These sweet and salty date nut balls with coconut are a simple, satisfying snack recipe made with just three ingredients. They're no-bake, easy to customize, naturally sweetened with dates, and well-loved by children and adults.
They are the perfect addition to packed lunches, camping and hiking snack spreads, and after school snack options.
While I make these date nut balls year around, I enjoy them most in the busy on-the-go months of Spring, Summer, and Fall. They're great for outdoor outings and traveling since they hold up well to a wide range of temperatures. Just be careful not to squish them!
For more snack recipes using nuts, fruits, and seeds, try my Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, Healthy Trail Mix, and Chia Seed Pudding. Or browse all of my snack recipes here.
How to make it (with photos)
This no-bake snack recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together effortlessly.
Ingredient Notes
You need just nuts, medjool dates, and shredded coconut to make this easy date nut balls recipe. Read the notes below the photo for easy substitutions and variations.
- Medjool dates - Medjool dates provide the base of this recipe. Be sure to remove any stems and pits before beginning.
- nuts - You can actually use most types of nuts in this recipe. I like mixed roasted and salted nuts. You can use almonds, cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds, or peanuts, roasted or unroasted, and salted or unsalted. Or use mixed nuts like I did, or a DIY combination of your favorite nuts.
- shredded coconut - I like to use unsweetened shredded coconut. Alternatively, you could roll these balls in coconut flour or cocoa powder.
See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients with quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Learn how to make date nut balls with coconut in just four easy steps.
- Soften the dates: In a large heat safe bowl, add the dates. Cover with boiling water and let sit for 10 minutes to soften. Then drain the water with a strainer and give it a shake to remove excess water.
- Make date paste: Add the soaked dates to a food processor. Blend on high until you have a fairly uniform date paste.
- Nuts: Add the nuts and blend until they break down into small pieces and the dates and nuts create a thick dough. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor several time to make a uniform paste.
- Coconut: Add the shredded coconut to a shallow dish. Using a tablespoon, melon baller, or small cookie scoop, scoop rounded tablespoons of date and nut paste and roll them into balls with your hands. Then roll the balls in shredded coconut. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy!
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📖 Recipe
Date Nut Balls With Coconut
Ingredients
- 16 Medjool dates , pits and stems removed
- 1 ½ cups nuts of choice , see notes for suggestions
- ½ cup unsweetened dried shredded coconut , plus more for rolling
Instructions
- Soften the dates: In a large heat safe bowl, add the dates. Cover with boiling water and let sit for 10 minutes to soften. Then drain the water with a strainer and give it a shake to remove excess water.
- Make date paste: Add the soaked dates to a food processor. Blend on high until you have a fairly uniform date paste.
- Nuts: Add the nuts and blend until they break down into small pieces and the dates and nuts create a thick dough. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor several time to make a uniform paste.
- Coconut: Add the shredded coconut to a shallow dish. Using a tablespoon, melon baller, or small cookie scoop, scoop rounded tablespoons of date and nut paste and roll them into balls with your hands. Then roll the balls in shredded coconut. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Expert Tip
Make perfect date nut balls on the first try with these expert tips.
Check the how-to photo for my recommended consistency.
These date nut balls will harden a little bit as the date paste cools.
However, since dates can be different sizes and the amount of water absorbed can vary slightly, I recommend a quick look at the photo in the "step-by-step instructions" section to make sure your date nut consistency looks similar.
They will still hold together and taste great with a little variation, so don't worry!
Recipe FAQs
Here I answered some frequently asked questions about this Date Ball recipe. Don't see your question? Leave it in the comments at the end of this post and I'll answer within two business days.
After allowing them to cool completely, store leftover date nut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Instead of coconut, date balls can be rolled in cocoa powder, almond flour, other finely ground nuts, or finely ground quick oats.
Dates make a paste that is ideal for fruit and nut balls. While you can substitute other dried fruits for up to half of the date paste, I recommend finding a recipe that has already tried the fruit-date combination that you are looking for.
Stay tuned for another version of this recipe coming soon!
More Easy Snack Recipes
Looking for more vegan snack recipes like these coconut date balls? Check these out:
Bonnie says
I love the mixed salted nuts in these date nut balls! I usually make bliss balls with raw cashews. This is a game changer 🤤
Janette says
These coconut date nut balls are so easy and super delicious. Not too sweet, just a bit salty, and the textures make them really fun. I used mixed nuts too. Love this recipe!