Healthy Nutella Energy Balls

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By Lee Funke

5 from 1 vote

Published 10/8/2015 • Updated 1/17/2024

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Who doesn’t love Nutella and sea salt? These Nutella Sea Salt Energy Balls are not actually made with Nutella (yes, I lied), BUT they are made with hazelnuts and chocolate, which is basically all you need to make anything taste like Nutella. 

This no-bake recipe is also made with medjool dates, which are packed with protein. It’s the perfect quick midday snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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This sweet treat is made with a handful of super simple ingredients and takes literally 5 minutes to make. Talk about EASY. Just throw everything in a food processor, blend, roll those little balls of joy, and enjoy!

What do you need to make nutella energy balls?

These hazelnut chocolate energy balls require basic, whole ingredients that you may even have on hand! To start, you’ll need shelled, roasted hazelnuts to get that classic Nutella flavor. 

Medjool dates are the starring act of this easy snack, making up the base of these power balls. They not only provide protein but act as a natural sweetener and add a chewy texture that will bind all the wholesome ingredients together. 

Cocoa powder and a splash of vanilla extract add depth to the flavor profile, and all that is left is a sprinkle of sea salt to balance out the sweetness.

Make sure you have a food processor for this recipe! It’s what’ll make these tasty energy balls super soft and smooth.

Variations

• Hazelnuts: You can substitute the hazelnuts with any other nut of your choice, such as almonds or cashews. Just note that hazelnuts are what give you that classic Nutella flavor.
• Dates: If you don’t have Medjool dates on hand, you can also use regular pitted dates. Just make sure to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using them to soften ’em up.
• Cocoa Powder: You can use any type of cocoa powder for this recipe, such as unsweetened or Dutch-processed. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try using cacao powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Fun additions: Feel free to mix in some other fun ingredients for extra flavor and texture. Some ideas include shredded coconut, chia seeds, natural peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.

Top Tips for Nutella Energy Balls

• A blender will not work for this recipe. Be sure to use a high-powered food processor. 
• These chocolate date energy bites have a sticky texture when mixed, so make sure to keep your hands slightly wet when rolling them into balls.
• Hazelnuts can sometimes release a lot of oil. If this happens, add 1-2 teaspoons more cocoa powder to absorb the excess oil. 
• These energy balls are freezer-friendly, so feel free to make a big batch and store them in the freezer for a quick and easy snack whenever you need it.

Storage + Freezer Directions

Store any leftover Nutella energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To freeze,  place the energy balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until soft.

5 from 1 vote

Healthy Nutella Sea Salt Energy Balls

These Nutella sea salt energy balls are easy, protein-packed, and made with natural sugar. They are not only good for you, but have all the Nutella flavors you love, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth all while having energy to conquer your day!

By: Lee Hersh

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Servings: 23 -25

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Ingredients 

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• ▢ 2 cups hazelnuts, dry roasted and shelled
• ▢ 1 cup fresh medjool dates, pitted
• ▢ 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1-2 teaspoons water*
• ▢ pinch of salt

Instructions 

• Place hazelnuts in a high-speed food processor and process on high for about a minute or until you’ve created a meal.
• Add in dates, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt and process on high for 1 to 2 more minutes, or until the dates have been pulverized into little pieces.
• Check the consistency of the dough. Depending on the freshness of your dates, you might need to add in a teaspoon or two of water to make sure it’s soft enough to roll into balls.
• Using a tablespoon cookie scooper, scoop out a heaping tablespoon of dough and roll between your palms to create a ball.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ball, Calories: 103 kcal, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 6 g, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 9 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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