Chocolate Brownie Date Balls: A Guilt-Free Sweet Treat
If you’re craving something sweet but want to keep it healthy, these Chocolate Brownie Date Balls are the perfect solution! Made with wholesome ingredients like walnuts, Medjool dates, and a touch of pumpkin purée, these bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and nutrition. The best part? They’re quick and easy to make, require no baking, and are completely refined sugar-free. These chocolatey, fudgy bites are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping things nutritious!
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup walnuts (2.6 oz total)
- 10 pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup canned or homemade pumpkin purée
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process recommended)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Prepare the Walnut Coating:
- Place ⅓ cup of walnuts in a food processor and pulse until the texture resembles coarse sand.
- Transfer the ground walnuts to a small bowl and set aside for later use. These will be used to coat the date balls.
2. Make the Date Ball Mixture:
- Add the remaining walnuts to the food processor and process until finely ground.
- Add the Medjool dates, pumpkin purée, cocoa powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract to the ground walnuts. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to form into balls.
3. Shape the Date Balls:
- Using a spoon or your hands, scoop the mixture and roll it into 8 golf-ball-sized portions.
4. Coat the Balls:
- Roll each ball in the reserved ground walnuts to coat them evenly. This adds a crunchy texture and a nutty finish to the smooth, fudgy date balls.
5. Serve or Store:
- Serve the Chocolate Brownie Date Balls immediately or store them in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for longer-lasting treats.
Recipe Tips:
- Dates: Medjool dates are ideal for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and soft texture, but you can substitute them with regular dates if needed. Just make sure to soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up.
- Pumpkin Purée: The pumpkin purée adds moisture and a hint of earthiness to the balls. If you don’t have pumpkin on hand, you can substitute with mashed sweet potato or applesauce.
- Walnut Coating: For extra flavor, try toasting the walnuts before grinding them for the coating.
Serving Suggestions:
These Chocolate Brownie Date Balls make an excellent snack or dessert. They are perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings, pre-workout energy boosts, or an on-the-go snack. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an extra indulgent treat!
Nutrition Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 115 kcal per ball
- Servings: 8 servings
Chocolate Brownie Date Balls are a delicious way to enjoy a healthy dessert without any guilt. The combination of rich cocoa, sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts creates a snack that’s satisfying and nutritious. Whether you enjoy them fresh or chilled, these date balls are sure to become a favorite go-to treat!
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Chocolate Brownie Date Balls
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
These Chocolate Brownie Date Balls are the perfect blend of rich cocoa, naturally sweet Medjool dates, and crunchy walnuts, creating a snack that is both indulgent and healthy. The hint of pumpkin purée adds a seasonal twist, making these energy bites not only nutritious but also irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
¾ cup walnuts (2.6 oz total)
10 pitted Medjool dates
¼ cup canned or homemade pumpkin purée
Pinch sea salt
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process recommended)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Place ⅓ cup of walnuts in a food processor and pulse until they resemble coarse sand. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
Add the remaining walnuts to the food processor and process until finely ground.
Add the dates, pumpkin purée, cocoa powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract to the ground walnuts. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop the mixture and roll into 8 golf-ball-sized portions.
Roll each ball in the reserved ground walnuts to coat them evenly.
Serve immediately or store in the fridge or freezer for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 115