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A hand grabbing an energy ball sprinkled with dried coconut flakes and served in tiny paper cupcake holder.
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4.80 from 5 votes

Toasted Steel-Cut Oats Energy Balls With Dates

These gluten-free bliss balls contain a warm spice and are naturally sweetened with dates, raisins, and toasted steel-cut oats. They are the perfect snack and so adaptable. Enjoy them with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, or make them festive to join the Holiday table.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Power Snacks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 25 energy balls
Calories: 96kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons pure butter (I love Kate's Creamery 100% pure butter), or coconut butter/oil (to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly) 70 grams
  • 1 cup gluten-free steel-cut oats 160 grams
  • 2 ½ teaspoons cinnamon spice or Pumpkin Pie spice for fall flavors
  • ½ cup whole cashews 70 grams
  • ½ cup pecans 80 grams
  • ½ cup black (jumbo) raisins 90 grams
  • 10 fresh, pitted Medjool dates (about one cup packed) 235 grams

Instructions

  • In a saucepan, melt the butter or coconut oil over medium heat.
    4 tablespoons pure butter (I love Kate's Creamery 100% pure butter), or coconut butter/oil (to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly)
  • Stir in the oats and combine them with butter or coconut oil.
    1 cup gluten-free steel-cut oats
  • Cook the oats for about 5 to 7 minutes, frequently stirring, or until they are lightly toasted (you can hear the oats pop a little at the end.)
  • Stay with the oats because they can burn quickly! Remove the pan from the stove.
  • Allow the oats to cool a little.
  • In a blender (or food processor), add the toasted oats, then the cinnamon spice, nuts, raisins, and dates.
    2 ½ teaspoons cinnamon spice, ½ cup whole cashews, ½ cup pecans, ½ cup black (jumbo) raisins, 10 fresh, pitted Medjool dates (about one cup packed)
  • Blend until you have a smooth brownish mixture.
  • If using a Vitamix, mix using a high-speed setting while using the tamper to push the ingredients around. Then continue to blend until you have a beautiful brown and smooth mixture. You'll use the tamper to process the thick mixture through the blades.
  • Take the mixture immediately out of the blender and transfer it into a bowl (be careful, it can be hot).
  • When cool enough to handle, roll a spoonful into a small ball and repeat until all mixture is used.
  • Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container!

Notes

Storage: They stay well for up to two weeks in the fridge in an airtight container or 3 months in the freezer. Let them sit on the counter for a bit after freezing so they can soften before serving.
Nuts: Instead of cashews or pecans, you can use a medley of nuts you have on hand. Almonds and blanched hazelnuts are a great substitute here. Nut butter can work as well, but the texture of the energy balls will be softer instead of chewy.
Nut-free: Sunflower or tahini butter are great alternatives.
Spices & flavors: Change it up by using different spices like Dutch Speculoos, Chai, Pumpkin Pie spice, apple pie spice, or cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder for a more chocolatey taste (read energy ball variations in the post).
Medjool dates alternatives: Dried figs, dried prunes, dried apricots, dried cherries, or only raisins. I love Medjool dates as they give these energy bites that lovely caramel-like taste.
Nutritional information: Calculated using almonds, cashews, and coconut oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1energy ball | Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg