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If you ask me, chickpea energy balls are a total game-changer for busy days.
These no-bake treats are packed with protein and good-for-you ingredients that’ll keep you going between meals. Creamy peanut butter and sweet honey hold everything together, while oats and chickpeas create a filling base.
I love making a big batch on Sunday afternoons – they’re perfect for quick breakfasts, post-workout snacks, or when the kids need something to munch on after school. Plus, they take just 15 minutes to put together.
They’re the kind of snack that feels like a treat but actually gives your body what it needs to power through the day.
Why You’ll Love These Energy Balls
- Quick and easy – These energy balls come together in just 15 minutes – perfect for meal prep or when you need a fast healthy snack.
- Protein-packed – The combination of chickpeas and peanut butter gives you a good dose of plant-based protein to keep you energized throughout the day.
- No baking required – Just blend, roll, and you’re done – no need to turn on the oven or wait for anything to cook.
- Budget-friendly ingredients – Made with simple pantry staples like chickpeas and dates, these energy balls are both nutritious and affordable.
- Naturally sweetened – These treats get their sweetness from dates, making them a healthier alternative to processed sugar-filled snacks.
Which Kind of Chickpeas Should I Use?
For energy balls, both canned and home-cooked chickpeas work great, so use whatever is most convenient for you. If you’re going with canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove any excess sodium – this helps create a cleaner flavor in your energy balls. When cooking chickpeas from dried, soak them overnight and cook until they’re very tender but not mushy – you want them soft enough to blend smoothly. Just remember that if you’re using home-cooked chickpeas, you might need to adjust the salt in your recipe since canned varieties usually come with added sodium. The standard beige chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) are perfect for this recipe, though you could use black chickpeas too if you can find them.
Options for Substitutions
These energy balls are super adaptable! Here are some easy swaps you can try:
- Chickpeas: While chickpeas give these balls their unique texture and protein boost, you can swap them with white beans (like navy or cannellini) for similar results.
- Dates: No dates? Try using raisins, dried figs, or prunes instead. Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to make them softer and easier to blend.
- Peanut butter: Any nut or seed butter works great here – try almond butter, sunflower seed butter (for nut-free), or cashew butter. Each will bring its own nice flavor to the mix.
- Cocoa powder: You can use carob powder as a caffeine-free alternative, or swap it with cacao powder. If you skip it altogether, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Coconut flakes: Not a coconut fan? Roll the balls in chopped nuts, hemp seeds, or even crushed freeze-dried fruit instead. You can also use cocoa powder or ground oats for coating.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making chickpea energy balls is getting the right texture – using chickpeas that aren’t completely dry can result in a mixture that’s too wet and won’t hold its shape, so be sure to pat them thoroughly with paper towels after draining.
Another common mistake is using dates that are too dry, which won’t blend smoothly – if your dates aren’t soft and fresh, try soaking them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending, then drain well.
The food processor timing is crucial – under-processing will leave you with chunky balls that fall apart, while over-processing can turn the mixture into a paste that’s too sticky to roll, so aim for a consistency where the mixture holds together when pressed between your fingers.
If your mixture becomes too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling, or lightly coat your hands with coconut oil to make the rolling process easier.
What to Serve With Chickpea Energy Balls?
These protein-packed energy balls make a perfect grab-and-go snack, but there are lots of tasty ways to enjoy them! I like to pair them with a glass of cold almond milk or your favorite plant-based milk for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up. They’re also great alongside your morning coffee or tea as part of a quick breakfast, maybe with some fresh fruit on the side. If you’re packing them for lunch boxes or road trips, try combining them with a handful of nuts and dried fruit for a DIY trail mix situation that’ll keep you going all day.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These chickpea energy balls stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They make great grab-and-go snacks for busy days!
Freeze: Want to make a bigger batch? These energy balls are perfect for freezing! Just pop them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. I often make a double batch and freeze half for later.
Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen energy balls, just transfer them to the fridge the night before. They’ll be perfectly chewy by morning. You can also eat them straight from the freezer for a cool, firm treat on hot days!
| 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: 800-900
- Protein: 15-20 g
- Fat: 30-35 g
- Carbohydrates: 120-130 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas
- 3/4 cup pitted dates
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- A pinch of salt (if desired)
- 4 tablespoons coconut flakes
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Place all the ingredients for the chickpea energy balls into a food processor.
Blend the mixture for about a minute, or until everything is well combined and forms a cohesive dough-like consistency.
Step 2: Form the Energy Balls
Take a full teaspoon of the blended mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball.
Repeat this process with the remaining mixture to create an even batch of energy balls.
Step 3: Add an Extra Touch (Optional)
If you prefer, roll each energy ball in shredded coconut for an added layer of flavor and texture.
This step is optional, so feel free to enjoy them plain if you prefer.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the energy balls are formed, they are ready to be served.
Enjoy these delicious, healthy snacks at home, or pack them up for a treat on the go!