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.

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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.

4.67 from 3 votes

Nut-Free Chocolate Energy Balls

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 30 minutes minutes

Total: 35 minutes minutes

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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Author: Ashley Walterhouse

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Servings 16

1x2x3x

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*

Instructions

• Place pitted dates in food processor, or strong blender, and process until dates are broken down into paste.
• 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.
• Form mixture into ball and let sit in fridge for 30 minutes to firm.
• After 30 minutes, use a rounded tablespoon for measuring dough and roll into balls.
• You should get roughly 16 balls.
• Place balls on lined cookie sheet and let firm again in freezer.
• Store balls in container in freezer. Energy balls should keep fresh for 3 months.

★ Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Recipe 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

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1Ball, Calories: 85kcal (4%), Carbohydrates: 15g (5%), Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 2g (3%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 23mg (1%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 9g (10%)

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