars in the class and received a goody bag with more chocolate to take home. Michael and his sister were so incredibly generous! I figured the loot would last a lifetime, but every piece was gone within a few weeks. Oops! Now I’m buying cacao by the truckload from the bulk section and making fun, bite-sized desserts like these Raw Cacao Energy Balls. Who am I? A chocolate liker, that’s what.

raw cacao energy balls

These Raw Cacao Energy Balls are brimming with nutrient-packed nuts and are naturally sweetened with dates. Not a pinch of refined sugar in these treats! I actually made them because my pantry was overflowing with bits and pieces from the bulk bin I wanted to use up. Raw almonds, walnuts, and oats make up the base of these energy balls, but you can probably use any nuts or seeds you have on hand. I imagine pepitas and pistachios would be fantastic!

raw cacao energy balls
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raw cacao energy balls

Raw Cacao Energy Balls

★★★★★ 4.9 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Kate Kasbee
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 energy balls 1x
  • Category: snacks
  • Method: food processor
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

These Raw Cacao Energy Balls are brimming with nutrient-packed nuts and are naturally sweetened with dates. Not a pinch of refined sugar in these treats!


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup raw almonds
  • ½ cup raw walnuts
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 2 Tbsp. raw cacao powder
  • ¼ to ½ tsp. salt
  • ¾ cup dates, chopped
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. water

Instructions

  1. Put the almonds, walnuts, oats, cacao, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the nuts break down and combine with the other ingredients. The meal should be fine, but retain some texture — you don’t want to make nut butter!
  2. Add the dates and a tablespoon of water and run the food processor until the mixture becomes thick and sticky. You should be able to squeeze a bit of the mixture between your fingers. If it's too loose and crumbly, add another tablespoon of water and process until everything comes together.
  3. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. Scoop pieces of the mixture and roll it into balls between your palms, slightly smaller than the size of a golf ball. Line them up on the baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour, overnight if possible. Store the raw cacao energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Equipment

cacao powder

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food processor

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Keywords: raw cacao energy balls, vegan energy ball recipe

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Katie and Kate are two vegans maintaining a cross-country friendship swapping recipes and writing cookbooks. Check out our free Vegan Starter Guide.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarCaty

    June 23, 2018 at 6:03 am

    I discovered this recipe last week while searching for a delicious use for my cacao powder and these yummies did not disappoint! They are a perfect post run snack for me to replenish carbs and protein. I have already prepped a double batch for the coming week; it’s so difficult not to snack on them all the time because they are so delicious! Thank you for this recipe ❤️

    ★★★★★

  2. AvatarElizabeth

    August 09, 2019 at 8:17 am

    Tastes like I’m eating healthy! Protein! I’d like to make them for my yoga students. Simple to pop in your mouth.

    ★★★★★

  3. AvatarJulie

    August 27, 2019 at 10:00 am

    These are delicious but looking at the nutrient breakdown is it per 1 serving (1 ball) or is the nutrient content for all 12. I’m counting calories so need to be specific thanks

    ★★★★★

  4. AvatarKatie Koteen

    August 29, 2019 at 2:14 pm

    Hi Julie! The calories are per ball. So 1 serving = 1 ball. Hope that helps!

  5. AvatarSarah

    October 15, 2019 at 11:06 am

    Just wondering how long they stay fresh in the fridge and can they be stored in the freezer?

  6. AvatarJennifer A.

    December 13, 2019 at 7:21 am

    I absolutely love this recipe. I did tweak it slightly but only because I'm not a huge walnut fan. I also ended up needing more water than specified to get the sticky consistency. Overall, they are a win win in my kitchen, healthy and yummy!

  7. AvatarKatie Koteen

    December 13, 2019 at 7:41 am

    That's great! Would love to hear what did you swap the walnuts for... 😉

  8. AvatarKatie Koteen

    December 13, 2019 at 7:42 am

    I would eat them within 5 days (refrigerator) but you could definitely freeze them and let them thaw overnight 🙂

  9. AvatarCiara

    June 12, 2020 at 12:52 am

    Thanks for the recipe Kate. These are just yummy. I used sea salt and it gave them a good kick to them. I would agree, need a little bit extra water to get them to stick a bit better. I think I’ll have to make a double batch next time as they are going very fast!

    ★★★★

  10. AvatarCiara

    June 12, 2020 at 12:53 am

    Oops I meant to give my above comment 5 stars

    ★★★★★

  11. AvatarKatie Koteen

    June 12, 2020 at 8:41 am

    So glad you liked them! Definitely worth making a double batch. 🙂

  12. AvatarJoy Vasoodaven

    August 31, 2020 at 9:15 am

    My perfect substitute to chocolates during my mid-afternoon slump!

    ★★★★★

  13. AvatarJulie

    September 10, 2020 at 11:39 am

    Do You have a substitute for the oats? I want to make these but can't eat oats.
    Still sounds delicious though!!

    ★★★★★

  14. AvatarHelen Burdette

    October 17, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    Made these this morning and having with a cup of tea now - perfect healthy treat and tastes great

    ★★★★★

  15. AvatarAngel Morales

    March 08, 2021 at 4:44 am

    For a long runner like me this is a must to have, is delicious and the ingredients once well integrated makes the perfect recipe. Thank you very much Great job!

    ★★★★★

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