Q1: Can I make these energy balls without a food processor?

While the Equipment list specifies a food processor as essential for this recipe, you can attempt to make these with a high-powered blender, though it will be more challenging. You'll need to stop frequently to scrape down the sides and may need to work in smaller batches. Alternatively, you could finely chop the hazelnuts and oats by hand with a sharp knife, then mash the dates with a fork and mix everything together in a bowl, though the texture won't be as uniform. The food processor is strongly recommended because Steps 2-5 require pulsing and processing to achieve the right consistency where the mixture sticks together when pressed.

Q2: What can I substitute for instant espresso powder if I don't have it?

If you don't have instant espresso powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount (1 tablespoon) of instant coffee granules, though the coffee flavor will be slightly less intense. For a stronger mocha flavor, you could increase the amount to 1.5 tablespoons of instant coffee. If you want to avoid coffee entirely, you can simply omit it and increase the cocoa powder by 1/2 tablespoon to maintain the chocolate flavor, though you'll lose the signature mocha taste. The espresso powder in Step 4 primarily enhances the chocolate flavor and provides a subtle coffee note.

Q3: How do I know if the mixture is the right consistency before rolling the balls?

Step 6 provides a clear test: press a small amount of the mixture between your fingers, and it should stick together easily and form a ball without crumbling. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly after the initial 1-2 minutes of processing in Step 5, you'll need to add water 1 teaspoon at a time and process again. The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold its shape when squeezed, but not so wet that it's mushy or falls apart. If you've added water and it's still not holding together, process for another 30 seconds as mentioned in Step 6 to help release more natural oils from the dates and hazelnuts.

Q4: Can I substitute the hazelnuts with other nuts, and will it affect the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the 3/4 cup of hazelnuts with other nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans while maintaining the same measurements and following Steps 3-5. Keep in mind that different nuts will change the flavor profile—almonds will give a milder taste, while walnuts provide a slightly bitter, earthy note. Whatever nut you choose should be toasted (as specified for hazelnuts in the ingredient list) to enhance flavor and help with binding. Cashews will create a sweeter, creamier texture, while almonds will maintain a similar texture to hazelnuts. The processing times in Steps 3 and 5 remain the same regardless of the nut substitution.

Mocha Hazelnut Energy Balls

These no-bake Mocha Hazelnut Energy Balls are the perfect marriage of your favorite coffee shop flavors and wholesome, energizing ingredients. Combining the rich depth of espresso powder with decadent cocoa and toasted hazelnuts, these bite-sized treats deliver a sophisticated flavor profile that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your need for sustained energy throughout the day.

Inspired by the classic mocha beverage and Italian gianduja (hazelnut-chocolate confection), these energy balls are naturally gluten-free and require no baking whatsoever. Medjool dates provide natural sweetness and a sticky base that binds everything together, while rolled oats add fiber and substance. A touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, and a pinch of sea salt enhances the chocolate and coffee notes beautifully.

What makes these energy balls truly special is their versatility and convenience. They're perfect for busy professionals who need a quick pick-me-up between meetings, pre-workout fuel for athletes, or a healthier dessert option that won't leave you feeling sluggish. The combination of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats from hazelnuts, and a gentle caffeine boost from espresso powder provides sustained energy without the crash of typical sugary snacks.

Make a batch on Sunday and store them in the refrigerator for grab-and-go snacking all week long. Each ball contains just the right amount of coffee flavor to perk you up without overwhelming your palate, making them an ideal afternoon treat when you need both energy and indulgence.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

15 minutes

None servings

95 calories

Fat 4.50g

Carbs 13.00g

Protein 2.00g

Ingredients

1 cup	Medjool dates, pitted and packed
1 cup	rolled oats, certified gluten-free
3/4 cup	hazelnuts, toasted
3 tbsp	unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp	instant espresso powder
1 tsp	vanilla extract
1/4 tsp	sea salt
1 tbsp	water, as needed for consistency (optional)
2 tbsp	cocoa powder, for rolling (optional) (optional)

Equipment

Food processor

Parchment paper

measuring spoons

measuring cups

airtight container

plate or baking sheet

small bowl for rolling coating

Clean Eating

These energy balls embody clean eating principles by using whole, minimally processed ingredients like dates, oats, hazelnuts, and cocoa powder, with no artificial additives or refined sugars.

Gluten-Free Diet

The recipe uses certified gluten-free oats and naturally gluten-free ingredients like dates, hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and espresso powder, making it safe for those avoiding gluten.

Mindful Eating

The recipe supports mindful eating by featuring whole ingredients with varied textures and flavors, encouraging slow consumption and sensory appreciation of natural, nutrient-dense components.

Plant-Based Diet

These energy balls are entirely plant-based, featuring wholesome ingredients like dates, oats, hazelnuts, and cocoa powder. The recipe provides protein and healthy fats from nuts and uses natural sweetness from dates without any animal products.

Vegan Diet

Perfectly vegan-friendly, these energy balls use plant-based ingredients like dates, oats, hazelnuts, and cocoa powder, avoiding all animal products while providing a nutritious and delicious snack.

Instructions

If your dates are not soft and sticky, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.

10 min

Add the rolled oats to a food processor and pulse 8-10 times until they're roughly chopped into smaller pieces but not completely ground into flour.

1 min

Add the toasted hazelnuts to the food processor with the oats and pulse another 8-10 times until the hazelnuts are coarsely chopped with some larger pieces remaining for texture.

1 min

Add the pitted dates, cocoa powder, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor.

Process the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until everything is well combined and the mixture begins to stick together when pressed between your fingers. If the mixture seems too dry and won't hold together, add water 1 teaspoon at a time and process again.

2 min

Test the mixture by pressing a small amount between your fingers. It should stick together easily and form a ball. If it's still too crumbly, process for another 30 seconds or add a bit more water.

Transfer the mixture to a clean work surface or large bowl. Using your hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture to create approximately 16 balls.

5 min

If desired, roll each ball in cocoa powder for an elegant finishing touch and to prevent sticking.