These chocolate coconut date balls are incredible! My all-time favorite cake is German chocolate, and I can confidently say that these chocolate coconut balls capture its essence, in one blissful bite. They are made using rich cocoa powder, sweet dates, pecans, and coconut. It results in a treat that is not only delicious but also made with wholesome ingredients. For those who share my passion for the irresistible combination of chocolate and coconut, this treat is made for you.

Why You Will Love Chocolate Coconut Date Balls

They have the delicious flavors of German chocolate cake!
The combination of pecans, cocoa powder, and coconut is incredible.
These coconut date balls are easy to make.
You make these date balls with simple ingredients.
They are a delicious treat or snack that is great to have on hand.
They are gluten-free and vegan!

What Are Date Balls?

Date balls are a sweet bite-sized treat made with dates, nuts, and other delicious additions. These chocolate coconut date balls consist of Medjool dates, pecans, cocoa powder, maple syrup for sweetness, and coconut flakes. They are also referred to as energy bites, energy balls, or bliss balls. These date balls combine the delicious flavors of coconut, chocolate, and dates. The addition of pecans and the combination of chocolate and coconut makes them taste like German chocolate cake. These date balls come together quickly in a food processor. They are an excellent no-bake snack or treat.

Ingredients Needed For Chocolate Coconut Date Balls

Ingredients for chocolate coconut date balls

Dates: Use Medjool dates in this recipe. Buy them pitted or remove the pits yourself after soaking them.
Pecans: Use unsalted pecans. Or, for another option, use unsalted cashews.
Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder to add rich chocolate flavor.
Maple Syrup: Adds just enough sweetness to these date balls. You can also use sugar-free maple syrup.
Coconut Flakes: Add unsweetened coconut flakes to the date balls for coconut flavor.
Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract adds flavor.
Salt: Add a pinch of salt.
Shredded Coconut: As an option, roll the balls in unsweetened shredded coconut once done.

How To Make Coconut Date Balls

Step 1: Add the Medjool dates to a heat-safe bowl and submerge them in hot water. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes to soften. Then, drain the water from the bowl. It allows the dates to blend more easily.

Step 2: Add the pitted Medjool dates, unsalted pecans, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, maple syrup, unsweetened coconut flakes, vanilla extract, and salt to a high-powered food processor.

Coconut date balls ingredients in food processor

Step 3: Pulse the ingredients in the food processor. Thoroughly pulse and blend until combined.

Step 4: Carefully remove the mixture from the food processor. Then, place it in a large bowl.

Step 5: Use a small 2-teaspoon cookie scoop to scoop the mixture and your hands to roll it into balls.

Step 6: As an option, once you form the balls, roll them in unsweetened shredded coconut. You can blend coconut flakes in a food processor into a fine powder or buy shredded coconut.

How To Serve

Serve these chocolate coconut date balls at room temperature. You can enjoy them as is or roll them in shredded coconut before serving. They make for a decadent and delicious dessert or snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips

Dates: Soak the Medjool dates in hot water to soften them. It makes it easier for the food processor to blend them up. Also, if your dates aren’t pitted, it makes it easy to remove the pits after soaking them. If you have pitted Medjool dates and don’t want to soak them, you can chop them into smaller pieces. However, I prefer soaking them because it softens them up and makes it much easier to thoroughly blend them.
Thoroughly Pulse: Pulse and blend all the ingredients in the food processor to evenly distribute everything.
Small Scoop: A small 2-teaspoon cookie scoop helps ensure the chocolate coconut balls are the same size.
Serve At Room Temperature: We recommend serving these chocolate coconut date balls at room temperature. They have a stronger chocolate flavor at room temperature than when chilled.
What Coconut To Use: Use unsweetened coconut flakes or unsweetened shredded coconut.

Storage Instructions

Store these date balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. I like to serve them at room temperature. To enjoy them at room temperature, let them sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. It helps bring out the chocolate flavor.

Variations

Pecans Substitution: The unsalted pecans add a delicious flavor to these coconut date balls. If you don’t have pecans, use unsalted cashews instead.
Roll In Coconut: For a beautiful presentation and more coconut flavor, roll the date balls in unsweetened shredded coconut.
Sweetener: Use maple syrup, sugar-free maple syrup, or honey in this recipe. You need to use a liquid sweetener so the date balls bind together.
Add Chia Seeds: You can add one to two teaspoons of chia seeds to the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze Coconut Date Balls?

Yes, you can freeze these chocolate coconut date balls! Store them in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for 1-2 months.

Are These Date Balls Vegan?

Yes, these date balls are naturally vegan. They are sweetened with maple syrup and are made with dates, cocoa powder, nuts, and coconut flakes.

How Long Do They Last?

These chocolate coconut date balls will last up to one week from making them when stored in the refrigerator.

More Recipes To Try Next!

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