Date Sweetened No Bake Protein Ball Recipe
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Looking for a perfect healthy snack that satisfies your sweet tooth, fuels your day, and fits into your meal prep routine? This protein ball recipe dates is one of my favorite things to keep on hand. Made with Medjool dates, chia seeds, and other simple ingredients, they’re an excellent snack for busy days, workouts, or late-night cravings.
Before I lost 125 pounds, I would reach for chips and cookies when I wanted an easy snack. Now that I eat healthier and enjoy a vegan diet, I go for things like these easy date protein balls.
But, before I show you how to make this no bake protein ball recipe dates, please take a quick second to subscribe to the Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains delicious recipes and tips to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get a free Snacks & Smoothies Mini-Cookbook full of incredible plant-based snack recipes!
Why You’ll Love These Protein Date Balls
If you’re looking for no bake energy balls, this is the perfect bite!
- Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness
- Made with no added sugar—just pitted dates, dried cranberries, and vanilla extract
- No baking required—just chill and enjoy!
- Perfect snack to keep in your zip-top bag for on-the-go energy
Ingredients
You can mix and match ingredients depending on your taste or what you have in your pantry. This is a base recipe that you can build on with different flavors!
- Medjool dates, pitted
- Old-fashioned oats or Quick oats
- Natural peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter
- Chia seeds
- Unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
- Naturally sweetened dried cranberries
- A little water
- Vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
- Pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, or sunflower seeds
- Dark chocolate chips
- Chocolate protein powder or additional protein powder
- A pinch of sea salt for contrast
How to Make
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this protein ball recipe dates:
Step 1: Soften the dates
If you aren’t using fresh dates and the pitted dates feel dry, soak them in a bowl of warm water for 5–10 minutes, and set aside.
Step 2: Blend the mixture
Combine oats, chia seeds, and unsweetened coconut flakes in a food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency. Add in dried cranberries, and set aside.
Place dates and 1 tablespoon of date water in a food processor and pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides if necessary. Add additional water if required.
Add the nut/seed butter and vanilla and blend again.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and pulse until the protein ball mixture sticks together. If it’s too dry, add a little water or a little more peanut butter.
Step 3: Shape the balls
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the dough. Roll into small balls with damp hands for easier handling.
Optional: Roll in cocoa powder for a fun coating.
Step 4: Chill and Store
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
More Delicious Recipes:
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Tips For Best Results
- Don’t over-blend—pulse until combined, but not sticky mush.
- For more protein bites, add this homemade protein powder.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for later.
How To Store These Energy Bites
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Great for freezer meal prep!
Let thaw at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating.
For more information about food safety and storage, go to www.foodsafety.gov.
If you enjoyed this easy Date-Sweetened No-Bake Protein Ball Recipe or have tried any other recipe at Intentionally Eat, please leave a ⭐star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝comments below. Thanks for visiting and be sure to get instant access to new recipes, weight loss tips, plus a FREE Snack & Smoothie Recipe Bundle here.
Date Sweetened No Bake Protein Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Old fashioned oats
- 10 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup Nut or seed butter
- 1/4 cup Chia seeds
- 1/4 cup Uunsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup naturally sweetened, dried cranberries
- 1 Tbsp Reserved date water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Soften the dates. If you aren't using fresh dates and the pitted dates feel dry, soak them in a bowl of warm water for 5–10 minutes, and set aside.
- Step 2: Blend the mixture. Combine oats, chia seeds, and unsweetened coconut flakes in a food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency. Add in dried cranberries, and set aside.
- Place dates and 1 tablespoon of date water in a food processor and pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides if necessary. Add additional water if required. Add the nut/seed butter and vanilla and blend again.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and pulse until the protein ball mixture sticks together. If it’s too dry, add a little water or a little more peanut butter.
- Step 3: Shape the balls. Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the dough. Roll into small balls with damp hands for easier handling.
- Step 4: Chill and store. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Don’t over-blend—pulse until combined, but not sticky mush.
- For more protein bites, add this homemade protein powder.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for later.
How to Store:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
- Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Great for freezer meal prep!
- Let thaw at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating.
Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese to 125-pound lighter -and how you can reach your goals, too!
Hungry for more?
28 Easy Vegan Freezer Casseroles
10 Incredible Chocolate Protein Shake Recipes for Weight Loss
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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I hope you enjoyed this protein ball recipe with dates and that you found it delicious!
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
