Easy & Healthy No-bake Peanut Butter Date Balls

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Last Updated on March 19, 2024

These delicious peanut butter date balls are super easy to make and are compliant for the GAPS and SCD diets. They are also grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. 

peanut butter date balls

Peanut Butter Date Balls

My kids are always hungry and looking for something to snack on. They also happen to be peanut butter fiends and love chocolate peanut butter cups.  So, I threw these together the other day in the hopes they would get eaten.  Now, I’m having to make another (double) batch.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

With just five ingredients (plus salt), this recipe for peanut butter date balls is so easy to make. It’s a great healthy snack for peanut butter lovers that even picky children will enjoy. It has a subtle natural sweetness from the dates and little burts of chocolate from the chocolate chips. 

The great thing is these peanut butter energy bites are full of healthy fats with no added sugar! 

What Type of Dates to Use

There are literally hundreds of different types of dates, so which ones are the best to use? For this recipe and most recipes that I need dates for, I use Medjool dates. While any date will work, you want to be sure they’re pitted and moist. If they are too dry, you’ll need to soak them first in warm water.

dates

Peanut Butter Date Balls Simple Ingredients

  • almond flour
  • pitted dates (soak them first in warm water if dry)
  • ghee or coconut oil
  • freshly ground or natural peanut butter (be sure to use smooth peanut butter, not crunchy peanut butter)
  • salt
  • dairy-free mini chocolate chips (I use dark chocolate chips from Enjoy Life)

FYI: You can make these healthy peanut butter balls without using chocolate chips. 

Peanut Butter Date Balls Simple Ingredients

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How To Make Peanut Butter Date Balls

It’s easy to make my peanut butter protein balls, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Coarsely chop the dates using a food processor.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients except chocolate chips and process until well ground and mixed.
  3. Dump the mixture into a bowl and mix in chocolate chips by hand.
  4. Using a cookie scoop, or spring-loaded mini scoop, scoop into balls and roll.
  5. Keep refrigerated.

Add-ins and Variations

There are so many ways you can customize the flavors and ingredients when making these peanut butter balls with dates. My kids love when I roll them in cacao powder.  If you’re staying away from peanuts, I’m sure almond butter or sunbutter could be substituted.  

Here are some great peanut butter date ball add-ins:

  • chia seeds
  • hemp seeds
  • sunflower seeds
  • flax seeds or flaxseed meal
  • unsweetened coconut (shredded)
  • protein powder
  • drizzle melted chocolate
  • raisins
  • dried cranberries
  • vanilla extract
  • roll the balls in cacao, carob, or cocoa powder

Other Butters You Can Use In Place of Peanut Butter

If you don’t eat peanuts, you can try making these peanut butter date energy balls using these nut and seed butters instead:

  • Almond Butter
  • Cashew Butter
  • Sunflower Seed Butter
  • Hazelnut Butter
  • Walnut Butter
  • Pecan Butter
  • Macadamia Nut Butter

peanut butter date balls on a plate

How to Store Date Balls

Place the peanut butter date balls in an airtight container. The easiest way to keep them from sticking to each other is to layer the balls with parchment or wax paper. Store the container in the refrigerator where they should remain fresh for about one week.

Freezing Peanut Butter Date Balls

If you want to extend the shelf life of your date balls, consider freezing them.

  1. To freeze the peanut butter date balls, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.
  2. Place the sheet in the freezer and allow the balls to freeze solid, which usually takes around 2-3 hours.
  3. After they are frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
  4. Label the bag or container with the date of freezing. Properly stored, these sweet treats can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen peanut butter date balls, simply remove as many as you need from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before eating. Enjoy your healthy and delicious snack!

Are Energy Balls Good For You?

My recipe for peanut butter date balls are packed with essential nutrients that make a delicious and healthy snack. Here’s why they’re the perfect snack for those looking for healthier options:

  • The almond flour is a great source of protein, dietary fiber, and monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage.
  • Dates are rich in several vitamins and minerals. They are especially high in potassium, which is important for maintaining proper heart and muscle function, as well as promoting healthy nerve transmission. Dates also provide ample amounts of dietary fiber which aids in digestion and can help control blood sugar levels.
  • Ghee or coconut oil provides healthy fats that our bodies need for energy and to absorb certain vitamins. Ghee is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties while coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which may aid in weight loss by increasing fullness and potentially leading to calorie reduction.
  • Freshly ground peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. It’s also high in magnesium, which aids in bone development and enzyme function; and vitamin E.

You might also want to check out: Gluten Free Dairy Free Dessert Recipes

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Peanut Butter Date Balls with Chocolate Chips

peanut butter date balls

  • Author: Jen/ My BIG FAT Grain Free Life

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups blanched almond flour (I use Honeyville)
  • 1 1/2 cups pitted dates (soak them first in warm water if dry)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil
  • 1 cup freshly ground peanut butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life)

Instructions

  1. Coarsely chop dates in food processor.
  2. Add all other ingredients except chocolate chips and process until well ground and mixed.
  3. Dump mixture into a bowl and mix in chocolate chips by han.
  4. Using a melon scoop, or spring-loaded mini scoop, scoop into balls and roll.
  5. Keep refrigerated.

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