Name: Chocolate Walnut Energy Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup walnuts; 1 cup dates (pitted); 3 tbsp cacao powder; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

These Chocolate Walnut Energy Balls are vegan, gluten-free, raw, and refined-sugar free! With just 3 ingredients and 10 minutes, you can have the perfect pre-workout snack, dessert, or anytime treat.

Who else likes working out first thing in the morning? 🙋‍♀️The gym tends to be less busy early in the morning, and my willpower to actually workout is at an all-time high when I first wake up. Win win.

The downside to hitting the gym at 6AM? Going on an empty stomach. I’m never hungry that early in the morning, and the thought of food makes me sick. Some people love fasted workouts, but I always end up leaving the gym early because I feel weak and tired. Enter: Chocolate Walnut Energy Balls.

I created these energy balls several months ago as a quick snack to eat before early morning workouts. They are super dense and easy to eat in the morning when you need energy but don’t have an appetite. Full of natural sugars and fiber, these energy balls will give you the boost you need to complete a killer workout. Plus, chocolate 🍫

Walnuts, dates, cacao powder on a white tray

Walnuts, Dates, Cacao Powder — that’s it!

My go-to workout fuel has been and will always be dates. When training for my half marathon I ate dates before and during my runs. I found that they didn’t upset my stomach and they provided me with instant energy. Dates make up the base of the energy balls.

Along with dates, I included walnuts to provide healthy fat and fiber, which slows down glucose absorption. This keeps your energy levels more consistent throughout your workout, which is perfect for strength training.

The cacao powder has no real training benefit, besides trace amounts of caffeine. It mostly just tastes good, and I’m trying to live my best life (and so should you!) 🌞

Make sure your dates are nice and gooey

When choosing your dates for these recipe, make sure they are soft! If they are too dry, soak them until they are soft. Medjool dates are usually pretty gooey, but they are pricier than other dates. I use Deglet Noor dates because they are cheaper, but they lean on the dry side so I sometimes need to soak them.

Crumbly mixture of walnuts, dates, and cacao powder in a food processor.

How to make Walnut Date Energy Balls

In a food processor, pulse your walnuts until they are fine and crumbly.
Add the dates and cacao powder. Pulse until combined.
Roll into balls. Coat in extra cacao powder, if desired.
Chill for a bit. Enjoy!

Walnut chocolate bliss balls arranged on a white tray

This recipe is well loved by my mom, sister, and everyone that tries them ♥️

I use them as a pre-workout snack, but they can be eaten at anytime, anywhere, with anyone. You can eat them in a house 🏠 You can eat them with a mouse 🐭 You can eat them here or there. You can eat them anywhere. In a box? 📦 With a fox? 🦊 Yes, in a box. Yes, with a fox. Yes, in a house. Yes, with a mouse. You will eat them here and there. You will eat them anywhere.

Bearded man eating chocolate walnut bliss balls

A few notes 📝

I highly recommend using a food processor for this recipe. A high speed blender with a tamper also works.
These will keep in the fridge for about a week. But let’s be honest, they will be gone before then.
These are best enjoyed chilled or frozen.

If you make this recipe, leave it a rating and a comment! You can also tag me @Daughter_of_Seitan on Instagram so I can see your lovely food creations. XOXO