Chocolate Coconut Energy Bites (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Naturally Sweetened) (2024)

Snack healthier with these delicious Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls!A simple no-bake treat that’s super satisfying when chocolate cravings strike — they’re naturally sweetened, gluten free,dairy free, and guilt free!

Dark Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls

With a new school year on the way, it seems like our family is busier than ever! It’s a little trickier to eat healthy when you’re in a hurry (anyone else feel like you’re running circles in the mornings??) However, with a little prep, you can stay ahead and have a protein-packed snack ready to go when you need it.

I love this simple recipe because it’s easy to make and can be kept for days in the fridge or freezer. Plus, they tasteamazing and kids will eat them like dessert!

These healthy protein bites are gluten free, dairy free, and contain no refined sugar!

Related: If you’re looking for something with fewer carbs, try our Peanut Butter Low Carb Protein Balls – only 3 grams net carbs each!

What You Need to Make Chocolate Coconut Energy Bites

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• 1 1/2 cups dates
• 1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts
• 5 tablespoons raw cacao powder
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons warm water (if needed)

A full printable copy of this recipe is available at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls

I love this recipe because it is easy and no-bake!

To make the batter:

Place the dates in a bowl of warm water for twenty minutes to soften (this makes them easier to blend!). While they’re soaking, grind the walnuts in a food processor. Leave a few chunks for texture.

Add the dates to a food processor and rough chop until combined (but a few walnut chunks still remain).

TIP: The Hamilton Beach “Big Mouth” food processor is our workhorse— it’s lasted YEARS of almost daily use!

If mixture is too thick and clumps up in the food processor, add 1-2 tablespoons warm water slowly (if needed) to keep blending. You may need to pause and scrape down the sides. The mixture will be very sticky.

Scrape your date/walnut batter into a large mixing bowl.

Add to bowl: 5 TB raw cacao powder, 1/4 cup + 2 TB shredded coconut (make sure you still have about 2/3 cup set aside for rolling later) and 3 TB maple syrup. Mix with a fork until everything is combined and “wet looking”. The mixture should be sticky.

Prep your workspace:

Line a large plate or cutting board with parchment paper. Pour the rest (about 2/3 cup) of the shredded coconut onto another plate. Place coconut oil in a small bowl next to your work area.

How to roll the protein balls:

Now it’s time to get messy! Grease your hands with a bit of coconut oil, grab some of the date mixture and roll it into a ball (about one inch in diameter). The coconut oil helps prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.

Once rolled, place the ball into the plate of coconut and sprinkle/roll it all about pressing down to make sure it sticks. Place the coconut covered ball onto the parchment paper.

Repeat until you run out of batter (makes 18-20 balls).

How to Store Chocolate Date Energy Bites

Place the protein balls in the freezer to set for thirty minutes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge to munch on and for quick grab and go snacks!

You can also keep them in the freezer in a zip-top freezer bag.Since dates don’t freeze completely, they’re safe to eat straight from the freezer!

Try this recipe next:

Can You Add Protein Powder?

Absolutely! Each little bite has a gram of healthy walnut protein, but you can supplement this with a Tablespoon of your favorite protein powder for an extra boost!

I’d recommend dissolving the powder in one of the liquid ingredients before mixing into the batter — either the maple syrup or the coconut oil (which can be liquid at room temperature).

Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls Recipe (Printable Copy)

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More of our favorite healthy meal prep recipes:

Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Bars