Delicious Red Velvet Energy Balls

Looking for a quick and satisfying snack that feels like dessert but won’t leave you with a sugar crash? These red velvet energy balls have become my go-to treat when I need something to power through busy afternoons. As someone who constantly juggles recipe testing and deadlines, I’ve learned that having healthy snacks ready to grab makes all the difference in my day.

I started making these energy balls last year when I wanted something that would remind me of my favorite cake flavors without the guilt. They take just minutes to put together, and the best part is there’s no baking required. I keep a batch in my fridge all week long, perfect for those moments when I need a little pick-me-up between meals.

These little bites really do taste like red velvet cake, but they’re packed with good-for-you ingredients that’ll keep you feeling energized. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep them stocked in your fridge too.

What Kind of Dates Should I Use?

Medjool dates are the perfect choice for these energy balls, but you can use other varieties like Deglet Noor if that’s what you have on hand. Medjool dates are larger, softer, and have a natural caramel-like sweetness that makes them ideal for no-bake treats. When shopping for dates, look for ones that are plump and glossy – if they feel hard, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up. Just make sure to pat them dry before using them in the recipe to avoid adding extra moisture to your energy balls.

Options for Substitutions

These energy balls are super adaptable! Here are some handy swaps you can try:

• Rolled oats: Quick oats work just fine here, or you can use quinoa flakes if you need a different grain option. Just make sure to use the same amount.
• Medjool dates: If Medjool dates aren’t available, you can use regular dates, dried figs, or even dried apricots. Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first if they’re not super soft.
• Almond butter: Any nut butter works great – try peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. The texture might be slightly different but they’ll still hold together well.
• Hibiscus powder: This gives the red color, but you can use beetroot powder instead. If you don’t care about the red color, feel free to skip it entirely.
• White chocolate chips: Regular chocolate chips work too, or you can skip them and roll the balls in extra coconut or cocoa powder instead.
• Flax seeds: Ground chia seeds make a good substitute, or you can use extra protein powder if you’re out of both.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making energy balls is getting the right consistency – if your mixture is too dry, the balls won’t hold together, and if it’s too wet, they’ll be sticky and hard to roll. If your dates aren’t soft enough, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending, which helps create the perfect binding texture.

A common mistake is not processing the ingredients long enough – you’ll want to blend until the mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingers, and can hold its shape when rolled. To prevent your hands from getting too messy, try lightly coating them with coconut oil before rolling, and chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes if it feels too soft to work with.

Keep in mind that different protein powders absorb moisture differently, so you might need to adjust the amount of almond butter – start with less and add more gradually until you reach the right consistency that holds together but isn’t overly sticky.

What to Serve With Energy Balls?

These red velvet energy balls make a perfect grab-and-go snack, but there are lots of tasty ways to enjoy them as part of a bigger spread! Try serving them alongside your morning coffee or tea for a quick breakfast, or pack them with fresh fruit and nuts for a balanced afternoon pick-me-up. For a post-workout treat, pair them with a protein smoothie or chocolate almond milk to help refuel your muscles. You can also add them to a brunch board with other healthy items like yogurt parfaits and fresh berries for a fun weekend spread.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These red velvet energy balls stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They’re perfect for grabbing when you need a quick energy boost!

Freeze: Want to make a bigger batch? These energy balls are great for freezing! Just pop them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. I often make a double batch and freeze half for later – it’s such a time-saver.

Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen energy balls, just transfer them to the fridge overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes if you’re in a hurry. They taste just as good as freshly made ones!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 80-90 g
• Carbohydrates: 240-260 g

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup pitted medjool dates (around 12 dates)
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/3 cup chocolate protein powder, split
• 1/3 cup flax seeds, ground
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 3 tablespoons hibiscus powder, separated (refer to notes)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (vegan)

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

In a food processor, place the oats and pitted dates.

Pulse a few times until they’re well combined.

This will create the base for your energy balls, binding them together with natural sweetness from the dates.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients and Blend

Add almond butter, vanilla extract, protein powder, flax seeds, coconut flakes, and 2 tablespoons of red hibiscus powder to the food processor.

If you prefer, you can substitute red hibiscus powder with red food coloring.

Pulse the mixture for a few seconds.

Use a spatula to scrape down the sides, then pulse again until all ingredients are well combined.

Test the batter to make sure it sticks together between your fingers.

If it’s too dry, add a small amount of maple syrup and pulse to integrate.

Step 3: Incorporate White Chocolate Chips

Introduce the white chocolate chips into the batter.

You can either pulse the mixture in short bursts until the chips are evenly distributed or stir them into the batter using a spatula.

Reserve some of the chips to use as a topping later.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of red hibiscus powder and 1 tablespoon of chocolate protein powder.

This mix will be used to coat the energy balls, adding a burst of flavor and color to the external layer.

Step 5: Form and Coat Energy Balls

Roll the dough into bite-size balls using your hands.

Once formed, roll each ball in the hibiscus and protein powder mixture until they are fully coated.

Press a few of the reserved white chocolate chips into each ball for decorative flair and added taste.

Step 6: Storing and Enjoying

Store the energy balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or keep them in the fridge for up to 14 days for longer freshness.

For even longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.

Allow the balls to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before consuming to enhance their texture and flavor.

Enjoy your nutritious, tasty treats!