Gingerbread Energy Balls with Raisins, Dates, and Pecans
User Reviews
5
Gingerbread Energy Balls with Raisins, Dates, and Pecans
Description
Gingerbread Energy Balls combine soaked Medjool dates and golden raisins with pecans and aromatic spices including cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Blackstrap molasses adds depth and sweetness reminiscent of gingerbread flavors. The soaked fruits are processed with the nuts and spices until the mixture clumps enough to form into balls. If the mixture is dry, a little soaking water is added to aid binding.
The finished energy balls offer a chewy texture balanced by pecan crunch and a warm spice profile reflecting traditional gingerbread. Rolling them in sugar or another coating is optional, adding a slight exterior texture contrast. These balls are easy to prepare in batches and serve as convenient snacks or quick energy bites.
They are stored refrigerated in an airtight container and last up to two weeks. Dense and handheld, they fit well in lunchboxes or as pre/post-workout snacks. They are naturally sweetened and do not require baking.
Variations include substituting molasses with maple syrup for paleo diets or omitting it for Whole30 or refined sugar free versions. Nut-free versions can be made with mixed seeds replacing pecans. Soaking the dried fruits softens them for easier processing but can be skipped by adding a bit more water if pressed for time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup date about 10-12 dates, Medjool, pitted
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup water warm
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ground
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
- sugar to coat, optional
Instructions
- Pour the warm water (1 cup) over the dates (1 cup) and raisins (1/2 cup) in a small bowl. Stir together and allow to sit for 5 minutes minimum, and up to 1 hour.
- Remove the dates and raisins using a slotted spoon (reserve the water) to a food processor and add remaining ingredients. Turn on and blend together until the mixture is chopped into very small pieces and it starts clumping together on the side. If necessary, add 2 tablespoons water from soaking the raisins and dates if it doesn't seem to clump together.
- Use a small cookie scoop to dish out equal sized balls and roll in your hands. Roll in sugar (or another topping), if desired. Place on a parchment covered baking sheet and refrigerate the sheet for 20 minutes, until balls solidify more.
- Transfer energy balls to an airtight container and store in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Swap molasses for maple syrup to make the balls paleo compliant.
- Omit molasses to keep the recipe Whole30 and free of refined sugar.
- Use a seed mix instead of pecans for a nut-free option.
- Purchase dried fruits and nuts in bulk to reduce cost and buy exact amounts needed.
- If short on time, skip soaking and add extra moisture during processing to bind.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24energy balls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 58 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1energy ball | |
| Calories | 58kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 25mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 94mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 11IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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