No-bake, nutrient-dense energy balls combining the rich taste of chocolate, vibrant citrus, and tropical coconut—perfect for a quick snack or post-workout pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor fusion: Classic chocolate‑orange combo with a tropical coconut twist.
- Healthy & energizing: Packed with nuts, dates, oats, and natural sweeteners.
- Quick & make-ahead: Ready in under 15 minutes and perfect for meal prep.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Medjool dates, pitted
- Rolled oats
- Raw almonds and/or cashews
- Cocoa or cacao powder
- Orange zest and juice
- Shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips or coconut oil
directions
- In a food processor, pulse together nuts (almonds and/or cashews) until coarsely ground.
- Add oats, dates, cocoa powder, orange zest, and juice; process until mixture starts to form sticky dough. Add a splash of water or coconut oil if needed for binding Allrecipes+15Little Bits of Real Food+15Yummy Addiction+15SHK+1Kids Eat in Color+1Healthy Little Foodies+1Bit of the Good Stuff+1.
- Scoop out small portions (~1 in. balls) and roll between your palms.
- Roll each ball in shredded coconut (or additional cocoa powder or orange zest).
- Optional: Chill for 30 min in fridge or freeze for 10 min to firm up.
- Serve immediately or store for later.
Servings and timing
Yields ~20–24 balls (depending on size).
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Chill time (optional): 30 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Variations
- Nuts swap: Use pistachios, walnuts, or mixed nuts for different textures and flavors Healthy Little Foodies.
- Chocolate coating: Dip balls in melted dark chocolate before rolling in coconut Little Bits of Real FoodHealthy Little Foodies.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of protein powder or ground flaxseed Open Food Facts Ireland+15Yummy Addiction+15Ultimate Performance Blog+15.
- Nut-free option: Replace nuts with oats or seed mixtures for allergy-friendly bites YouTube+11Healthy Little Foodies+11Yummy Addiction+11.
storage/reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks Pure and Simple Nourishment.
- Freezer: Great for freezing—keep up to 3 months; thaw in fridge or at room temperature before eating Pure and Simple NourishmentHealthy Little Foodies.
- Before serving: Bring to room temperature briefly for best texture.
FAQs
Are these energy balls vegan and gluten-free?
Yes—made with plant-based ingredients and naturally gluten-free (ensure oats are certified GF).
Can I omit the cocoa powder?
You can, but you’ll lose the chocolate flavor—consider adding extra coconut or cacao nibs for richness.
What type of oranges work best?
Naval oranges or any sweet orange varieties are ideal for zest and juice Allrecipes+3Healthy Food Guide+3Craft Food Traders+3Pure and Simple Nourishment+1Yummy Addiction+1.
How to bind if mixture is too dry?
Add a splash of water, coconut oil, or orange juice until the mixture sticks together.
Why roll in coconut?
The coconut adds extra texture, flavor, and helps keep the balls from sticking.
Can kids eat them?
Absolutely, though texture can be chewy—consider cutting into smaller pieces for young children.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes—mix in protein or collagen powder during blending for a higher protein boost Kids Eat in Color+15Yummy Addiction+15Pure and Simple Nourishment+15Ultimate Performance Blog+1Allrecipes+1.
What other coatings can I use?
Roll in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or orange zest as alternatives to coconut.
What’s the best food processor size?
A standard 7–10‑cup processor works well for this batch size Healthy Little Foodies.
Do they need chilling?
Chilling helps firm them up but isn’t mandatory—serve immediately if desired.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Orange Coconut Energy Balls are a delightful no-bake snack that delivers satisfying chocolate and citrus flavors. With wholesome ingredients, customizable mix-ins, and a convenient make-ahead format, they’re perfect for daily snacking, lunchboxes, or post-workout treats. Let me know which recipe you’d like to expand next!
PrintChocolate Orange Coconut Energy Balls
These no-bake Chocolate Orange Coconut Energy Balls are a healthy and delicious snack made with dates, cocoa, coconut, and a hint of citrus. Perfect for a quick energy boost, they’re ideal for post-workout fuel or a midday pick-me-up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 12 energy balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add dates, oats, coconut, cocoa powder, orange zest, orange juice, chia seeds (if using), vanilla, and salt to a food processor.
- Pulse until mixture is sticky and well combined. Scrape down sides as needed.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands.
- Roll each ball in additional shredded coconut to coat (optional).
- Place energy balls on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use soft Medjool dates; if they’re dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes and drain.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Can substitute orange juice with a splash of almond milk or water if needed.
- Customize with add-ins like chopped nuts, protein powder, or flaxseed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg