No-Bake Gluten-Free Energy Bites with Prunes, Dates & Nuts – Simple Snack Recipe!
These little energy balls with prunes, dates, and nuts are such a treat! They’re packed with all the good stuff—hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, and that lovely natural sweetness from the dried plums and dates. They have a chewy texture and a flavor that’s just the right mix of sweet and nutty. You’ll be reaching for them again and again!
What I really love is how the prunes give them a deeper, richer taste. It’s not just your average snack, it’s something special! The dates bring that soft sweetness, while the prunes add a slight tang that’s just enough to keep things interesting. Every bite feels like a little burst of comfort!
Rolling them in shredded coconut makes them feel extra fun and satisfying! That final layer of coconut adds a bit of crunch and a tropical vibe to balance out all the flavors inside. It’s like a mini dessert, but one you can feel good about eating any time of the day!
These energy balls are honestly perfect when you need a quick pick-me-up, or even when you just want to enjoy something homemade and nourishing! Keep them in your fridge, and trust me, you’ll always have a healthy snack within reach!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Simple to make: It’s super easy, no need for fancy steps or equipment. Just blend, roll, and enjoy!
- Naturally sweet: With prunes and dates, it has that perfect natural sweetness. No added sugar needed, and it’s still a sweet treat!
- Packed with healthy fats: The nuts bring all those good fats we love. It’s a snack that feels indulgent but is actually good for you!
- Perfect snack size: They’re bite-sized, so it’s easy to grab one on the go. Keeps you satisfied without overeating!
- Gluten-free: No gluten in sight! Perfect for anyone avoiding gluten while still enjoying a delicious snack.
Ingredients Needed:
- Hazelnuts: These add a rich, nutty flavor. Toasting them lightly can bring out even more depth!
- Almonds: Great for texture and a mild taste. You can use raw or roasted, depending on your preference.
- Walnuts: Their earthy flavor blends perfectly with the sweetness. If you’re not a fan, swap them for another nut!
- Dates: They’re the natural sweetener here and also help bind everything together. Soak them for a few minutes if they’re a bit dry.
- Dried plums (prunes): These give a chewy texture and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Make sure they’re pitted before using!
- Coconut oil (optional): Helps bind the ingredients, especially if the mixture feels a bit dry. Just a little goes a long way!
- Shredded coconut: Perfect for coating and adding a bit of crunch. You can toast it lightly for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Energy Balls:
Prepare the nuts:
Begin by placing your hazelnuts, almonds, and walnuts in a food processor. Pulse them until they’re finely chopped, but not completely pulverized. You still want some texture, so aim for small bits instead of turning them into flour.
Add the dates and prunes:
Next, toss in your pitted dates and dried plums (prunes). Blend them together with the nuts until the mixture starts to stick together and forms a dough-like consistency. If the dates or prunes are a bit tough, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand to soften them up. Drain them well before adding.
Check the texture:
Once everything is blended, check the texture. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold its shape when you press it between your fingers. If it feels too dry or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to help bind it. Pulse again until the oil is well incorporated.
Form the balls:
Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Continue this process until all the mixture is used up. If the mixture sticks to your hands, you can lightly grease your palms with a little coconut oil to make rolling easier.
Roll in coconut:
Pour the shredded coconut onto a plate. Roll each ball in the coconut until it’s completely coated. If you prefer, you can also use other coatings like cacao powder, finely chopped nuts, or even chia seeds for variety.
Chill and set:
Once all the balls are formed and coated, place them on a tray or in a container. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the balls a better texture.
Store:
After chilling, your energy balls are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, and they’ll stay fresh for about 1 month.
Tips & Ideas:
- Use fresh nuts for the best flavor: Make sure your nuts are fresh for maximum taste. If they’ve been sitting around for a while, give them a quick toast in the oven to bring out their natural oils and flavor!
- Chill the mixture if too sticky: If your mixture feels too sticky while rolling, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This will firm it up and make shaping easier.
- Custom coating options: While shredded coconut adds great texture, you can also try rolling the energy balls in sesame seeds, crushed nuts, or even chia seeds for an added nutrient boost!
- Adjust sweetness: If you like a sweeter snack, add a few more dates or prunes. On the other hand, if you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of dried fruit slightly.
- Make them protein-packed: For a higher protein option, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mix. Vanilla or chocolate-flavored powders work well!
Alternatives:
- Nut butter boost: If you like an extra creamy texture, a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter can take these energy balls to the next level. It will make them even more satisfying!
- Different nuts: If you’re not a fan of hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts, swap them with pecans, cashews, or pistachios. They all work beautifully in this recipe.
- Dried fruit options: Not into prunes? No problem! You can use dried apricots, figs, or raisins as alternatives. Each brings its own unique flavor!
- Add chocolate chips: For a little indulgence, stir in some mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs into the mixture before rolling. They’ll add a hint of chocolate without being overpowering.
- Oats for extra texture: If you want a bit more bite and fiber, add in a small amount of rolled oats. This can also help absorb excess moisture if your mixture is too wet.
No-Bake Gluten-Free Energy Bites with Prunes, Dates & Nuts – Simple Snack Recipe!
Ingredients
- ½ cup hazelnuts
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup walnuts
- 1 cup dates (pitted)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional for binding)
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (for coating)
Instructions
- Blend nuts: In a food processor, pulse the hazelnuts, almonds, and walnuts until finely chopped.
- Add dates: Add the pitted dates to the nut mixture and blend until everything comes together in a sticky dough. If the mixture is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to help bind it.
- Shape balls: Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form small balls.
- Coat with coconut: Roll each ball in the shredded coconut until fully coated.
- Chill: Place the energy balls in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your nuts and dried fruits are fresh for the best flavor and texture. If they’re old or stale, they can affect the overall taste of your energy balls.
- Soak Dried Fruits if Needed: If your dates or prunes are hard, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. This will make blending easier and improve the texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your mixture before rolling it into balls. If you prefer a sweeter snack, feel free to add more dates or prunes to suit your taste.
- Check the Consistency: The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together. If it feels too dry, add a little coconut oil or a splash of water to help bind it.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the energy balls chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up and enhances the flavors. They’ll be easier to handle and tastier!
