Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Energy Balls
Healthy Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Energy Balls are a healthy snack that travels well. They’re quick and easy to make and last well in the fridge.
Chocolate Pecan Energy Bites make a great healthy snack. They’re gluten-free, vegan and paleo too.
This recipe is a great road trip snack. Its OK to stop for snacks when driving long distances but more often than not, the most satisfying road trip snacks are those that you pack from home.
Chocolate Pecan Energy Balls are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up for those times when you want something with staying power.
The combination of nuts, dates, and unsweetened cocoa powder — along with a little molasses and maple syrup to help bind everything together creates a healthy treat with substance.
Chocolate Pecan Energy Balls are made made with no refined sugar.
This is a versatile recipe. Molasses helps to make them taste more chocolaty and you could always replace the Tbsp. of maple syrup with more molasses. Or you could use a little honey. The recipe works well with both pecans and walnuts and is especially good when made with a combination of the two. Also, we find the texture is best when we use Medjool dates.
School-friendly option: Replace nuts with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and chia. The ratio is: 1/2 cup each of sunflower & pumpkin seeds and 1 Tbsp. chia
PrintGluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Energy Balls
Chocolate Pecan Energy Bites make a great healthy snack. They’re gluten-free, vegan and paleo. Made with no refined sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 energy balls 1x
- Category: Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 generous cup pecans or walnuts (or a combination)
- 1 cup pitted dates (lightly packed)
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp. Crosby’s Fancy Molasses
- 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Whir the nuts in a food processor until crumbly.
- Add the dates and process until nuts and dates are combined.
- Add remaining ingredients and process until the mixture sticks together. (Don’t let it get too smooth – you still want some texture.)
- Form into tablespoon-sized balls and chill.
Michelle
I don’t have a food processor, can you suggest an alternative method? This sounds so good!
Lynn Purdy
You may cut up(finely) the nuts and dates with a knife. If you don’t chop them fine enough, the bites may not form together as well. Always mix the ingredients with a mixer, if possible. A little more work, but they are worth it.
Ronalda
Do you have a blender?