Energy Balls (Peanut Butter Brownie!)
This no bake peanut butter energy balls recipe tastes like healthy brownie bites! It’s an easy naturally sweet treat made…
This no bake peanut butter energy balls recipe tastes like healthy brownie bites! It’s an easy naturally sweet treat made with dates. Adding protein powder is optional, but adds a bit of protein and sweetness. Our family gobbles these up!
We’re always looking for healthy treats and here’s our latest hit: this no bake energy balls recipe. These little balls are naturally sweetened with dates and taste like peanut butter brownie bites! You need only 5 ingredients and they’re the perfect sweet treat to grab on the go—or sneak as a bedtime snack (me). Alex and I can’t resist them, and of course our kids are obsessed.
These energy bites came about when I was on the Daniel Fast and really needed a treat without sugar or natural sweeteners (maple syrup and honey). Turns out, Medjool dates are just the thing for making an all natural healthy energy bite that fills your chocolate cravings!
What readers love about this recipe
“Yumm I love these energy balls! As a forever date lover, these are exactly the type of thing I like to eat. It’s super delicious and makes for a really nice dessert. These taste like the $4/energy balls they sell at salad bars!” -Tanvee
Ingredients notes for no bake energy balls
Many energy balls recipes (aka energy bites) use oatmeal, but for this recipe we wanted to create a recipe with just nuts and dates. When we started this website in 2010, Medjool dates were on major trend—like these raw brownies, so we made countless Medjool dates recipes. After taking a little hiatus, we’re now back to using them because of their superpower as a natural sweetener.
- Medjool dates: This chewy, caramel flavored fruit is perfect for naturally sweet treats. Make sure to find Medjool dates at the grocery, not any other type of date. Look in your grocery in the produce aisle (many times next to the bananas), or near the dried fruits. You can also order them online.
- Walnuts: You can make this recipe with other nuts like almonds or cashews, but we find that walnuts bring the best texture and “brownie” flavor.
- Cocoa powder: Use regular cocoa powder (not Dutch process or dark cocoa, which we use in many of our recipes but not this one!).
- Creamy peanut butter: This recipe tastes like a peanut butter brownie energy bite! If desired, you can use other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter.
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor.
- Protein powder: This is optional, but we like how it adds a little protein and subtle enhanced sweetness.
Medjool dates fun fact
Did you know Medjool dates are fresh fruits? While other types of dates are dried, Medjool dates are harvested from the date palm tree and then packaged immediately. There’s no processing, so they’re not dried!
Tips for choosing a protein powder brand
Alex and I don’t often include protein powder in our recipes (we prefer natural protein sources), but adding a bit here can help to maximize the overall protein content! If you prefer, you can definitely omit it without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few notes on choosing a good brand:
- Learn how to choose protein powder brands. We read this article, How to Choose the Healthiest Protein Powder.
- Need recommendations? We’ve been using this organic vegan protein powder and like the flavor — it’s not too artificial. Use up leftovers in our homemade protein bars or a protein smoothie.
Storing leftovers
These energy balls store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, though the flavor is best within 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also store them at room temperature for 1 week.
Dietary notes
This energy balls recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Energy Balls Recipe (Peanut Butter Brownie!)
Print RecipeThis no bake peanut butter energy balls recipe tastes like healthy brownie bites! It’s an easy naturally sweet treat made with dates. Adding protein powder is optional, but adds a bit of protein and sweetness. Our family gobbles these up!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Snack
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole walnuts
- 15 Medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons protein powder plus ½ Tbsp water (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- In a large food processor, add the nuts and process until finely ground, a few seconds. Add the remaining ingredients and puree until a crumbly dough forms (when you squeeze it together, it will hold).
- Scoop about 1 tbsp of the dough out, squeeze it together, and roll it into balls. (If you like, you can roll it in finely chopped coconut or nuts for styling, but they taste great plain.) Store the balls for 1 to 2 weeks refrigerated (best within 1 week); bring to room temperature before serving. You can also store at room temperature for 1 week if you prefer.
Notes
The protein powder variation is our favorite and adds 1.5 grams protein per serving as well as more sweetness. We use this protein powder.
You can make this recipe with other nuts like almonds or cashews, but we find that walnuts bring the best texture and “brownie” flavor.
This recipe tastes like a peanut butter brownie bite! If desired, you can use other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter.
More healthy snacks
Here are a few more healthy snack recipes we love: these homemade protein bars, peanut butter oatmeal balls, energy bites, and oatmeal bars are all fan favorites!
