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Stuffed Energy Balls

15 min

Snack

One-bowl / one-pot

Freezer-friendly

10 ingredients or less

No cook

Energy balls are a great, easy-to-transport snack. These are deliciously sweet, with a creamy, oozy, nutty filling. Take a few with you to keep you charged all day or enjoy as a simple evening snack with a cup of tea.

energy balls

Total

15 min

Prep

15 min

Contains

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Swap out

Peanut symbol

peanut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Free from

Soy symbol

soy

Gluten symbol

gluten

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (160 g)
    soft dates, pits removed
  • ½ cup (68 g)
    roasted unsalted cashews
  • 1 Tbsp (9 g)
    toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 Tbsp (7 g)
    ground flaxseeds
  • 1½ Tbsp (22 mL)
    peanut butter

Directions

  1. Add the dates, cashews, cocoa powder, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds to a food processor.
  2. Blend until uniform in texture and holds together when pressed between your fingers.
  3. Scoop 2 Tbsp of the mixture into your palm and form into a ball.
  4. Use your finger to create a crater in the center of the date ball.
  5. Dollop about ½ tsp of peanut butter into the crater.
  6. Cupping the filled ball, pinch the edges closed around the peanut butter.
  7. Roll the filled energy ball back into a sphere.
  8. Transfer it to a plate. Repeat with the remaining date mixture and peanut butter. If desired, coat with toasted sesame seeds or cocoa powder. Enjoy!

Storage

  • Store these energy balls in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Let us know what you think

Watch it step-by-step!

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

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Alaina Schiele - Nov. 15, 2024, 1:38 a.m.

The perfect snack I was looking for! It’s sweet and savory, a little crunchy and perfect for on the go or a midnight snack!


flo - Aug. 31, 2024, 2:50 a.m.

I think the dates I got are not fresh enough and little dry… so I used extra half cup of dates, worked well! Indeed time consuming but worthy it! It becomes a meditation practice in the end lol.


Ira - Aug. 27, 2024, 6:37 p.m.

Delicious snack/dessert!
I did not have ground flaxseeds so I made a batch without them.
A splash of water helped to form the mixture into balls.


Reid Wegrecki - Aug. 26, 2024, 9:39 p.m.

My food processor (720w) handled this mixture very well!! These were super fun to make and beyond delicious (no surprise there 😜). Another home run from Pick Up Limes!!


GemGame AJ - Aug. 18, 2024, 6:53 p.m.

Not a review, can I use another nut like walnuts or hazel nut in this? I have an intolerance for cashew and almonds.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 19, 2024, 9:34 a.m.

Hey friend, yes definitely! Any nut you enjoy should work just great, and for extra flavour, I'd even recommend roasted over raw walnuts/hazelnuts. Enjoy!

GemGame AJ - Aug. 19, 2024, 5:47 p.m.

Awesome.


Michala - Aug. 13, 2024, 8:52 p.m.

Super yummy, but take some time to complete!


Lekhya - Aug. 7, 2024, 10:30 a.m.

I live in a hostel and these energy balls are honestly the best and so easy to make. Thank you so much for introducing this recipe.


Jo - Aug. 3, 2024, 5:40 p.m.

These energy balls are amazing! I always add a bit of water to make it stick together (maybe it's just my blender not being strong enough). And inside, instead of peanut butter, I put toasted hazelnut - heavenly treat :)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 4, 2024, 4:22 a.m.

So glad that you're enjoying the stuffed energy balls, Jo! Love the idea to use toasted hazelnut instead 😊


Cynthia O´Toole - July 24, 2024, 2 a.m.

Looks so delicious ❤️❤️❤️


Lisa Steinhäuser - July 20, 2024, 10:05 p.m.

A go-to recipe for me! Depending on which nuts I have in I substitute them out. Best snack for a long hike


Zoi - July 7, 2024, 10:11 p.m.

I made these two days in a row. They are amazing as a pre-workout snack. I rolled them in crushed pistachios—wow!


Josy Rinque - June 25, 2024, 10:18 a.m.

Amei.muito boa


Chrsty - June 5, 2024, 8:48 p.m.

Do you have any recipes for energy balls that do not use nuts or seeds?

BTW, this is a beautiful website! You have done a great job of building your brand and carrying that aesthetic across your platforms!

PUL small logo PUL Team - June 6, 2024, 5:18 p.m.

Hey Chrsty, you could modify our Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Energy Balls to use a nut and seed-free spread if you'd like: https://www.pickuplimes.com/r…. For example, you could try soybean butter (sometimes called "Wow butter") 😊


Liliana Arce - May 17, 2024, 12:22 a.m.

This Energy, Balls Are Delicious


Sophia - May 14, 2024, 10:06 p.m.

So yummy!


Masha - May 14, 2024, 3:41 a.m.

Just perfect! Tastes like snickers bar☺️


Marnie - April 23, 2024, 2:02 p.m.

Made these tonight after dinner as I was craving something sweet, but wanted something healthy. SO good! Next time, I’m going to try reducing the dates slightly and upping the nuts, as someone else suggested, just to reduce the sweetness a touch (not that they’re too sweet). I’m also going to double the recipe as need more of this tasty goodness! 😁 Thank you so much for all your fab recipes and all the information you share with us. And thank you for offering the 7-week trial as part of your 7-year celebration. 🥳 That inspired me to try your app and I’ll definitely be signing up for the year soon. Big love from Melbourne, Australia. xx

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 24, 2024, 5:22 p.m.

Hi there, Marnie, aw so thrilled to hear that the stuffed energy balls were enjoyed! Love the ideas of modifying the recipe a bit. It means a lot that you celebrated our 7-year anniversary with us too 🥳✨


Lilly - April 4, 2024, 8:59 p.m.

Delicious, simple and quick treat! I added a tiny bit of water to make it stick together ;)


Rebecca - April 4, 2024, 1:04 a.m.

Great recipe! However, after making this the first time I've decided to use HALF the amount of dates!! I replace half of the dates with more ground nuts or nut butter. I'd rather have more protein and healthy fats than sugar before bed. I also share these with my toddler who already has plenty of energy! If I was going to do a hard core workout, I might prefer the whole cup of dates in this recipe. However, when I'm winding down for rest, I tend to prefer a little less sweetness. I also add ground ginger for added health benefits plus a kick of spice. In addition, I add an extra tablespoon of cacao powder :)

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 4, 2024, 3:57 p.m.

How fantastic that you're customizing the recipe to suit your preferences and needs! Thanks a bunch for sharing your experience with this one, Rebecca. Sending lots of love to you and your little one😊

Rebecca - April 18, 2024, 12:08 a.m.

Thank you! One night she was restless around bedtime and I gave her some of these. She got very excited for a couple of minutes and then relaxed before falling asleep. It seemed to really hit the spot and help her feel nice and satiated :)


Nikos - April 3, 2024, 9:41 p.m.

They came out so delicious! I also drizzled a little bit of melted chocolate on top, and it was amazing.
The best thing is that the are quite filling, so even if you eat half a ball, it is enough!

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 4, 2024, 3:49 p.m.

So happy to hear you enjoyed the stuffed energy balls, Nikos! They're small but a mighty snack indeed ☺️


Mahima - April 3, 2024, 11 a.m.

Awesome recipe


Afzul - April 2, 2024, 11:42 p.m.

Love this recipe!!


Afza Faiz - April 2, 2024, 9:45 p.m.

These taste amazing and are a guilt free dessert for me.


Michy - March 25, 2024, 11:35 a.m.

The only thing, I have to complain on that receipe is, the portion is too small. I made 9 Balls, and two hours later we ate almost all of them :D


MaeAnn Jenkins - March 10, 2024, 3:15 a.m.

I made these with my 3 year old daughter. We love them. It’s nice to have a healthy and delicious snack to share together. Thank you so much!

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 11, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Aw how nice of you to make it together, MaeAnn! So glad the stuffed energy balls were enjoyed :)


Nikki - March 6, 2024, 5:48 p.m.

Hi, I can't wait to try this recipe but where can I get the Cocoa Powder Dutch Style that you're using? Or would you recommend a brand besides this one that would be same/similar. Hope to hear soon so I can make the recipe soon. Thank you.

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 6, 2024, 8:57 p.m.

Hey there, Nikki, Dutch-processed cocoa powder is also known as alkalized cocoa and we get it from our local grocery store in the baking section. We generally use Drost cocoa powder. Dutch processed tends to be darker in colour and gives a bittersweet flavour, compared to lighter brown cocoa powders. Any brand will do for this recipe 🤗


Jasmin - March 6, 2024, 2:11 p.m.

Peanut Butter did not stay inside 😅

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 6, 2024, 7:51 p.m.

Hey Jasmin, it might help to store the peanut butter in a cooler environment so it's less runny 🤗


Camille - Feb. 1, 2024, 1:03 p.m.

My dates were pretty old and dry so I added a tea spoon of water and then it was sticking perfectly together! It’s delicious!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Feb. 1, 2024, 7:25 p.m.

A lovely idea, Camille, thank you! 😊


Marije op den Kelder - Jan. 21, 2024, 12:42 p.m.

So good! The boys absolutely love them.


Carolina Kubiaki - Jan. 16, 2024, 8:45 a.m.

Amazing! For the Brazilians friends, it’s almost a brigadeiro 🤤


Shwe5 - Jan. 2, 2024, 7:04 a.m.

Love it


Lo - Dec. 30, 2023, 9:19 p.m.

Delicious, healthy, easy to make snack! Perfect for grabbing on the go.


Priyanka - Dec. 16, 2023, 3:48 a.m.

Fourth time I’m making this, absolutely love it for a sweet crave or as a midnight snack😍


OnigiriGarl - Dec. 9, 2023, 12:28 p.m.

I love these so much! I make them every week. Since perimenopause set in, I've become unable to eat really sugary desserts bc they make me feel sick. These really help me feel like I'm eating chocolate but it's a healthier alternative. I really appreciate this recipe!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 9, 2023, 11:56 p.m.

We're so happy the stuffed energy balls are being enjoyed! Sending lots of love your way, friend 🥰✨


Christina Kuzeva - Dec. 3, 2023, 7:31 p.m.

I didn't use soft dates, therefore the mixture ended up quite dry and didn't stick, so I put in a little soymilk and it worked out great 😃
Super easy if you don't mind getting your hands sticky ☺️

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 4, 2023, 4:07 a.m.

A lovely idea to use soy milk to soften the mixture. Thanks, Christina!


visalakshi radhakrishnan - Dec. 3, 2023, 3:44 a.m.

Such an awesome and healthy recipe. Thanks for this 😊


Elyse L. - Nov. 14, 2023, 4:40 a.m.

So delicious! I’ve brought these to work, rehearsals, and friends’ gatherings, when a pop of energy is often needed, and people always ask for the recipe! They also look so pretty with the various coatings of sesame seeds, cacao, or just as is.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 15, 2023, 12:54 a.m.

Aw how exciting to hear, Elyse, thank you 😊 we love the look of these stuffed energy balls too!


jeremy Ira - Nov. 11, 2023, 10:39 a.m.

I tried it and it was amazing thank you so much for the dedication.


Tanya - Oct. 31, 2023, 11:30 a.m.

Loved this recipe!


Mathilde Willems - Oct. 29, 2023, 5:24 p.m.

Really delicious!! So simple to make and so fast!!


Hemali Doshi - Oct. 16, 2023, 4:59 p.m.

Love the taste of this! Satisfies your sweet craving just right!


Ashley Riley - Oct. 7, 2023, 9:58 p.m.

Perfect snack between classes! These are so good and super easy to make. I throw in an extra date or two because sometimes the mixture crumbles.


Pooja - Oct. 5, 2023, 5:26 a.m.

I am not a snack person. If I eat, I like savory/salty stuff but I always feel bloated after that. In an attempt to eat non savory/not-so-sweet snack, I made this. I love it. I have it post-workout before dinner or in the afternoon to break the slump. Love the sesame flavor with chocolate and dates.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 5, 2023, 10:49 p.m.

We're so glad the stuffed energy balls are being enjoyed, Pooja, thank you!


Adriana - Sept. 26, 2023, 2:50 p.m.

I am pregnant and hungry ALL THE TIME. These are the perfect late night snack when my tummy is grumbling. And they're so delicious.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 26, 2023, 7:08 p.m.

So happy the energy balls are being enjoyed, Adriana - and wishing you all the best with your pregnancy 💛


Denisa K - Sept. 22, 2023, 7:57 p.m.

I am completely new to vegan recipes. But this quite took me back. Fast, easy, sweet - exactly what I want for snack.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 23, 2023, 4:31 p.m.

We’re so glad the stuffed energy balls were enjoyed, Denisa - and hope you continue to enjoy your culinary journey with plant foods 🌱


Bethany - Sept. 18, 2023, 6:31 p.m.

Any recommendation on what to do if the mixture is not sticking together?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 19, 2023, 6:22 p.m.

Hey Bethany! Thanks for the question and patience with the recipe. It could help to add more dates or peanut butter for stickiness. If you're finding your dates aren't blending smoothly or the mixture seems too powdery though, adding some extra moisture can do the trick. Soaking the dates helps by adding water and making them easier to blend into a smoother texture. Processing the mixture a bit longer also helps for a more cohesive consistency. And if nothing seems to work, try using wet hands to shape the balls 😃

Bethany Bryant - Sept. 19, 2023, 6:34 p.m.

I will absolutely try these things. Thank you so much!

Bethany Bryant - Sept. 19, 2023, 6:37 p.m.

The first batch that did not stick together still has an amazing ending. I sprinkled them into my yogurt each morning as a chocolate energy boost.


Anamika - Sept. 16, 2023, 6:49 p.m.

Energy balls are amazing!


Lise Bouwsema - Sept. 4, 2023, 10:20 p.m.

Oooh energy balls with a surprise! So yummy :) We made versions with homemade cashew butter, cranberries and nuts. Also highly recommended to keep them in the freezer to take one every day for a delicious snack! They last a long time there :)


Amanda - Aug. 31, 2023, 4 a.m.

LOVED these. Pleasantly surprised by the chocolate flavor that pulls through. I tried the nut and fruit ones rolled in coconut and don’t love the super strong date/dried fruit flavor. So these are a perfect treat!


Christopher - Aug. 30, 2023, 11:34 p.m.

Follow us to my post from yesterday (the 29th). We love these. Mt wife pronounced that they should not be called energy balls, but instead in our household they will be referred to as "Energy Bombs". Works for me. Thought you might like it too.


Mairi - Aug. 30, 2023, 11:14 p.m.

These are amazing! When I was on vacation in Germany I found energy balls with pistachio butter in the middle at the store and fell in love. I was bummed that I didn't have them available here in the States anymore, but then I found your recipe and it's actually so much better than the store bought ones! I just used pistachio butter instead of peanut butter. I'm completely incapable of getting them into a ball though without the butter coming out at the top, I even put it in the fridge for a while but it didn't help. But it still tastes the same, so whatever 😅

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 31, 2023, 7:43 a.m.

Ooo pistachio butter is a lovely idea, Mairi! It might help to store the pistachio butter in a cooler environment so it's less runny. So happy the energy balls are being enjoyed in any case though 😃


Christopher - Aug. 29, 2023, 8:37 p.m.

Made these today. They are incredible! and delicious! I ended up making two batches. The first was a little dry and I couldn't make it into a ball. I had to add more dates, 50% more to get them to hold together. Lost some of the chocolate taste in the process, but never the less, they were very good. Super charged my wife as she went off to paint in her studio!! The second batch about the same with the dates but I added another 1/2 tbs of cocoa powder to the mix so they were a bit more chocolaty. All very good.


Colette - Aug. 27, 2023, 7:43 p.m.

Made these last night and they’re DELICIOUS! Will make in bigger batches and freeze in the future because this is definitely going to become a staple. Just a quick question - if I freeze them, what’s the best way and around how long does it take to defrost them?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 31, 2023, 2:29 a.m.

Hey Colette, we're so happy to hear the energy balls were enjoyed! For freezing, you can place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, and when frozen, they can then be transferred to an airtight container or bag (this helps them from sticking together). For defrosting, you can leave them on the counter or take them with you on-the-go. They'll take a couple of hours to fully defrost, depending on the room conditions 😊

Colette - Aug. 31, 2023, 12:41 p.m.

Thank you so much! This is so helpful! Advice on how to properly freeze and defrost things in general is excellent because I’m just learning. The level of detail in this app is over-the-top incredible. Thank you for sharing and bravo!


Trinitra - Aug. 26, 2023, 2:43 a.m.

My favorite thing about these recipes is that you can change the quantity of the ingredients to match the amount you need to make! I have never seen it on any other site, it is truly so helpful!
This recipe was delicious and it is such a great snack to have on hand quickly!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 26, 2023, 5:45 a.m.

Oh we're smiling from ear to ear! So thrilled the website features are being enjoyed, Trinitra 🙌


Charlotte - Aug. 25, 2023, 9:57 p.m.

Just when I thought I couldn't love your energy ball recipes more you came out with this one! 😍 I absolutely loved the peanut butter filling and the toasted sesame seeds really complimented the chocolate fudginess. Very unique and delicious!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 26, 2023, 5:07 a.m.

Woop woop! It means so much, Charlotte, thank you ☺️


Kristine - Aug. 23, 2023, 9:41 p.m.

They are just heavenly - that juicy middle is such a perfect first-bite note. My husband started to eat energy balls too now :D

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 25, 2023, 8:05 a.m.

So happy you and your husband are enjoying the energy balls, Kristine 😊


Julika - Aug. 23, 2023, 4:42 p.m.

Very delicious!


Jessica - Aug. 19, 2023, 5:40 p.m.

Hello! Can I soak the dates in advance? I know it can make it easier to blend. I am curious if this will make it too soft for the desired outcome.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 19, 2023, 11:19 p.m.

Hey Jessica, yup you can soak the dates beforehand to help them soften 😊 if you find the mixture ends up a bit too wet, you can always add some more flaxseeds to help.


Nour Dukmak - Aug. 19, 2023, 3:32 a.m.

These are amazing! Everyone loved them, even my husband who usually doesn’t like energy balls. They taste like chocolate tahini. So yummy!


Allison - Aug. 18, 2023, 8:37 p.m.

I added some maple syrup to help it form together! So yummy


K.Rosanna - Aug. 15, 2023, 11:30 p.m.

I just made these and they are so tasty and satisfying! I’m trying to eat less refined sugars and was looking for a healthy alternative. I could have just had one but I had 5 🙈 I will make these again and next time also fill a few with the homemade Nutella.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 16, 2023, 2:36 a.m.

Mmm homemade nutella is a delicious idea, K! 😃


Ulricha De Klerk - Aug. 14, 2023, 6:39 p.m.

I absolutely love this easy recipe❤️😋 It is great for on the go or a quick tasty snack


calegrachile - Aug. 13, 2023, 3:43 p.m.

Is it possible to add berries inside when you’re alergic to the nuts?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 14, 2023, 3 a.m.

Hey Calegrachile, you can certainly add fresh fruit, but then the orbs would only keep for 1 - 2 days in that case. For a longer shelf life, I'd recommend using dried fruit instead, or perhaps even jam. Otherwise, you could also use seed butter like sunflower seed butter 😊


Hucoco - Aug. 9, 2023, 9:05 p.m.

Délicieuses! Avec une courte liste d'ingrédients!
Le beurre d'arachide est un peu difficile à mettre dans les boules.


Assia (Mom and little more) - Aug. 9, 2023, 5:58 a.m.

I am not an energy balls person…but these, mamamia!


Nicole - Aug. 1, 2023, 8:32 p.m.

Such a lovely, delicious little snack! A healthier replacement for my ‘mum evening treat time’.
Thank you!


IcedTKitty - July 30, 2023, 11:12 a.m.

This recipe is amazing! I can't believe how much it feels like I'm eating a decadent desert even though it is composed of all these gut-healthy ingredients. I have been enjoying these after dinner to help keep away from the ice cream my husband likes to bring home. Very easy and honestly fun to make! This is my new weekly staple.


Carolina - July 29, 2023, 1:29 p.m.

Excelente para la merienda o para picar algo dulce


Perdita - July 28, 2023, 3:33 a.m.

Hi, Sadia!

So many reasons to love your channel, website, and now app! Can I substitute cacao powder for the cocoa?

You and Robin are absolutely delightful!

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 30, 2023, 6:11 p.m.

Hey Perdita, yes you can use cacao powder if you'd like. We personally prefer Dutch-processed cocoa powder for its natural sweetness compared to general cocoa and cacao powder, so you may just want to give the mixture a taste and if it's too bitter add a pinch of sugar, syrup, or more dates🙂


Carolina - July 27, 2023, 1:35 p.m.

Me encanta esta receta ( como muchas otras de Pick up limes). Deliciosa y nutritiva. Mil gracias !!!


Marije - July 26, 2023, 12:39 p.m.

So good! The kids love them as well.


casey - July 26, 2023, 4:14 a.m.

These are so yummy! And easy to make. And has nutritional value!


Helen - July 25, 2023, 6:05 p.m.

Would you add chia seeds into the mix or as a coating?

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 27, 2023, 2:09 a.m.

Hey Helen, you could totally do either 😊


Nike - July 25, 2023, 3:02 a.m.

Love these energy bites. A wonderful snack.


Tanaya - July 22, 2023, 5:32 a.m.

I should’ve blended mine for about 20 more seconds in the processor, but other than that? 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾 where have these been all my life. Will add some chia seeds next time

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 25, 2023, 2:08 a.m.

Chia seeds are a lovely idea, Tanaya, thanks for sharing your experienced with the stuffed energy balls 😃


Shantala - July 21, 2023, 4:53 a.m.

Awesome option! My family from kids to adults everyone simply love them. Healthy and quick..a must try snack!


Amanda - July 20, 2023, 11:53 p.m.

Wow, thank you for for this recipe!


SandraM - July 19, 2023, 10:32 p.m.

So good! Great with an afternoon coffee too!


Sharon Vos - July 19, 2023, 9:16 p.m.

Would for sure put the peanutbutter in the freezer before use :) these energyballs are so tasty! Now see how it affects my sleep

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 24, 2023, 4:58 p.m.

A lovely idea, Sharon, thank you! 😃


Sharon - July 19, 2023, 5:15 p.m.

Made this as soon as I saw the video and it did not disappoint! The kiddos loved the "peanut butter surprise" in the middle!

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 24, 2023, 12:51 a.m.

Aww so happy to hear, Sharon, thank you 😊