These super simple 4-ingredient almond date chocolate balls are a wonderful snack that are a combination of nutty, caramel, fudgy bites that are part truffle part bliss ball. A wonderful snack to have in the fridge for when you want something indulgent but not too sweet.
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I had a few things to use up in the panty and wanted to create a very simple 4 ingredient bite that anyone could whip up. Dates, nuts, a bit of extra fat and dark chocolate- simple, yeah?
Personally I’m a big fan of the flavour of dates, but my teeth don’t appreciate the sugar hit unless I am smart enough to combine them with lots of fat. Snacking on straight up dates doesn’t do it for me anymore (especially after growing a few babies!), but combine them with nuts and chocolate and I’m in.
If you want to get extra fancy you can ferment your dates first– this gives a seriously delicious, slightly tangy and probiotic end result- but obviously its completely optional. Combine fermented dates with 90% dark choice and you have yourself a really low sugar snack- if that’s what you’re after!
For me, I just made this recipe as is (but I’ll be doing the fermented option when I get a chance). The end result is just divine AND the best part? My teeth love the, (which for me means this is a well balanced snack). The taste is not too sweet, nutty, caramel-like, a bit earthy. If you add flakey salt too its *chef’s kiss*. They’re soft, smooth and decadent.
INGREDIENT LIST
INGREDIENT LISTThe most simple list EVERE;
- Almond butter. I use homemade almond butter (in fact, I made these straight after making my own almond butter, to avoid cleaning the bowl in-between) but you can use any roasted almond butter. YES, you can use ANY nut or seed butter. I also have a chai almond butter recipe here that would be amazing in these.
- Medjool dates. Ideally you want fresh, soft, juicy dates not dried ones. I have not tried this recipe with dried dates but see the tips below if you want to.
- Coconut oil or ghee. I added in extra fats for 2 reasons- I love fats, and also it improves the texture. I personally prefer the ghee version but if you want a dairy free or vegan version use coconut oil.
- Dark chocolate.Use between 70-90% dark chocolate. I think milk chocolate would be too sweet, but if that is what you prefer use it.
- Salt– I basically don’t consider this an ingredient but if you do I guess it’s 5 ingredients.
TIPS
TIPS - If you only have dried dates measure out 1 cup, then soak for 5 minutes in boiling water. Drain the dates through a sieve and allow to sit so all excess water can drain off. Medjool dates or fresh dates will mean your almond date chocolate balls are more flavoursome, creamier and hold together better.
- If you’re sensitive to sugar (even the natural type in fruits) you can ferment your dates first., and use 90-95% dark chocolate to make these low in sugar.
- Almond butter can be swapped for roasted peanut butter or cashew butter for best results.
If you love these 4 ingredients Almond date chocolate balls then you will also love;
- Paleo chocolate coconut slice (coconut rough slice)
- Tahini hot chocolate gummies
- Paleo vegan chocolate bread
- chocolate chip cookie dough bars
- Cherry bounty bars
- Nut free energy bars
Thanks for stopping by. If you made this recipe I’d love to hear your feedback. Your reviews and comments help others find this recipe, and I love reading them too.
Print Almond date chocolate balls
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours setting time
- Total Time: 55 minute
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These super simple 4-ingredient almond date chocolate balls are a wonderful snack that are a combination of nutty, caramel, fudgy bites that are part truffle part bliss ball.
Ingredients
1 cup loosely packed fresh (eg Medjool) dates, pitted (see notes)
1/2 cup (140g) almond butter
2 Tbsp (35g) coconut oil or ghee
1/4 tsp salt
For the coating
100g 70-90% dark chocolate
1 tsp coconut oil or ghee
Instructions
- If you have not already remove the dates pits. Place into a food processor along with the almond butter and coconut oil or ghee. Blend for around 1 minute. The mixture should form into very small lumps- you are not aiming for a smooth paste.
- Take a spoon and measure approximately 1 dessert/table spoon of the date mixture. Roll into balls or the shape you desire. Place onto a lined tray. Repeat with remaining mixture then place into the fridge for 1+ hours or until firm and cold to touch.
- When the date mixture has set melt the chocolate. Break chocolate into very small pieces and place into a heat proof bowl with the coconut oil or ghee. Melt using either a double boiler method or in the microwave (heat in 15second increments, mixing in between).
- Remove date filling from the fridge. Use two forks to dip one of the date balls into the chocolate. Moving quickly. roll to coat then pick up with a fork. Allow all the excess chocolate to drip off before placing back on the lined tray. Repeat until all the date balls have been coated. Top with flakey sea salt if you wish.
- Place back into the fridge to set the chocolate until completely firm.
- To store, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge (up to 3 weeks) or the freezer (up to 3 months).
Notes
- I have not tried this with dried dates but see tips in teh blogpost if you want to
Keywords: Dates, almond butter, bliss balls, date caramel, paleo, vegan