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Easy Homemade Protein Energy Balls with Dates and Almonds

Easy Homemade Protein Energy Balls - featured image

These protein energy balls are a quick, wholesome snack made with dates and almonds, perfect for on-the-go energy boosts without any baking required.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (about 150g) Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 cup (140g) raw almonds
  • 1/4 cup (30g) vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) chia seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) almond butter (optional)
  • 12 tablespoons (15-30ml) water, as needed

Instructions

  1. If dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  2. Add raw almonds to a food processor and pulse until finely ground but not nut butter, about 20-30 seconds.
  3. Add pitted dates to the processor with ground almonds and pulse until mixture begins to clump, about 30-40 seconds, scraping down sides as needed.
  4. Add vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and almond butter (if using). Pulse until fully combined and sticky. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if mixture is too dry.
  5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon (15g) of mixture and roll between palms into firm balls. Wet hands or dust with protein powder to prevent sticking if needed.
  6. Place balls on a lined baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
  7. Store chilled balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Soak dry dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. Pulse ingredients instead of blending to avoid nut butter texture. Chill balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Wet hands or dust with protein powder when rolling to prevent sticking. Can freeze for up to 3 months. Variations include nut-free version with sunflower seeds, adding cocoa powder for chocolate flavor, or swapping nuts and protein powders for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: protein balls, energy balls, healthy snack, dates, almonds, no bake, quick snack, vegan option, gluten-free