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5.0 from 15 votes

Gingerbread Energy Balls with Raisins, Dates, and Pecans

These healthy vegan gingerbread energy balls are sweetened naturally with dates and raisins, packed with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and molasses!

Prep Time
10 mins
soaking time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 24 energy balls
Calories: 58 kcal
Course: Dessert , Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted Medjool Dates (about 10-12 dates)
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
  • sugar to coat, optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Transfer energy balls to an airtight container and store in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • Make them paleo by subbing the molasses with maple syrup. Make them whole30 or refined sugar free by omitting the molasses altogether.
  • Make them nut-free by using 3/4 cup of seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin, flax, sesame, and/or chia seeds, instead of pecans.
  • Money-saving tip: shop the bulk foods section to buy the exact amount of dates and raisins you need, and look for deals on nuts- you can use chopped pecans, or another nut such as almonds or walnuts, if you prefer or they're cheaper!
  • Time-saving tip: skip soaking the dates and raisins and instead add another tablespoon of plain water if needed.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1energy ball Calories 58kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 25mg (1%) Potassium 94mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 11IU (0%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 11mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24energy balls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 58

% 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.