Peanut Butter Stuffed Energy Balls: Your New Favorite Snack

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Peanuts do double duty in this easy snack recipe: peanut butter makes a creamy center while chopped roasted peanuts add a welcome crunch to the exterior. We prefer to use natural peanut butter, which is a little oilier and looser, to help create the gooey center. Dates add a natural sweetness to this healthy snack. Use any leftover date mixture to patch any holes in the energy balls. Pack these bites in your lunchbox for a tasty morning or afternoon snack.

a recipe photo of the Peanut Butter Stuffed Energy Balls
Photo: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle
Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Servings:
15

Ingredients

  • 10 pitted Medjool dates

  • cup salted dry-roasted peanuts plus 1 tablespoon finely chopped, divided

  • ¼ cup smooth natural peanut butter plus 3 3/4 teaspoons, divided

  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

  • 2 tablespoons cocoa nibs

Directions

  1. Place dates in a small bowl. Cover with hot water; soak until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the soaking water; drain the dates and set aside.

  2. Pulse 1/3 cup peanuts in a food processor until coarsely chopped, about 8 pulses. Add the drained dates, 1/4 cup peanut butter, cocoa and the reserved soaking water; process until dough forms and pulls away from sides, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl. Stir in cocoa nibs until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

  3. Spoon 1 scant tablespoon date mixture onto a clean working surface; gently press into a 2-inch round (about 1/8-inch thick). Spoon 1/4 teaspoon peanut butter in the center of the round. Carefully pinch the date mixture around the peanut butter to seal; roll between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place on a serving plate. Repeat the process with the remaining date mixture and peanut butter. Sprinkle the balls with the remaining 1 tablespoon finely chopped peanuts. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

86 Calories
5g Fat
7g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 15
Serving Size 1 ball
Calories 86
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 3g 6%
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Folate 4mcg 1%
Sodium 34mg 1%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Magnesium 9mg 2%
Potassium 66mg 1%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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