Low Carb Energy Balls
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My low carb 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 with a keto option.
My classic protein balls are a weekly staple in our household. My partner and sister pack them in their work lunches (two each, minimum), and I’m known to sneak one or three between meals. You guys love them too, but many of you asked for an oat-free, low carb version.
Friends, meet your new favorite snack: these low carb energy balls.
It took a few rounds of testing to find the perfect oat substitute, and I leaned on my culinary school training to experiment with dates. They turned out to be the ideal binder: adding just enough natural sweetness so I could skip the syrup entirely. While dates aren’t strictly keto-friendly, I’m also sharing an easy date-free version for anyone wanting to keep the carbs even lower.
Table of Contents
Why make these low carb energy balls
- 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.
Key Ingredients
- Raw cashews and almonds. Raw and unsalted are best- cashews add creaminess and almonds add structure. 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 low carb 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.
How I make these keto-friendly
While these are lower in carbs than traditional energy balls, the addition of dates eliminates them from a keto diet. So, I tweaked the base and have a date-free option for you:
Swap the dates for three tablespoons of nut butter (I like almond butter or cashew butter) and two tablespoons of sugar-free maple syrup. Mix everything until a smooth dough remains, then shape into balls.
When made using these ingredients, each energy ball has just 4 grams of net carbs.
Arman’s recipe tips
- 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 low carb 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.
Fun flavors to try
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 peanut butter. Swap the cashews for peanuts.
- 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.
Storage and meal prep tips
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
If you don’t blend the mixture long enough, you risk the dates not breaking down properly. Depending on your blender or food processor, it can take up to ten minutes. If your mixture is still a little crumbly, add a spoonful of water to loosen things up.
You can, but here is what I found when testing this (my niece is allergic to nuts). I used sunflower seeds and pepitas, which blended down well. They also melded with the dates just fine. When it came to storage, though, after a week they became a little greasy. If you do make them nut-free, I suggest enjoying them within a week.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Low Carb 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. If the mixture is dry or crumbly, add a spoonful of water to loosen it.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Lightly wet your hands, form the dough into small balls, and place them on a lined plate. Refrigerate for 10 minutes, or until firm.
Notes
- Keto energy balls: Swap the dates for 3 tablespoons nut butter and 2 tablespoons sugar free syrup.
Nutrition
More low carb snacks
Recipe originally published January 2019
We added 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, and left out the cocoa powder. Delicious!!
Perfect! Love this recipe. Great to grab and go. I’m not big on chocolate and like other flavors. Any thoughts for a different powder than cocoa?
These have been my go to dessert to make for about 9 months now, I make them weekly without fail and I fricken LOVE them!!! I add no sugar choc chips and oh my I look forward to my sweet treat every night. I’ve recommended this recipe to my family and they have all loved it too and even my toddler loves them.
10/10 recommend making them. But be aware they are highly addictive 🙂
I know keto people eat no barbs and fats only. But its so calorie dense ingredients and no protein. I dont onow If I like it. Carbs I like the most hahaha.
These are a delicious chocolaty fix that is completely healthy. 🙂
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