You know those days when you just don't know how you will do it all? That to-do list is a mile long and you kinda just don't have the energy to power thru. Those are the days that you need to take a few minutes and make yourself a stash of these Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls. I know, I know, you don’t have time. It seems counterintuitive but just skip a shower, sneak into work a few minutes late or set your alarm 15 minutes earlier than the already outrageously early time it’s set for and make these dang Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls. Just trust me.
Life is exhausting in general but when you sprinkle in added stresses, it can be downright overwhelming. Given the speed and unpredictability of life sometimes, it’s a great idea to have energy balls pre-rolled and at the ready. I survived on these energy sustaining balls all last week. They served as breakfast, and filled in the gaps between oddly timed meals and late night popcorn binges.
But these Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls aren’t just for those “break in case of emergency” situations, they are the ultimate pre or post workout boost as well. I’ve been making energy balls for years and they've powered me through many long runs and brutal hikes. They are such a simple thing but a true lifesaver when life strikes and your energy reserves are approaching critical lows.
These Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls roll together in minutes, seriously like 5 minutes, and make a big enough batch to last all week. While it may seem extreme to call these balls miraculous, they have truly been there for me during some weak moments. So we are just gonna say these Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls have got the goods to get you going.
I’m not exactly sure why, but the recipe for my Date Almond Coconut Protein Balls has been one of the most popular recipes of all time here on Baking The Goods as well as on my Pinterest. Maybe it’s the simplicity, maybe it’s that they taste just like an Almond Joy without all of the empty calories, or maybe we all just need an extra boost sometimes. Who knows. Considering the popularity of that recipe, I adapted things a bit and came up with a similar recipe for these Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls.
This energy balls recipe starts with a base of naturally sticky sweet dates
After some testing, I recently discovered that these Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls and all of my other energy ball recipes can be pre-made and kept frozen for at least a month when sealed up tight. Total game changer. So, while you have the energy, roll up a batch of Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls and keep them refrigerated (up to a week) or frozen (up to a month) for those days when you just can’t seem to make it happen. You’ll thank yourself later.
, naturally sweet dates
, protein rich Bob's Red Mill Pea Protein Powder
, rich cocoa powder
and warming spices. 
by combining them with a tablespoon of pea protein powder 
and pulsing a few times in a food processor
.
, protein powder
, cocoa powder
, vanilla
and spices.
in and pulse in food processor
until just blended in.
to form the Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls.
adds texture and keeps them from getting too sticky.
📖 Recipe
Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls
Description
These Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls are packed with protein powder & a chewy, chocolatey, date base with crunchy cashews rolled in sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Medjool Dates, pitted ((about 16 - 18 whole dates))
- 1 ¼ cups raw cashews
- ½ cup pea protein powder (- or preferred protein powder)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (- divided)
Instructions
- Combine cashews and 1 tablespoon of protein powder in a food processor. The protein powder absorbs the oils released from the nuts when pulsed so you don't end up with nut butter. Pulse until the cashews are coarsely chopped. Remove 1 cup of chopped cashews and set aside.
- Add dates, remaining protein powder, cocoa powder, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla and sea salt to the food processor. Pulse to combine, then use a spatula to scrape down the sides. Continue to blend the mixture for a minute or two, until the mixture is sticky and blended.
- Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl and stir in reserved chopped cashews and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds. Stir or squish together with your hands until the nuts and seeds are fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Use a 2 tablespoon (medium) sized cookie scoop to measure, then roll each scoop into a smooth ball.
- Roll the balls in the remaining sesame seeds to coat. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh up to a week.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to one week or freezer up to one month. To defrost, just set out at room temperature until balls have softened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Energy Balls
Keywords: Cashew Date Chocolate Sesame Energy Balls, Cashew Date Energy Balls, Date Energy Balls, Energy Balls, Energy Bites, Power Balls
