Name: Tiramisu-Inspired Energy Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted; 1/2 cup raw cashews; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt; 1–2 tablespoons water, as needed; 2 tablespoons finely shredded unsweetened coconut (optional, for rolling); 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for dusting)

Tiramisu-Inspired Energy Balls a no-bake treat that captures the creamy, coffee-kissed indulgence of tiramisu in a wholesome, energizing bite. I love how these energy balls bring together the bold flavor of espresso, rich cocoa, and natural sweetness from Medjool dates—perfect for an on-the-go snack or a light dessert when I’m craving something sweet but still nutritious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

1/2 cup raw cashews

1/2 cup rolled oats

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

1–2 tablespoons water, as needed

2 tablespoons finely shredded unsweetened coconut (optional, for rolling)

1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for dusting)

Directions

I start by pulsing the cashews and oats in a food processor until they’re finely ground.

Then I add the dates, cocoa powder, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. I pulse until the mixture begins to clump together.

If the mixture feels too dry, I add water—just 1 tablespoon at a time—until it sticks together easily when pressed.

I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using my hands.

For an optional finishing touch, I roll the balls in finely shredded coconut or dust them lightly with cocoa powder.

I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week—or freeze them if I want them to last longer.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 energy balls.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 90 kcal per ball

Variations

I sometimes swap cashews for almonds or walnuts depending on what I have in my pantry.

For a creamier texture, I add a teaspoon of almond butter to the mix.

When I want a sweeter version, I sprinkle a bit of maple syrup into the blend.

To make it even more like classic tiramisu, I occasionally roll them in a mix of cocoa and finely ground coffee.

I’ve also tried adding a few dark chocolate chips for a little extra indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to 7 days. If I want to make a bigger batch, I freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. I just let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying if they’re coming from the freezer.

FAQs

How do I know if the mixture needs more water?

If the mixture looks dry or crumbles when I try to form a ball, I add a small amount of water—just one tablespoon at a time—until it binds together easily.

Can I use another type of nut besides cashews?

Yes, I often switch out cashews with almonds, pecans, or walnuts depending on the flavor profile I want or what I have on hand.

Is there a way to make these caffeine-free?

I can simply leave out the espresso powder or replace it with a caffeine-free coffee substitute if I want to avoid caffeine completely.

Do I need a food processor for this recipe?

A food processor works best for getting the texture right, but I’ve used a high-powered blender in a pinch. I just stop to scrape down the sides frequently.

Can I make these nut-free?

To make these nut-free, I use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of cashews. The flavor will be a little different, but still delicious.

Conclusion

These tiramisu-inspired energy balls give me all the comfort of dessert with none of the guilt. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor—making them a smart snack to keep on hand when I want a little indulgence that also fuels my day. Whether I enjoy one with my morning coffee or grab one between meetings, they always hit the spot.

Recipe:

Tiramisu-Inspired Energy Balls

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 12 energy balls
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A no-bake, wholesome treat that captures the rich, creamy flavors of tiramisu in energy ball form. Naturally sweetened, vegan, and gluten-free, these bites are perfect for a quick snack or light dessert.