I’ve already shared a recipe for date balls (here), but these super snacks are too good not to repeat. I personally love them as an alternative to processed / packaged snack foods, and they are so sweet even kids will love them!

This flavor combination is inspired by Natural Kitchen Adventures and uses tahini, sesame seeds, and unsweetened cocoa powder. It’s smooth textured, naturally sweet, a touch salty, and absolutely delightful. These date balls are the perfect alternative to a candy bar: a filling snack that is guilt free and energizing. Bring them to work, on hikes, on road trips, or have one or two after dinner when you’re craving something sweet!

And, you can try so many different flavors and textures for date balls, so there is no way you’ll get tired of them. Dates are the base to make them sweet and sticky, but other than that, the sky is the limit!

The recipe is easily double- or triple-able if you’d like to whip up a big batch at a time. They keep in the freezer for 2 months and in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

Ingredients
1 cup dates, pitted
3 Tbsp tahini
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sesame seeds

Instructions
Soak dates in hot water for 2-3 minutes. Drain the dates and pulse in a food processor until they become a sticky paste. Add cocoa powder, vanilla, and tahini and blend until it forms into a ball. Using your hands, roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place on a plate covered with sesame seeds. Then, roll the balls in the seeds to coat the outside (tip: place all the balls on the sesame seeds first before rolling them to coat, otherwise you’ll have to wash your hands each time). Put the balls on a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes to set. Keep in an airtight container. Enjoy cold or room temperature.

Makes 6 balls