Description
These Chocolate Brownie Date Balls are a healthy, no-bake treat combining the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with rich cocoa powder and crunchy walnuts. With pumpkin purée adding moisture and a subtle twist, these energy balls are perfect for a quick snack or dessert that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Walnuts
- 3/4 cup walnuts (2.6 oz total)
Wet Ingredients
- 10 pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup canned or homemade pumpkin purée
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients & Seasoning
- Pinch sea salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare Coarse Walnuts: Place 1/3 cup of the walnuts in a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until they resemble coarse sand. Transfer these to a small bowl and set aside for coating later.
- Grind Remaining Walnuts: Add the remaining walnuts to the food processor and process until finely ground, forming the base texture for the date balls.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the finely ground walnuts, add the pitted Medjool dates, pumpkin purée, unsweetened cocoa powder, a pinch of sea salt, and vanilla extract. Continue processing until the mixture is well combined and smooth, forming a sticky dough.
- Form Balls: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop and roll the mixture into 8 equal-sized, golf-ball-sized balls, ensuring they are compact to hold together well.
- Coat with Walnuts: Roll each ball in the reserved coarse walnut crumbs, coating them evenly for added texture and flavor.
- Serve or Store: The date balls can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, use Dutch process cocoa powder as recommended.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- Medjool dates should be soft and fresh for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Adjust the amount of pumpkin purée if the mixture feels too dry or too sticky.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
