Simple + Nourishing Energy Balls

There’s something so grounding about returning to homemade rituals.

For years, I used a food processor that was passed down to me by my Grandma. It was at least 40 years old, and it had a real charm about it — a solid old thing that had clearly made hundreds of family recipes over the decades.

Eventually, it gave up (bless it), and once it stopped working, I unintentionally stopped making my usual snacks too. I started reaching for shop-bought options instead — still healthy, but still processed. And let’s be honest, they can get a bit spenny!

So this year, I decided to invest in my own Magimix, like my Grandma’s. One I hope lasts me well into my own older years, just like Grandma’s did. And honestly? It’s brought my creativity back to life. I’m loving making nourishing things again — especially these delicious, easy energy balls.

They're the perfect snack for modern life: no fuss, naturally sweetened, + filled with ingredients that give you energy without the crash. Below are two of my go-to flavour combos — one rich + chocolatey (a bit like a Ferrero Rocher), and the other light + fruity with a creamy cashew base.

Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls

These are dreamy, chocolatey + so satisfying — like a little hug in a ball.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup medjool dates (around 10, pitted)

• ½ cup rolled oats

• 2 tbsp cacao powder

• 1–2 tbsp agave nectar (adjust to taste)

• ½ cup hazelnuts

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Raspberry + Cashew Energy Balls

A fruity, creamy blend with a hint of maca for an added wellness boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup medjool dates (around 10, pitted)

• ½ cup rolled oats

• 1–2 tbsp agave nectar

• ½ cup cashews

• 1 tbsp maca powder

• 2 tbsp coconut flakes (plus more for rolling, if you like)

• 2 tbsp freeze-dried raspberries (add after blending)

Instructions (for both recipes):

1. Add all ingredients except freeze-dried raspberries (for the raspberry version) to a food processor.

2. Blend until the mixture starts to clump together — you may need to stop + scrape the sides.

3. Stir through the raspberries if using.

4. Roll into small bite-sized balls.

5. Store in the fridge for up to a week, or pop into the freezer for longer-lasting snacks.

Ingredient Benefits (because these little bites are more than just tasty...)

Medjool Dates
Nature’s caramel — packed with fibre, potassium + natural sugars for steady energy.

Oats
A slow-release carbohydrate full of beta-glucans to support heart health + keep you feeling satisfied.

Cacao Powder
Rich in antioxidants + magnesium, cacao can support mood, focus + energy.

Agave Nectar
A plant-based sweetener with a gentle flavour + lower glycaemic index than refined sugar.

Hazelnuts
Full of healthy fats + vitamin E, these are amazing for skin, brain health + that creamy flavour.

Cinnamon
Warming + comforting, cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar + add delicious depth.

Cashews
Creamy, dreamy + full of good fats, zinc + plant protein.

Freeze-Dried Raspberries
Light, tart + full of antioxidants — they add colour, crunch + a little zing.

Coconut Flakes
Great for digestion + a lovely source of healthy fats to keep you going.

Maca Powder
An adaptogen known to help balance hormones, support energy + boost mood — ideal for modern life.

I hope these inspire you to bring some snack-time creativity back into your kitchen too. Let me know if you make them – I’d love to see your creation