Chocolaty Walnut Date Balls [Vegan. No added sugar]

I keep thinking that my life is going to slow down but apparently not yet. Last week, Alan and I were off to another triathlon where he announces the race and I compete (only because they added a stand-alone 10k). 

And work refuses to slow down. That is, of course, a good thing. May is usually the beginning of our slow season, but we’ve had such great weather that our members don’t want to go home!

That’s why I’m sharing this post from a couple of years ago, Chocolaty Walnut Date Balls. Not only are they delicious, but they are also vegan, have no added sugar, and require only five ingredients. 

When this post was written it was sponsored by Bard Valley Natural Delights Medjool Dates, and I was also an ambassador for Lucky Vitamin. While neither of those things apply anymore, I still respect both organizations and purchase their products regularly. This post contains affiliate links.

Chocolaty Walnut Date Balls

Chocolaty Walnut Date Balls [Vegan. No added sugar]

 

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Prep time

15 mins

Total time

15 mins

 

Vegan and Vegetarian

Author: Debbie

Recipe type: Vegan Vegetarian

Cuisine: Snack

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw walnuts (I used Lucky Eats Raw Walnuts)
• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (I used Bard Valley Natural Delights Medjool Dates)
• ¼ cup oat bran (I used NuNaturals NuGrain Oat Fiber)
• ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (I used Trader Joes Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips)
• ¼ cup hemp hearts (I used Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts)

Instructions

1. Add the walnuts to a food processor and pulse until they are the consistency of a coarse meal.
2. Add the dates and oat bran and process until almost smooth. Break up large chunks of date with a spatula.
3. Add the chocolate chips and process until they are broken into small pieces.
4. Roll the mixture into balls (makes about 8-10).
5. Pour the hemp hearts onto a small plate and roll the balls in it until evenly coated.
6. Refrigerate for an hour or two before serving.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free use hemp hearts that are certified gluten-free or substitute shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or your choice.

3.5.3251

I love dates! They are a great source of fiber, manganese, Vitamin B6 and potassium. They are naturally sweet making it unnecessary to add any sugar to the recipe. They also have magnesium, which studies have shown to be an anti-inflammatory, and can reduce blood pressure and stroke risk. And they taste great! In addition to this recipe, I also use them to top oatmeal and blend them into my smoothies.

These Chocolaty Walnut Date Balls also contain oat fiber, which is an insoluble fiber and can aid digestion. The hemp hearts are exceptionally rich in protein and both Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, which have multiple health benefits including heart health.

Walnuts are also rich in Omega 3s and studies have shown that they are great for heart and brain health, and have cancer-fighting properties.

Food as preventive medicine. And it’s delicious. What more can you want?

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