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These keto energy balls are an easy no-bake snack guaranteed to keep you full and revitalized all day long! Ready in minutes, they are easy to customize and perfect to make ahead.
In our household, we take snacks very seriously.
For those of us living the keto lifestyle, snacks are even more essential to keep the hunger pangs at bay while staying on track with our goals.
While I love a good keto smoothie or zucchini fries, sometimes I need something quick to eat on the go. That’s where these keto balls come in. Not only are they tasty, but they’re satisfying, with protein, fiber, and less than 4 grams of net carbs per ball!
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
- 4 ingredients. Two kinds of nuts, cocoa powder, and dates. That’s it!
- Easy to customize. Like keto fat bombs, these energy balls are easily customizable. You can swap the nuts or add different mix-ins. The options are endless, and I’ll be sure to give some inspiration later on.
- Minimal prep time. Just process all the ingredients in a food processor, then shape the balls and let them chill in the fridge.
What we love most about this recipe is how effortlessly we can incorporate them into our weekly meal prep. I usually make a big batch on Sunday. That way, I can enjoy them all week long.
Ingredients needed
As I mentioned, there are no fancy or hard-to-find ingredients required. Here is exactly what you’ll need:
- Raw cashews and almonds. Raw, unsalted cashews and almonds are best. I have also tested them with pecans and walnuts, and they turned out just as tasty.
- Medjool dates. I highly recommend Medjool dates, particularly since they have the most caramel-y texture and flavor. If you can’t find Medjool dates, you’ll want to soak the dates in warm water for an hour before blending.
- Cocoa powder. I prefer 100% unsweetened and Dutch-processed cocoa powder. To avoid clumps, you can sift the powder, though I usually don’t have any trouble.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make keto energy balls
Step 1- Blend the nuts. In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the nuts and blend until a crumbly texture remains.
Step 2- Add the rest of the ingredients. Add the Medjool dates and blend until the batter becomes thick and gooey. Then add the cocoa powder and continue blending or pulsing, stopping periodically to scrape down the sides of the blender/food processor.
Step 3- Shape the balls and chill. Pour the chocolate energy ball batter into a large bowl. Using slightly wet hands, form the dough into small balls and transfer them to a plate lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until firm.
Recipe tips and variations
- Avoid overblending the nuts. Lest you end up with nut butter! Though I suppose worse things could happen.
- Use a cookie scoop. When I don’t feel like using my hands, I’ll scoop the batter with my 1-inch cookie scoop instead.
- Make keto energy bars. I’ve found that sometimes energy bars are easier to make and bring with me than balls. To make bars, press the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper, refrigerate, then slice.
Flavor variations
As much as I enjoy this recipe as is, sometimes I like to switch things up. Use my base recipe with any of the following mix-ins.
- Chocolate snickerdoodles- Add a few teaspoons of cinnamon.
- Double chocolate- Fold in a few tablespoons of sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Cookie dough- Use only almonds as the base and fold in chocolate chips.
- Chocolate coconut- Fold in ¼ cup of shredded coconut.
- Chocolate peanut butter- Swap the cashews for peanuts.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover keto balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze: Transfer energy balls to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let frozen keto balls thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Frequently asked questions
One keto energy ball contains 4 grams of net carbs.
Compared to store-bought snacks, which are often loaded with refined sugar, homemade energy balls make a healthy and wholesome snack that’s packed with vitamins and healthy fats.
More keto snacks to try
- Keto crackers– Made with just 2 ingredients.
- Chaffles– Crispy, fluffy, savory chaffles PERFECT for sandwiches.
- Chicharrones– Ask my family what their favorite snack recipe of mine is, and they’ll tell you chicharrones!
- Parmesan crisps– You’ll never see parmesan cheese the same way again.
Keto Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup raw cashews
- 3/4 cup raw almonds
- 1 1/2 cups medjool dates
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, add your nuts and blend until a crumbly texture remains. Do not over-blend, as this will result in nut-butter.
- Add your Medjool dates and blend until thick and combined. Add your cocoa powder. Continue blending or pulsing, regularly scraping down the sides to ensure it is fully mixed.
- Pour the chocolate energy ball batter in a large bowl. Lightly wet your hands, form the dough into small balls and place on a lined plate and refrigerate for 10 minutes, or until firm.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe originally published January 2019 but updated to include new information for your benefit.
I made these with walnuts and almonds because those were the raw nuts I had on hand. I added a few extra dates and some PB2 powder. Delicious!
Getting my husband into retirement cooking thru you
These are so good!
Easy and delicious. I keep them in the fridge and grab one when I’m wanting a snack.
has anyone tried carob powder instead of cocoa?
These are a great snack/dessert with black coffee, and they taste like brownies if you heat them up for ~10 seconds. I rolled them in shredded coconut and thought they were even better that way. I’d make these again.
I made them this weekend. They we’re very delicious.
These are awesome! They are helping me on my whole30 when I need something quick or just feel like something a tad sweet. So glad I found this recipe. I’ll be making them even when I’m done with the whoke30. Thanks!
Thank you for the advice on how to determine calories!
Tried this as a quarantine treat and do not have a food processor, so I used my NutriBullet. Did fine on the nuts per usual, but adding the dates in too was a disaster. Neither blade style worked. I had to transfer to a pan, add some milk, and heat it up so the dates would break down a little. Wanted to add some dark chocolate pieces, so I spread it out on a cookie sheet with wax paper and popped them on top, then stuck in the fridge for a while. Will end up being more like squares, but it is super delicious!
For anyone wondering, the entire recipe has 1610 calories, 32.8g protein. Count how many balls you rolled, and divide the calories and protein by that number to get the nutrition info per ball.
Thanks for sharing, Jill!
My favorite low carb energy balls.
These are delicious but I’m curious how many servings does this make? I think I made my balls too big because my nutritional fact are why higher than yours. Thanks!
Hi there! 20-40, depending on how big you make them.