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These delicious bite size energy balls made from cacao, nuts, dates, raisins, vanilla and nutmeg. They are so quick and easy to make and perfect for snacking on.

If you’re a huge fan of anything with chocolate in then you;re going to go crazy for these double chocolate energy balls.

I really enjoy making my own like these Coconut Cranberry Energy Balls because I have complete control over what ingredients are included and there’s the ability to explore your creative side

It’s a fun filled and healthy activity that even the kids will enjoy partaking in shaping the balls and of course reaping the benefits by eating what’s been made.

Is cacao vegan?

Yes, it is. Many people often mistake cacao for cocoa. When in actuality they aren’t the produce the same. While both produce derive from the same source the Theobroma tree, the production is opposing.

Cacao is minimally processed so they it can obtain most of it’s original health benefits. The cacao beans are sun dried before under going a “cold pressing” to separate it’s fat content which is known as cacao butter.

Once the fat has been extracted from the beans the remainder is ground into cacao powder. It is pure, unadulterated with no milk content and had a strong bitter taste.

Ingredients you will need

Reasons to make these energy balls

They are so much fun to make that even the kids will enjoy it.

You can make endless variations and add or omit ingredients

These energy balls contain natural occurring sweetness from the dates

Serves as a great pre-workout snack

So portable that you can have them on the go

They are super tasty just like my Tamarind Balls

How to make cacao energy balls

Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes (picture 1)

Blitz the almonds and walnuts on high speed for 45 seconds, using a S blade. You want the consistency to be semi fine, not chunks or completely ground – somewhere in between (picture 2)

Add the cacao powder, salt, nutmeg cacao nibbs, raisins, vanilla and pitted dates to the nut mix (picture 3-4)

Process for approximately 1 minute or until a huge ball is formed (picture 5)

Roll the dough into miniature balls and dust in excess cacao powder (optional, not required) (picture 6)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to soak the dates and for how long?

Yes, but only for 10 minutes, just so they have some moisture. You can alternatively add a few tablespoon at a time of water to the processor but I prefer to presoak at the initial stages.

Can I nut butter or anything else?

Yes, I’ve made some suggestions below as to what you could include

Do I have to dust the energy balls with excess cacao?

Nope, that’s an optional step. If you don’t like the taste of raw cacao then skip this step

Can I use another type of date besides medjool?

Yes, absolutely. Medjools are extra sweet and juicy but costly and not easy to obtain for some. Substitute with another form of date if necessary.

Other variations

You can add a tablespoon or two of any of the following. Simply add the suggested item to your food processor when combining all of the ingredients together –

Peanut butter

Protein powder

shredded coconut

seed – flaxseed, pumpkin or sunflower seeds

Bee pollen

Energy bars: You could easily transfer this mixture into a square baking pan, lined with parchment paper. Press down firm and chill then cut into slices to make bars into.

Notes and tips

It is essential that you use a food processor in order to make the energy balls

in order to make the energy balls The amount of energy balls made will vary depending on size of each ball.

depending on size of each ball. Make sure to use “cacao” vegan chocolate powder and not “cocoa” which isn’t dairy free

which isn’t dairy free If you want to make more I would recommend making a separate batch s o everything grinds down evenly.

o everything grinds down evenly. The balls are freezer friendly or refrigerate and consume within a few days.

or refrigerate and consume within a few days. You can use another form of date if you can’t get hold of medjools

Other recipes you may like

**Don’t forget to comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Let’s be friends and engage on Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**

Raw Cacao Energy Balls Raw cacao energy balls that are healthy and made from scratch - vegan, paleo, dairy free and gluten free friendly 0 from 0 votes Print Pin Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 servings Calories: 344 kcal Author: Charla Ingredients 1 cup of pitted medjool dates 150g 1 cup of pitted medjool dates 150g

2 tsp of raw cacao powder 2 tsp of raw cacao powder

2 tbsp of raw cacao nibs 2 tbsp of raw cacao nibs

1/2 cup of almonds 75g 1/2 cup of almonds 75g

1/2 cup of walnuts 60g 1/2 cup of walnuts 60g

1/8 tsp of vanilla powder 1/8 tsp of vanilla powder

2 tbsp of raisins 2 tbsp of raisins

1/8 tsp of nutmeg 1/8 tsp of nutmeg

pinch of himalayan pink salt pinch of himalayan pink salt

Extra cacao for dusting optional Extra cacao for dusting optional Instructions Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes

Blitz the almonds and walnuts on high speed for 45 seconds, using a S blade. You want the consistency to be semi fine, not chunks or completely ground - somewhere in between.

Add the cacao powder, salt, nutmeg cacao nibs, raisins, vanilla and pitted dates to the nut mix

Process for approximately 1 minute or until a huge ball is formed

Roll the dough into miniature balls and dust in excess cacao powder (optional, not required) Notes It is essential that you use a food processor in order to make the energy balls

in order to make the energy balls The amount of energy balls made will vary depending on size of each ball.

depending on size of each ball. Make sure to use "cacao" vegan chocolate powder and not "cocoa" which isn't dairy free

which isn't dairy free If you want to make more I would recommend making a separate batch s o everything grinds down evenly.

o everything grinds down evenly. The balls are freezer friendly or refrigerate and consume within a few days.

or refrigerate and consume within a few days. You can use another form of date if you can't get hold of medjools Nutrition Calories: 344 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 76 mg | Potassium: 508 mg | Fiber: 7 g | Sugar: 26 g | Vitamin A: 55 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 85 mg | Iron: 2 mg Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today! Mention @ThatGirlCooksHealthy or tag #ThatGirlCooksHealthy