Description
These Chocolate Brownie Date Balls are a quick, nutritious, and delicious snack combining the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with rich cocoa and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for a guilt-free treat or an energy boost, they require no baking and come together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Walnuts
- 3/4 cup walnuts (2.6 oz total)
Main Mixture
- 10 pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup canned or homemade pumpkin purée
- Pinch sea salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process recommended)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Walnuts: Place 1/3 cup of the walnuts in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Process until nuts resemble coarse sand. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside for rolling later.
- Grind Remaining Walnuts: Add the remaining walnuts to the food processor and process until finely ground to create a smooth texture for the mixture.
- Add Dates and Flavorings: Add the pitted Medjool dates, pumpkin purée, cocoa powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract to the finely ground walnuts. Continue processing until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and sticky.
- Form Balls: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop the mixture into 8 equal portions, roughly golf-ball size, and roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Coat with Walnuts: Roll each ball in the reserved coarsely ground walnuts to add texture and a crunchy exterior.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator or freezer to keep fresh and firm.
Notes
- For best results, use soft Medjool dates; if dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before processing.
- Pumpkin purée can be homemade or canned; ensure it is unsweetened and pure.
- These date balls can be stored frozen for up to 2 weeks or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Use Dutch process cocoa powder for a smoother, richer chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa works as well.
- Optional: Roll the balls in shredded coconut or cocoa powder for a different coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American