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–+ servings
Homemade snickers energy balls on marble countertop.

Snickers Energy Balls (Healthy No Bake Snack)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16 balls
Author: Nico Pallotta

  • 1 packed cup (170 g) Medjool dates 6 oz / 170 g – pitted; if using Deglet dates, add a few extra dates to reach 6 ounces (170 g)
  • ½ cup (100 g) rolled oats old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
  • ½ cup (70 g) roasted salted peanuts
  • ¼ cup (60 g) natural peanut butter stir well
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) mini dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
  • ⅓ cup (60 g) dark chocolate chopped, 70% cocoa, optional for topping

  • Blend: Add 1 packed cup Medjool dates, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup roasted salted peanuts, ¼ cup natural peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to a food processor.
    Blend until the mixture looks crumbly but holds together when squeezed in your hand. If it seems too dry, add 2 or 3 more dates and blend again.
    Step 1 Sticky peanut date mixture in food processor
  • Add the chocolate: Add 3 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips and pulse a few times until mixed through.
    You want small pieces of chocolate throughout the mixture, not fully blended.
    Step 2 Chocolate chips with peanut date mixture.
  • Roll: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture into your hand.
    Squeeze it firmly a few times to compact it, then roll it briefly between your palms to smooth it into a ball.
    Place the balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
    Step 3 Rolled energy balls on silver tray.
  • Optional chocolate topping: Melt ⅓ cup dark chocolate (chopped) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
    Drizzle over the energy balls or dip them in the chocolate. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if you like.
    Refrigerate or freeze for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
    Step 4 Melted chocolate drizzled over snickers energy balls.
Substitutions
  • Medjool dates → Deglet Noor dates (use a few extra, or enough to reach the same weight).
  • Rolled oats → Quick oats.
  • Roasted salted peanuts → Roasted almonds, cashews, pecans, or a mixed nut blend.
  • Natural peanut butter → Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Use a well-stirred natural nut butter made with just nuts and salt.
  • Vanilla extract → A pinch of cinnamon, or leave it out.
  • Dark chocolate chips → Chopped dark chocolate, mini chocolate chips, or cacao nibs.
  • Dark chocolate (optional topping) → Use 70% dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture, or skip the topping altogether.
 
Tips
  • Use Medjool dates for the best soft, caramel-like texture.
  • Using Deglet dates? Add a few extra if the mixture seems dry.
  • Don't overblend the chocolate so you keep little chocolate pockets.
  • Check the texture by squeezing the mixture in your hand. If it sticks, it's ready.
  • Squeeze before rolling for perfectly round balls that hold together well.
  • Too dry? Blend in 2 or 3 more dates.
  • Use natural peanut butter and stir it well before measuring.
  • Choose 70% dark chocolate for the best topping.
  • Chill before serving for the best texture.
  • Store properly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
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