Nut-Free Chocolate Energy Balls [Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free]

These Nut-Free Chocolate Energy Balls pack a punch with some super ingredients! They are also vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.

I hope everyone has been having a lovely summer so far! Can you believe we are into August already?! I sure can’t. It’s been a super busy summer between traveling for work, vacation, visitors, weddings, etc. Plus keeping up with studying for the NASM exam. I am ALMOST through the entire book. It’s been tough to keep up with everything going on. Plus it is SUMMERTIME!  I want to enjoy life outside. I am trying not to stress that I haven’t been able to give as much attention to the blog as I would like. But I have to remind myself that this blog is supposed to be my fun and exciting way to share healthy recipes and fun workout ideas with you all. I just have had some serious lack of time lately. I have one weekend this month where I am home the entire weekend, so I am hoping to get some recipes tested then. But if I don’t, I guess that’s life! 🙂 And I’ll get back to it when I have enough time to get out some quality recipes for you all.

But on to more exciting stuff… I busted out my food processor on Sunday. I’ve been DYING to get it out and I am so glad I did! While I was camping, I told my Canadian Bestie I would work on a nut-free snack for her. She works in a day care pre-school facility and all of the snacks have to be nut-free, allergy friendly. I have another idea I am working on, but it requires the oven and it is just too darn hot for that! So obviously energy balls are the next best thing 😉

These nut-free chocolate energy balls are so yummy. If you like dark chocolate, you’ll love these! They are SUPER chocolate-y from the cacao powder and nibs. Oh and they’re also gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free. They are basically just made with seeds and cacao, with a touch of some spices. I was so impressed with my food processor and how easily they came together. Within minutes I had my ball mixture ready for rolling! But lets talk about the ingredients real quick…

Cacao: As mentioned in this recipe, offers a great source of magnesium, iron, and antioxidants.

Pumpkin Seeds: Another great source of magnesium, as well as zinc, which is extremely beneficial to immune support.

Hemp Seeds: A complete protein! That means this is a GREAT source for vegans out there looking to get their protein in. Hemp also offers a great balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. AND they are a great source of fiber 😉

Chia Seeds: Also a great source of fiber and healthy fats.

Cinnamon: Some studies have shown that cinnamon can help reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar levels. It is also said to have antioxidant effects.

I also added a touch of ginger and turmeric for funsies, but that is definitely optional. Much like cinnamon, turmeric is also great for reducing inflammation. So basically, these energy balls pack a serious healthy punch! I LOVE healthy ingredients 😀 Who knew snacking on chocolate could seriously be THIS good for you?

Okay, so once everything comes together, it is a good idea to let the ball mixture firm up in the fridge for about 30 minutes, to allow for easier rolling. After rolling the mixture into balls (about a rounded tablespoon size), they get a little gooey from handling them. So I like to put mine on a lined cookie sheet, and then pop them in the freezer for about an hour, before storing them in a container. You can store the nut-free chocolate energy balls in the freezer and just get  them out when you’re ready for some guilt-free snacking.

Nut-Free Chocolate Energy Balls

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★★★★★

4.7 from 3 reviews

• Author: Ashley
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

These nut-free chocolate energy balls are perfect for the dark chocolate lover. They pack a super healthy punch with chia seeds, hemp seeds and cacao! They are also vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.

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Ingredients

• 11–12 large Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup cacao powder*
• 1/4 cup raw, shelled pumpkin seeds
• 3 TBS raw, shelled hemp seeds
• 3 TBS chia seeds
• 2 TBS cacao nibs
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp turmeric, optional
• 1/4 tsp ginger, optional
• 1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt*

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Instructions

1. Place pitted dates in food processor, or strong blender, and process until dates are broken down into paste.
2. Add remaining dry ingredients, and process until all seeds are broken down and mixture forms into dough-like consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
   Scrape down sides as necessary.
3. Form mixture into ball and let sit in fridge for 30 minutes to firm.
4. After 30 minutes, use a rounded tablespoon for measuring dough and roll into balls.
   You should get roughly 16 balls.
5. Place balls on lined cookie sheet and let firm again in freezer.
6. Store balls in container in freezer. Energy balls should keep fresh for 3 months.

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Notes

*These energy balls are naturally sweetened with dates, and account for most of the sugar and carb count
*The fat content coming from the seeds are ALL healthy fats
*You may sub cacao with unsweetened cocoa powder
*You may sub pink salt for kosher salt
*Total time accounts for fridge time

Recipe slightly adapted from Oh She Glows

• Category: Snacks

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Ball
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 9
• Fat: 4
• Carbohydrates: 13
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 3

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Hope you all have a great start to your week!

P.S. Do you like my new turquoise board!?!? The husband made it for me, because he is the best. He is so supportive I could not do this without him <3