Easy Chocolate Energy Balls
I am a huge fan of snacks that can be batch-prepped and then eaten over several days. Especially when they are healthy. And especially when they are chocolatey. These easy chocolate energy balls check all these boxes and are a crowd favourite over here; they also make a fantastic snack for preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. They are not only delicious and easy to make, but contain ample amounts of protein and healthy fats, and are gluten-free and vegan. They also freeze well so can be batch-prepped for post-partum freezer stocking.
Easy Chocolate Energy Balls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Makes approximately 12 energy balls
Ingredients
1 cup lightly packed pitted dates
6 tbsp hemp hearts
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
3 tbsp dark chocolate chips or chunks
water, as needed
Instructions
Place dates in a small bowl. Cover with boiling water and soak for a few minutes while you gather the other ingredients.
Drain dates and place in a food processer. Process until they form into a ball.
Add the remaining ingredients and process until thoroughly combined and almost smooth. You’ll need to stop the food processor a few times and scrape down the sides. The dough is ready when it is sticky and doesn’t crumble when formed into a ball. If it’s not sticky enough, add in water a teaspoon at a time and process after each addition.
Line a plate with parchment paper or wax paper. Wet your hands lightly to keep the dough from sticking to you, and roll chunks of dough into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on the plate.
Freeze the energy balls for at least 20 minutes.
Store in the refrigerator for one week or in the freezer for 2 months.
Enjoy!
Adapted from Oh She Glows’ Easy Chocolate Hemp Protein Balls