Coconut, dates, and cashews come together for the perfect afternoon indulgence in these tasty Coconut Date Balls. Quick, easy, nutritious, and there's no baking involved! Plus they're sweetened naturally and have no added sugars.
Do you ever get tired, cranky and hungry (or as I like to call it, "hangry") in the late afternoon? If so, don’t fall for the vending machine trap! Dive into one of these nutrient-dense Coconut Date Balls instead.
It's the perfect bite when you're craving something sweet but want a healthy snack!
Why You'll Love This Dish
- Quick & easy- made with just a handful of ingredients
- Will satisfy your sweet tooth
- Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients
- No-cook recipe
- No added sugars- sweetened naturally with dates
- Gluten free and dairy free
- Make-ahead dish- make a batch and store them in the fridge
What are Bliss Balls or Energy Balls?
Bliss balls are bite-sized snacks typically made with a mixture of nutrient-dense ingredients.
Otherwise known as energy balls, protein balls, snack balls or any other number of names, they all have one thing in common- there's no baking involved! This makes them very popular.
Bliss balls typically can include:
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Seeds (like flax seed or chia seed)
- Whole grains (like oats or millet)
- Flavorings (like cocoa powder, cinnamon or vanilla extract)
- Other add-ins (like protein powder or chocolate chips)
All of the ingredients get puréed together in a food processor. Then they’re rolled into bite-sized balls. They can be served as is or coated in shredded coconut, sesame seeds, chopped nuts or cocoa powder.
Then they’re ready to be devoured. Quick, easy and nutritious- no wonder they’re so popular!
Try my easy 3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls. All of the ingredients come together in a bowl- no food processor needed!
Ingredients for Coconut Date Bliss Balls
- Dates- I use soft, pitted Medjool dates
- Cashews- I used unsalted cashews; you can try different nuts like almonds
- Coconut- I use unsweetened, shredded coconut to control the amount of sugar
- Salt- I use sea salt
- Coconut oil- helps bind the balls together
- Optional add-ins- flax seeds, chia seed, cocoa powder, spices like cinnamon
Step-By-Step Instructions
See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Step 1- Purée dates, cashews, and coconut in a food processor until finely ground
- Step 2- Stream in a little coconut oil and water until the mixture looks like wet sand
- Step 3- Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and form into balls
- Step 4- Roll the balls in shredded coconut until coated
Chef's Tips
- Use this recipe as a guide and substitute your favorite ingredients; try almonds instead of cashews or add some cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
- If the mixture is too soft to form into balls right away, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to firm up first.
- Make a large batch of these healthy date and coconut balls and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week so that you always have a nutritious snack on hand.
- For an extra boost of nutrients, add some flaxseed or chia seeds to these balls.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, these coconut dates balls are packed with nutrient-dense ingredients and have no added sugars. Instead, they're sweetened naturally with dates. In addition, they're also vegan, gluten free and dairy free. They are a healthy and filling snack option.
There are 91 calories in one coconut date ball.
These coconut and date balls will last about 10 days in the refrigerator stored in an air tight container.
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Defrost them overnight in the fridge before eating.
This recipe is part of my Best Healthy Snacks for Kids Collection.
More Healthy Snacks
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Recipe
Coconut Date Balls (No Bake)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted, raw cashews
- 1 cup soft, pitted Medjool dates
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut plus extra for rolling
- large pinch of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Pulse the cashews in a food processor several times until no large chunks remain. Add the dates, ½ cup coconut and salt and continue to process until a crumbly mixture forms. With the food processor running, pour in the coconut oil and water and process until the mixture looks like wet sand. If needed, add a little bit more water until it holds together.
- If the mixture is very soft, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to firm up a little. Then, scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and roll them into balls. Pour some shredded coconut onto a plate and roll the balls in the coconut until they are coated. Devour!
Notes
- Use this recipe as a guide and substitute your favorite ingredients; try almonds instead of cashews or add some cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
- If the mixture is too soft to form into balls right away, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to firm up first.
- Make a large batch of these healthy date and coconut balls and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week so that you always have a nutritious snack on hand.
- For an extra boost of nutrients, add some flax seed or chia seeds to these balls.
Joyce Smith says
I’ve made these several times and doubled the recipe this time to have in the fridge. I ran out of coconut, so I used a chocolate granola from the healthy food section of my grocery store. It turned out great. Easy and fast to make. Another Foodie Physician winning recipe for this retired couple.
Dr. Sonali Ruder says
Chocolate granola sounds like a delicious substitution- I'll have to try it! So glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
Aquaria says
Using freeze dried strawberries (unsweetened) instead of dates, and pecans or macadamia nuts instead of cashews would lower the carb count by a significant amount. Probably wouldn't need to add any oil, either. Both nuts are higher in fat than cashews, so if they're shredded in a food processor, they'll put off enough moisture not to need the coconut oil.
Bringing the carb count down to 2 or so per ball really would make this a healthy snack, at least for diabetics. You could even toss in some stevia or monk fruit or even some Swerve brown sugar to amp the sweet without raising the carb count.
These little blobs of joy might just become addictive with those tweaks.
Dr. Sonali Ruder says
Strawberries and pecans sound like great substitutions!
url says
Definitely a keeper, in my snack cabinet. I have tried dates and and almonds only.
I like the coconut addition.
Thank you SOnali.
Flora S says
HI, I definitely want to try these, but you don't say if I should use raw cashews or roasted ones?
Dr. Sonali Ruder says
Hi! You can use raw or roasted cashews in this dish (I usually use raw)- they'll both work. Just make sure they're unsalted. Let me know how it goes if you try the recipe!
Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies says
What a perfect flavor combination! Easy to make too!
sonaliruder says
Thanks! They really are so easy 🙂
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Seriously these balls sound so good. I've been such a big fan of coconut lately, I'm obsessed!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Sam! You can never go wrong with a little coconut 😉
Julie Wunder says
These look so good! I love the flavors in it. Great pictures too-- so pretty!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Julie!
Emily Stephens says
I wish we were neighbors! These look amazing! Perfect pairing for the Silk Nutchello! #client
sonaliruder says
How fun would that be! Thanks Emily, the Nutchello was so delicious!
Tara Rochford says
I've been wanting to try that Nutchello. Looks like a really tasty treat!! And those bliss balls?! YUM!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Tara! This flavor was awesome and I can't wait to try other two!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
These look good, and healthy for you! They're a snack I wouldn't mind having around the office for those hungry afternoons.
sonaliruder says
Thanks Pamela! They really do make the perfect office snack 🙂
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Love anything coconut, and these looks so intriguing, Sonali. YUM!
sonaliruder says
Definitely one of my favorite flavors too! Thanks Anu 🙂
Kristy Sayer @ Southern In Law says
Oh these look so good! I love coconut paired with any kind of nut!
sonaliruder says
Me too! Thanks, Kristy!
Alisa says
I just recently spotted Nutchello - now you've convinced me that I need to break down and pick up a bottle! Love the recipe pairing - coconut and cashew are a match made in heaven!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Alisa! You should definitely try the Nutchello, I think you'd really like it 🙂
Deanna - Teaspoon of Spice says
Granted I've never been one to sway from my cow's milk but I definitely would try this beverage - and of course these amazing bites 🙂
sonaliruder says
Thanks, Deanna! It's really good and is even better with the balls 🙂
Kindal says
Oh goodness, these look amazing. I love anything with coconut and cashews together!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much!
Rebecca Pytell says
Now that's a novel idea!! It's embarrassing how many bite recipes I have, but the possibilities and combos are so endless!
sonaliruder says
Thanks, Rebecca! I'm already thinking of a million different combos 🙂
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
These sound amazing and SO perfect for a late-night snack!
sonaliruder says
Thanks, Hannah! They do make a great snack. In fact, I just enjoyed one 🙂
athletic avocado says
Love the coconut-cashew combo! These are the perfect little snack!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much! I love the combination too!