No-Bake (Boozy?) Brownie Balls
The love child of the holiday rum ball and raw energy ball, these no-bake brownie balls are super easy and versatile! Eat as a mid-day treat, post-exercise energy boost, or as a simple, nutrient-dense dessert. And for a bonus treat, add some alcohol for a boozy ball, perfect for any celebration! Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup, these bites are gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, and paleo.
I was researching ideas for holiday cookies when I was reminded of the ever-classic rum ball. Part fudgy truffle, part cookie, festively doused in alcohol and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Yum. But oy, the list of ingredients would be down the block. I wanted to find a way to make an alcoholic treat, but with more whole ingredients, which I wagered would taste even better! Also I think sprinkles are kind of a scam. They taste better in theory than in reality. Just saying.
Anyway! I am a huge fan of date energy balls as a sugar-boost snack to carry with you on busy days, or after training. And thus the Boozy No-Bake Brownie Ball was born. Sweetened with dates and maple syrup, a mixture of almond flour and whole almonds mimic the texture of the rum ball, and a balance of cocoa powder and unsweetened chocolate melted with coconut oil create a fudgy center.
If you tolerate bourbon, that is my favorite alcoholic twist, otherwise rum, or really any alcohol you like will do. Make these non-alcoholic as an any day treat, or boozy for a special occasion. Perfect for Christmas and New Years, or better yet, gift these to your loved one’s on Valentine’s Day! Because things you make with love always taste better.
Ingredient Fun Facts + Substitutions:
- almonds: if you want a smoother texture, you can leave out the whole almonds and just use an additional 2 tbsp of almond flour
- dates: I like to buy pitted dates or deglets, as opposed to Medjool dates, as a money saving tactic. The main difference is when the dates are picked (deglets are picked earlier and underripe, whereas Medjool dates are ripe when picked and have a shorter shelf-life). You can absolutely use Medjool dates in this recipe, it might even be more delicious and fudgy! If you want to save a few $$, buy the deglets and soak them in hot water for a few minutes to soften them
- unsweetened chocolate/baker’s chocolate: using unsweetened chocolate allows us to control the type of sweetener and level of sweetness. If you need to replace it with dark chocolate, I recommend removing the maple syrup and using at least 70% dark chocolate
- shredded coconut: roll the balls in shredded coconut for the “sprinkles texture” without the chemicals! Or alternatively, go all cocoa all the way, and roll them in unsweetened cocoa powder
- alcohol: bourbon and whiskey aren’t gluten-free, but they are my favorites in this recipe! Alternatively rum, spiced rum or maybe even tequila would work beautifully. A whole batch of alcoholic brownie balls felt like a lot for just the two of us here, so I recommend making a half batch alcoholic and non.
How to Make No-Bake (Boozy?) Brownie Balls:
1. Combine all main ingredients except the unsweetened chocolate, coconut coconut oil and optional alcohol in the bowl of a food processor. If the dates are a little tough and dried out, soak them in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them.
Hot Tip: Medjool dates are fresher and softer, and can also be subbed for the same amount, but do not overly pressed the dates into the measuring cup.
2. Pulse ingredients until combined and the nuts are in small chunks. Mix with a spoon and pulse again to get any larger chunks of nut
3. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil over a double boiler on the stove, or 10 seconds at a time in the microwave
4. Meanwhile fill a small bowl with shredded coconut or cocoa powder, or two bowls with each coating separately
5. Add the melted chocolate, and alcohol if desired, into the food processor and pulse just until incorporated. You can easily make a 1/2 or 1/3 batch of alcoholic balls by separating some of the mixture out and scaling down the alcohol
6. Use a tablespoon measurement to scoop out the mixture, and press into the side of the bowl to get relatively even amount for each ball. Roll the mixture between the palms of your hands to make a smooth ball
7. Roll the ball in shredded coconut or cocoa powder or alternate between the two for a mixed batch for the finishing touch. Repeat with the remaining mixture and enjoy!
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
%20Brownie%20Balls&media=https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/5ede52928a6e202e0d20854d/1611596631372-6BTKV14NGAV18RR3VBJV/Brownie_Balls_1.jpg?format=750w&content-type=image%252Fjpeg)
No-Bake (Boozy?) Brownie Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp almond flour | 115g
- 1/3 cup almonds | 50g
- 1 cup pitted dates, packed | 180g
- 1 tbsp nut/seed butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder | 27g
- 3 tbsp maple syrup | 60g
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened chocolate | 85g
- 5 tbsp coconut oil
- 3 tbsp rum or bourbon (not gluten-free)
- shredded coconut and/or cacao powder for coating
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the unsweetened chocolate and coconut coconut oil in the bowl of a food processor. If the dates are a little tough, soak them in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them*
- Pulse ingredients until combined and the nuts are in small chunks. Mix with a spoon and pulse again to get any larger chunks of nut
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil over a double boiler on the stove, or 10 seconds at a time in the microwave
- Meanwhile fill a small bowl with shredded coconut or cocoa powder, or two bowls with one of each coating
- Add the melted chocolate, and alcohol if desired, into the food processor and pulse just until incorporated**
- Use a tablespoon measurement to scoop out the mixture, and press into the side of the bowl to get relatively even amount for each ball. Roll the mixture between the palms of your hands to make a smooth ball
- Roll the ball in shredded coconut or cocoa powder (or alternate for a mixed batch) for the finishing touch. Repeat with the remaining mixture and enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Recipe Notes:
*Alternatively you can use Medjool dates as well, they are just a little more expensive (but delicious!)
**You can make a half batch of boozy brownie balls by rolling half the batch, then adding the alcohol reduce by half (or less) as desired
Calories
77.00Fat (grams)
3.85Sat. Fat (grams)
1.22Carbs (grams)
9.87Fiber (grams)
1.75Net carbs
8.12Sugar (grams)
6.70Protein (grams)
1.65Sodium (milligrams)
41.79Cholesterol (grams)
0.07
