If you're looking for an easy, wholesome treat that’s naturally sweet, plant-based, and deeply chocolatey, this chocolate date balls recipe made with cacao powder is going to be your new favorite!
These no-bake bites are rich, satisfying, and made with just a handful of nourishing ingredients. Perfect for anyone looking for healthy snack ideas. They’re one of my favorite vegan date balls treats to keep in the fridge for those moments when the chocolate craving hits!
If you love raw, no-bake desserts like this one, then you will also love my raw vegan carrot cake or my date and coconut power balls. I also make delicious healthy raw desserts like this vegan coconut slice or these pink dragonfruit coconut balls.
Why I love making these date chocolate balls
- No baking required – just blend, roll, and enjoy.
- Naturally sweet – all the sweetness comes from the dates.
- Made with pantry staples – you likely have everything on hand already.
- Freezer friendly – great for prepping ahead.
Ingredients needed for chocolate date balls
You only need a handful of plant-based ingredients:
- 1 cup almond meal
- ⅓ cup raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder if that’s what you have)
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted with hard ends removed
- ½ teaspoon fine pink salt
- 2–3 tablespoon water, added gradually
- Extra cacao powder, for dusting
How to make these date balls vegan and delicious
- Prep the dates: Make sure your dates are soft. If they’re dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes. Remove the pits and hard tips.
- Blend into a dough: Add almond meal, cacao powder, dates, and salt into a food processor. Blitz until a sticky dough forms. Slowly drizzle in the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together easily when pressed.
- Roll into balls: Scoop out the dough and roll into 12 even-sized balls.
- Dust and serve: Use a sieve to lightly dust the balls with cacao powder for that gorgeous truffle-like finish.
Want to see it step-by-step? Watch this video of me making the recipe.
Tips and tricks for perfecting your date chocolate balls recipe
- Use fresh Medjool dates for best texture and sweetness.
- If your mixture is too dry, slowly add 1 tablespoon of water at a dough until the dough can be compressed in your hands.
- Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they are dry. They need to be gooey texture. This is why I recommend using Medjool dates.
- These keep beautifully in the fridge for a week or freezer for a month.
They make a great energy snack just like my coconut power balls, especially pre- or post-workout!
Frequently asked questions about date balls chocolate
Yes, both work! Cacao is raw and slightly more bitter, but cocoa is just as delicious and easier to find.
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.
Yes, completely! They’re naturally dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and grain-free.
You can but the texture won't be quite the same. Almond flour ensures a smooth texture. If you want to use almonds only, blitz the almonds to a fine flour using a blender or a food processor.
Common mistakes to avoid when making this recipe
- Using dry dates – hard, dry dates won’t blend properly.
- Adding too much water too fast – go slow so your dough doesn’t get sticky or wet.
If you’re after other easy raw vegan desserts, check out these reader favourites:
Let's Make Chocolate Date Balls!
These date chocolate balls are one of those magic recipes that feel indulgent but are made from the simplest whole food ingredients. A chocolate lover’s dream—without the guilt.
If you liked this recipe then please leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you! For more easy and healthy recipes like this one you can follow me on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Enjoy!
Chocolate Date Balls
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 cup almond meal
- ⅓ cup cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoon water
- extra cacao powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prep the dates: Make sure your dates are soft. If they’re dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes. Remove the pits and hard tips.
- Blend into a dough: Add almond meal, cacao powder, dates, and salt into a food processor. Blitz until a sticky dough forms. Slowly drizzle in the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together easily when pressed.
- Roll into balls: Scoop out the dough and roll into 12 even-sized balls.
- Dust and serve: Use a sieve to lightly dust the balls with cacao powder for that gorgeous truffle-like finish.
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