No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites with Dates and Coconut
These wholesome no-bake energy bites combine rich chocolate, sweet dates, and crunchy hazelnuts rolled in shredded coconut for a perfect healthy snack. This American-inspired recipe (gluten free, vegan), ready in about 10 minutes, turns medjool dates, raw hazelnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 16, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 large, pitted medjool dates
- 1 cup raw hazelnuts
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup, plus extra for rolling unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, pulse 1 cup raw hazelnuts until coarsely chopped but not powdered, about 10 pulses.
- Step 2: Add 12 pitted medjool dates, 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, and 1/4 tsp sea salt to the food processor. Process until the mixture comes together and starts to clump, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands, then roll each ball in additional shredded coconut to coat the outside.
- Step 4: Place the energy bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 1 week.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites with Dates and Coconut take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites with Dates and Coconut?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites with Dates and Coconut?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites with Dates and Coconut for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites with Dates and Coconut gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
