No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls (5 Minutes)

I started making these energy balls when my sweet tooth was getting the better of me but I wanted something that wouldn’t leave me crashing later. They taste like dessert but they’re actually packed with good-for-you ingredients. I keep a batch in the fridge at all times now – they’re my secret weapon against afternoon sugar cravings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips (dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and cooled

Instructions

1. Prepare dates: Drain soaked dates and add to a food processor. Pulse until they form a sticky paste, about 1 minute.
2. Add wet ingredients: Add peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and cooled melted coconut oil. Process until well combined and smooth.
3. Mix dry ingredients: Add cocoa powder, flaxseed, chia seeds, oats, and salt. Pulse until mixture comes together but still has some texture.
4. Fold in chocolate: Transfer mixture to a bowl and fold in chocolate chips by hand until evenly distributed.
5. Form balls: Using damp hands, roll mixture into 20 small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place on a parchment-lined plate.
6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Tips

• Wet hands make rolling the balls much easier and prevent sticking
• For firmer balls, add an extra tablespoon of ground flaxseed
• Try rolling in shredded coconut or chopped nuts for extra flavor
• These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – perfect for meal prep