These simple almond butter energy balls are something I've been keeping on hand the last few months for times when I'm desperate for an easy snack. With almond butter and meal, just a few dates, and coconut, they're a little like no-bake cookie dough. These are a less sweet version of typical energy balls and they're delicious.

For some more easy gluten-free snacks, try my green banana flour energy balls, easy almond chocolate chip cookies, and gluten-free pumpkin muffins.

Several energy balls on a white background, coated in cocoa nibs and coconut.
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Ingredients

Almond butter energy balls ingredients with labels.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Almond butter: use fresh runny almond butter, not the dry stuff from the bottom of a jar. This should be unsweetened.
  • Dates: any soft dates will do. You can use medjool but I tested these with smaller dates, so you'll probably only need four if using the bigger variety.
  • Almond meal: you can use almond flour for this recipe too, but the balls might be a little more dry.
  • Coconut: unsweetened coconut flakes or shredded coconut, depending on the texture you want. Flakes will end up a bit bigger after blending.

Top Tips

  • Toast the coconut: for a stronger coconut flavour, toast the flaked or shredded coconut before adding it.
  • Soak the dates: if you only have dried dates, soak them in very hot water for half an hour and drain well before using.
  • Don't skip the oil: adding coconut oil is a big part of the setting process, and makes these energy balls a lot more stable.

How to Store

Storage: these are best stored in the freezer, but can be kept in the fridge if you prefer a softer texture. I recommend transferring a few at a time to the fridge rather than keeping all of them refrigerated.

Freezing: keep the energy balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.

FAQ

Is almond butter paleo friendly?

Almond butter is considered paleo and whole 30 friendly.

Can I use homemade almond butter?

Definitely! If you make your own almond milk, you can also use the (dried) pulp to replace the almond meal for this recipe.

If you make these Almond Butter Balls or any other vegan snacks on Wholehearted Eats, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It’s such a help to others who want to try the recipe. For more WHE, follow along on Instagram or subscribe for new posts via email.

Recipe

Several energy balls on a white background, coated in cocoa nibs and coconut.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Coconut Almond Butter Energy Balls

With almond butter and meal, just a few dates, and coconut, these almond butter energy balls are a less sweet version of typical energy balls.
Prep Time10 minutes
Additional Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 12

Equipment

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Food processor
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Almond Meal
  • 5 Dates Pitted
  • ½ cup Almond Butter or nut butter of choice
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
  • ¾ cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
  • 1 pinch Sea Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • teaspoon Cinnamon
  • Coconut and Cacao Nibs for rolling optional

Instructions

  • Add the almond butter, dates, coconut oil, almond meal, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon in a food processor and puree until pretty smooth (there may still be a few pieces of coconut).
    ½ cup Almond Meal, 5 Dates, ½ cup Almond Butter, 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil, ¾ cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes, 1 pinch Sea Salt, ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract, ⅛ teaspoon Cinnamon
  • Using a tablespoon sized scoop, roll small balls of the dough and toss them in coconut or cacao nibs to coat. Freeze the balls on a parchment-lined tray to set.
    Coconut and Cacao Nibs for rolling
  • Once they are set, transfer them to an airtight container. They will last in the freezer for at least a month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 68kcal

4 Comments

  1. Yay for new four legged friends! Your kitchen is so adorable - I hope that he/she is cuddly and that there are a lot of nap snuggles in your near future. Can't wait to hear about your NYC adventures! I always love a good travel snack xx

  2. Congrats on your sweet new kitten Sophie! How exciting, you're so cute. And cannot wait to hear all about this NYC adventure too! Enjoy your week playing with your new furry friend girl 😉 and YES to all the healthy snacks, these sound amaze-balls (I had to).

  3. Love little snacks like these! I don't keep them on hand often enough. Your version here with the almond and coconut sounds so simple and appealing. Love dipping them into those cacao nibs for a bit of crunch too. Glad to hear your finally found your little kitten- I'll have to look up photos on IG!

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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