Easy No-Bake Date Energy Balls (Oat-Free + Gluten-Free)
This date energy ball recipe contains no oats, is gluten-free and perfect for a quick energy boost. The recipe is super easy to make and the energy balls can be kept in the freezer for those times of need.
✅ Why You’ll Love These Date Balls
- 🧒 Kid-friendly and lunchbox safe (just sub out the almonds for seeds if nut-free)
- 🕒 Ready in under 10 minutes
- 💪 Packed with good fats and natural energy
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly for make-ahead snacks
- 🌿 Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan
However, the nuts and seeds mixture is not always a favorite with smaller children. If you’re looking for something more ‘kid-friendly’ snacks, maybe check out these options:
- Energy Balls The Kids Will Love (GF, NF & Without Oats)
- Chocolate Peppermint Balls
- Easy Lemon and Coconut Bliss Balls (GF, DF)
- Apricot Bliss Balls (Gluten-Free, Nut-Free & Super Easy)
Date Energy Ball Ingredients
Along with the need for a food processor that can handle dates and nuts, you will also need the following ingredients:
- Medjool dates – you can use dried dates, however you will need to soak them slightly before.
- Nuts – we like to use almonds here.
- Coconut – shredded or desiccated coconut is best, however flakes can also be used.
- Sunflower seeds – a great source of many vitamins and minerals. You could substitute other seeds of the same quantity.
- Coconut oil – a small teaspoon helps with moisture (due to the almonds) and to bind the ingredients.
- 👉 Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, chia seeds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or protein powder.
How To Make Energy Balls With Dates
🔄 Tips & Easy Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Swap almonds for pepitas or extra sunflower seeds.
- Add More Flavour:
- A teaspoon of cocoa powder = chocolatey bliss.
- A pinch of cinnamon or ginger = warm spice.
- A little vanilla extract = extra sweetness.
- Texture too sticky? Add extra coconut or oats.
- Too dry? Add a splash of water or more coconut oil.
Date Bliss Ball Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw for a few minutes before eating so you don’t break your teeth!
Perfect to batch prep and always have healthy snacks on hand!
FAQs
Can I use regular dates instead of Medjool?
Yes, but they’re usually a lot drier – so just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first.
Are these school-safe?
They can be! Simply use seed-based substitutes instead of almonds if your school is nut-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. These store well, so making a bigger batch is a great idea.
Date Energy Balls
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/3 cup desiccated/shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- pinch of salt to taste
Instructions
- Blitz all ingredients together in a food processor until it resembles a crumbly, but sticky mixture.
- Roll into balls and allow to set in the fridge or freezer before serving.
Interested in more types of energy balls and bliss balls for quick snacks on the go?:
