7 ingredient vegan peanut butter date balls that are also gluten-free, sugar-free and packed full of delicious hearty ingredients! Under 100 calories per ball with 2.5 grams of protein!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StartWithJifPowder #CollectiveBias
I love making home made vegan energy balls, vegan chocolate truffles, chocolate balls, you name it. Why buy store bought treats and fill up on junk ingredients and all sorts of sugars when you can make your own refined sugar free, sweet treats at home from wholesome real ingredients?
Have I convinced you yet? It is still New Years resolution time right? What are you trying to work on this year? My goals are definitely to keep eating clean, while getting in shape and working out more. More running, more gym time and more real food.
Now I am not a huge fan of peanut butter on it’s own but I love adding it to all sorts of sauces, sweet treats, snacks, you name it. So how did I even come up with this recipe for peanut butter date balls?
Well, I had heard about powdered peanut butter from a friend recently – she had been me telling me that she adds it to smoothies and drinks instead of the regular stuff because it is much lower in fat (85% lower to be exact) while still being high in protein.
I needed no more convincing. I was ready to try this stuff. I found Jif peanut powder and love that it is made with just fresh roasted peanuts and no added sugars, just what I need.
It looks exactly like you would imagine, that lightish brown beige peanut color but in a soft powder form. What to make with it though?
Another friend had just told me that she made bars out of peanut butter and dates – that was my aha moment. I wanted to create a vegan energy bites with dates, Jif peanut powder and a medley of other superfood ingredients. Also, I wanted these peanut butter date balls to be gluten free, vegan and refined sugar free. The big three. Oh and still tasty of course.
For the other ingredients I chose chia seeds, hemp hearts, coconut oil, cacao powder and vanilla extract. A great bunch.
Everything comes together in the food processor in minutes and be formed into either peanut butter date balls or bars – whichever you prefer. Jury is still out. I may be leaning towards the bars though….
These peanut butter date balls are nutty and light, perfect for taking on the go as a mid day snack or to get your sweet fix. They are ever so slightly sweet but not overwhelmingly so, and with just a hint of rich chocolate flavor that pulls in right at the last second. A delayed chocolate effect. The bars and bites are dotted with specks of chia seeds and hemp hearts – sneaking it a bit more vitamins and nutrients in there.
With 85% less fat than regular peanut butter I am most definitely happy to use the peanut powder instead! New year new you = less unnecessary oils and fats! Who needs ’em, right?
As you can tell I’m pretty excited about the peanut powder. Seeing how well it turned out in this peanut butter date balls recipe, I’m thinking it will make for a perfect Thai peanut sauce, Peanut protein oatmeal breakfast bowls, peanut, kale coconut smoothies, etc. So stay tuned for more recipes!
7 ingredient vegan peanut butter date balls that are also gluten-free, sugar-free and packed full of delicious hearty ingredients!
- 1 cup pitted dates about 12
- 1 cup Jif peanut powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
- 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water optional
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Combine everything in the food processor. Blend until smooth.
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Form into balls or bars. Freeze for 10-30 minutes.
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Store in the refrigerator.
To get your hands on your own bag of Jif Peanut Powder make sure to find a Walmart near you that carries it!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StartWithJifPowder#CollectiveBias
Steven Mathews says
Looks yummy
Vicky says
Thanks!
Sophia @Veggies Don't Bite says
Love little snacks like this! Perfect for the kids!
Vicky says
Yes definitely perfect for kids or when you are on the go!
Stephanie says
These looks delicious! I always need a good grab-and-go type snack mid-day. This would be perfect! {client}
Vicky says
Definitely a perfect grab and go snack!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’m always stocked up on pounds of peanut flour! So many fantastic uses!
Vicky says
I am seeing that too!
Linda @ Veganosity says
Those look great! Peanut flour is so great, I love sprinkling it on my oatmeal in the morning.
Vicky says
Great use for it too — just tried that the other day!
Jenn says
Peanut butter is one of my favor flavors ever. I’ve never used peanut flour, but you’ve convinced me to try! These look great!
Vicky says
You def need to try peanut flour – all the flavor but without the fat!
Healing Tomato says
What an amazing recipe. I am always looking for ways to add protein in my diet. This recipe is going into my recipe book!
Vicky says
Thanks! Def a great way to sneak in some additional protein!
[email protected] says
Oo they sound lovely. i have yet to try peanut butter powder but this sounds like a great way to use it!
Vicky says
Thanks!
Debra @ Bowl Me Over says
Perfect for a pick-me-up and yummy snack, these look terrific!
Vicky says
My thoughts exactly!
Ginny McMeans says
What a great product. I can’t wait to try peanut powder and make this recipe.
Vicky says
You’ve got to try it, I can see so many different uses for it!
Donna says
I love vegan energy balls. Used to make them all the time, but I just realised I haven’t made a batch in forever – rectifying that tomorrow with this version – sounds delicious!
Vicky says
They’re the best right? I just started making them recently and can’t stop!
Marly says
I love energy bites. I also love peanut butter powder. The two together = great stuff!
Vicky says
Energy bites are the best right? And with peanut powder even better : ))
Gin says
You’ve convinced me to try peanut powder. These look great and I LOVE the ingredients!
Vicky says
Thanks! Definitely give it a try!