Fig and date balls with raw cashews, chia seeds, and hemp seeds are a flavor-packed snack. This easy recipe comes together quickly in a food processor and is vegan and paleo.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been obsessed with balls lately.
It started with my first recipe for Paleo Fat Balls when I discovered how quick, easy, healthful and convenient these little bites of joy could be. From there, I started getting frisky with flavors and whipped up Vanilla Chai Fat Balls followed by Chocolate Fat Balls and Carrot Cake Fat Balls.
…And now, we’re going ultra sweet with these fig and date balls, which are basically the most epic portable sugar bombs for those moments you just need to fuel your sweet tooth flame.
Traditionally, I’m not much of a snacker, but I’m wild about balls…they’re a part of my daily life. I love that they are made with all natural whole foods, take only a few minutes to prepare, are packed with nutrients, and are a perfect-sized snack for someone like me who prefers keeping food intake meal-centric instead of grazing.
The recipe for these fig and date balls couldn’t be simpler: add all ingredients to a food processor and process until a thick dough forms. Roll the dough into balls and enjoy!
The combination of dates and figs makes for a sweet treat and also that Fig Newton flavor with the figgy poppy texture. I also love the texture the chia seeds add to these balls…they’re basically like a grain-free Fig Newton rolled up in a baller package.
A couple tips: I like refrigerating the dough before rolling it into balls so that it’s less sticky, but you can absolutely jump into ball formation as soon as you’re finished processing in the food processor. I always store my fat balls or energy balls in a zip lock bag in either the refrigerator or freezer.
Recipe adaptations: We have options. Use any of your favorite nuts in place of cashews in this recipe, or mix and match any nut combination. I love using walnuts or almonds for balls! You can also play with the seed situation, incorporating pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds. And with that, go get ’em!
These are baller!
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates pitted
- 1 cup dried figs
- 2.5 cups raw cashews
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
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Add all ingredients for the fig and date balls to a food processor. Process until a sticky dough forms. Roll dough into desired-sized balls, and enjoy!
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Balls should be stored in a sealable bag or container in the refrigerator or freezer.
These sound great, I love Fig Newtons, but these are healthier! I will have to find something to replace the 1 cup of coconut, I do not like, any suggestions, please?
Hi BJ,
I would just add another 1/2 cup of cashews and omit the shredded coconut 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
I have dried figs on hand that I wasn’t sure what to do with….now I know! Loved fig newtons growing up and haven’t had them in forever…can’t wait to try!
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A very wonderful recipe, must try this in my kitchen, thanks for sharing.
You got it, Pauline!
How long will these keep in the fridge?
Hi Ali, They keep for about 10 days in the refrigerator, but if you would like to keep them longer, you can freeze them (that’s what I do!). Enjoy!
My husband is allergic to cashews – ya awful – Can I substitute any other nut? Thank you so much for all your wonderful recipes.
Hi Gloria! Absolutely! You can swap the cashews for almonds, walnuts, or pecans 😀 xx