These no-bake almond butter energy balls are one of the easiest and most satisfying healthy snacks you can make at home. They’re naturally sweetened with dates, packed with fibre and healthy fats, and perfect when you need a quick energy boost without reaching for ultra-processed snacks.
What makes them so good? The combination of oats, rice cakes and almond butter creates a deliciously chewy texture with a hint of crunch, while dates give that natural caramel flavour we all love. Plus, they’re made in just one bowl (aka your food processor), so there’s barely any mess. Whether you need a post-workout bite, an afternoon pick-me-up, or something to curb those late-night cravings, these little balls tick all the boxes. They also keep well in the fridge or freezer — great for batch prep and busy weeks.
They’re high in fibre, naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with just a few simple ingredients — no syrups, no refined sugar, no baking required. Just wholesome fuel for your day, made in minutes.
Tips
- Use Soft Dates for Best Texture: Medjool dates are ideal here. If using firmer dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first.
- Blitz in Stages if Needed: If your food processor struggles, add the ingredients in batches – start with the dates and almond butter, then add the dry ingredients.
- Chill Before Rolling (Optional): If the dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
- Add a Boost: You can mix in protein powder or chia seeds to level up the nutrition — just adjust the texture with extra dates or a splash of water.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These store well and make a great grab-and-go snack through the week.
Swaps
Almond butter: Use peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Dates: Medjool are best for stickiness and flavour, but other soft dried dates will work — just soak them first.
Oats: Rolled oats give texture, but instant oats can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Rice cakes: Use puffed rice cereal or even oatcakes for a similar crunch and structure.
Coconut: Swap with ground almonds, flaxseed, or leave out entirely if preferred — it’s just for texture and flavour.
Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months — great to batch make and defrost as needed.
More Energy Balls
- 6-Ingredient Apricot Energy Balls
- 5-Ingredient Healthy Brownie Truffles
- 6 Ingredients Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Healthy 5-Ingredient No-Bake Carrot Cake Bites
5 ingredients Almond Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 25 g shredded coconut
- 8 rice cakes
- 200 g almond butter
- 10 soft medjool dates
- 30 g oats
Instructions
- Add everything to a food processor and blitz until all well combined and made a sticky and malleable dough.
- Scoop some of the dough and make the balls.
- Leave in the fridge for a few hours so they will harden up.