These Vanilla Almond Balls are a perfect snack for those mid-day cravings. Although they're delicious, they contain no added sugar - only dates - so they're much healthier than most store-bought energy bars!
Easy Energy Balls
A few years ago I would grab one of those commercial energy bars every day as a meal replacement or snack when I had nothing else around. I didn't stop to look at the ingredient list or sugar content in these bars as I figured they were a "healthy" food.
Once I started really getting into nutrition, I noticed how sugar-laden many of the bars were... so I set off to make a healthier version of my own.
Every Sunday I now make a batch of protein/energy balls for the week (like my Cookie Dough Protein Balls or my Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls. I like to have them on hand at work for a mid-day snack when I need some extra energy or as a little treat after dinner.
Vanilla Almond Balls
I choose my ball ingredients depending on how I'm feeling for a week. I decided to use dates as a base for more energy this week because I want to focus more on running after work. Most times I use whatever nuts or seeds I have on hand. And because I've already shared my Cookie Dough Protein Balls, I thought you might like another flavor combo so I made vanilla almond balls.
Nutrition-wise these little guys contain protein from the almonds and almond butter, fiber from the oats, and lots of energy from the dates - so you're all set. And since there's no added sugar, only fructose from the dates, you won't get the same blood sugar spike as you would with some of those processed bars.
This batch of vanilla almond balls will make about 10 balls. Feel free to double the recipe if you need more!
If you make this Vanilla Almond Balls recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.
📖 Recipe
Vanilla Almond Balls
Ingredients
- ¾ cup pitted dates
- 4 Tablespoons almond butter
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
- 2 Tablespoons crushed slivered almonds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Soak dates in very hot water for about 10 mins - reserve some of the liquid.
- Put the dates into a food processor and process until chopped and semi smooth.
- Add the date mixture and the rest of the ingredients to a bowl and mix together.
- Roll into about 1-inch balls.
- Place in freezer to set for about 10 minutes then store in the fridge for 7 days.
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.
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Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
frieddandelions says
These look delicious! Love simple snacky treats like these!
Mary Ellen says
The simpler the better. 🙂
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I love anything with dates!
Mary Ellen says
Me too, they're the best!
Melissa @ Vegan Huggs says
These looks and sound delicious! I love healthy snacks that keep me going. My son will love these, too 🙂
Mary Ellen says
I hope your son likes them Melissa! <3
Cadry's Kitchen says
What a great idea to make all of your snacks at the beginning of the week. Not only does it sound delicious, I'm sure it's a lot cheaper than buying bars.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Cadry! The more I do at the beginning of the week, the better I am at eating well. 🙂
Jenn says
I love how simple these are. I love having healthy snacks at the ready too - a necessity for staying away from the naughty stuff. 🙂
Mary Ellen says
It's so tough sometimes staying away from the naughty stuff - these help so much! 🙂
Ginny McMeans says
So many of my favorite ingredients! Love the simplicity.
Mary Ellen says
Thank you Ginny! 🙂
Vicki says
These look awesome! I really need to get better at planning healthy snacks for the week ahead of time.
Mary Ellen says
Thank you so much Vicki! I do so much better when I plan my snacks. I got back in he habit for the last month and it really helped!
Courtney's Cookbook says
This is exactly my favorite kind of healthy snack-- and vanilla almond is such a great flavor pairing!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Courtney! It's one of my favorite flavor pairings too!
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
Agreed that these look fabulous and perfect for stocking the fridge and freezer. Can't wait to try, thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Christine! I hope you like them!
Zsu Dever says
Dates are a perfect base for these. They look very tempting!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Zsu! <3
fitfoodiemama says
It has been FOREVER since I made homemade balls (haha)...these look amazing and I am a huge fan of vanilla. Pinned for later 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Annmarie! 🙂
Randi Tisdall says
Yuuuuuumy! These look fantastic (and as a side note, you do a really great job on all of your food pics). I love making energy bars from scratch too- they always taste better and you know exactly what went into them! My favorite of course has to be when I use raw chocolate lol.
Mary Ellen says
Aw, that you so much Randi! I've been working so hard on my food photography and I always wonder if anyone notices. I appreciate you telling me. 🙂
Oooh, raw chocolate! Let me know if you post one of those recipes - I'm always looking for new ones to try!
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
I love your routine of making a batch of snacks up on a Sunday - and the look of this particular batch!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Kari! It's annoying to meal prep on Sundays but it's so helpful when I'm busy the rest of the week!
apsara says
Mary, I found your blog through the Healthy Vegan Fridays blog hop. I'm so glad to have joined this party, and since I'm vegetarian/vegan myself, I find so many useful resources in blogs such as yours. Those pictures have me drooling. It is a great idea to have the dates soaked before making energy balls, as I also recently found. I will try out your recipe soon!
Mary Ellen says
Hi Apsara! I'm so glad you joined Kimmy and I for Healthy Vegan Fridays! We'd love to have you join us each week. It's a great way to find new veggie blogging friends and tasty recipes. 🙂
Thank you so much, let me know if you try the balls!
Kimmythevegan says
Yay! I was hoping you would share these. They sound SO GOOD! I need to get in the habit of making protein balls each week too. I sometimes rely a little too much on protein bars too. I tend to go for the healthier ones, but making my own is even healthier. And easier. And cheaper! I'll make these this weekend for next week =)
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Kimmy! I was going crazy with the store bought bars for a while. They're good but many of them had way too much sugar. I love making a batch of ball so I'm set for the week. Let me know if you try them!
Kimmythevegan says
Finally got around to making these. To be honest... I wasn't sure I wanted to do without chocolate, but they are SO GOOD! I don't miss the chocolate at all =)
Hope says
These look so good! I love healthy snacks that are quick to make, I'm going to try these this week 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Thank you so much Hope! Let me know what you think when you try them!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
Aren't dates the best! It's crazy how the can taste so indulgent in these energy balls!
Mary Ellen says
I love dates! They're one of my go-to sweeteners and you can't tell things are sweetened with fruit! 🙂
Keren says
I just made this! But I was wondering about the Nutrition Facts. Are these numbers for 1 ball or all of them? What is the amount per serving?
Thanks!!
Mary Ellen says
Sorry about that Keren! I fixed the recipe. The recipe makes 10 balls and the nutrition facts are for 1 ball.
kateringforveggies says
I simply couldn't wait for you to share this! I'm making these on Sunday for next week. They look absolutely perfect!
Mary Ellen says
I made sure I posted these this week for you Kate! I hope they live up to your expectations. 🙂
kateringforveggies says
Thank you! I surely do feel special. 😉 I am sure they will be delicious! I have never been disappointed with your recipes so far. 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Aw, thanks so much Kate!