Cranberry Orange Energy Date Balls
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These cranberry orange date balls are packed with protein and energy! They’re easy and made in 5 minutes, so they’re perfect for a quick and healthy snack!
This post is brought to you by “I’m not sure how I survived on this earth for 24 years.”
Are you confused? Let me explain.
I have recently learned a few, VERY BASIC things that I am pretty sure the whole world knew since, well, the existence of the world…..but, not me.
- You can’t scrape the frost off a car with a spoon. A credit card does the job SOMUCH better.
- “Hamster” is not spelled “Hampster.” I can thank spell check, and not thank my Kindergarten teacher for that one.
- Cranberry and orange? They are LIKETHIS. *insert an image of me crossing my fingers into your brain here.*
I’m not ready to talk about the events that lead me to the discovery of the first two, as I’m still getting over them, but I am SOSOSO ready to discuss point number 3.
So. Did you know this? I bet ya’ll added all sorts of orange goodness to your cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving, while I ate boring, PLAIN sauce.
Cry for me.
Anyway.
The other day, I didn’t know what to eat for snack. I wanted something healthy, but was getting sick of eating my skinny Almond Joy Cheesecake…considering I have eaten it over 1000 times in my life.
So…I went to raid my cupboard. BUT there was nothing already made to eat. You know that feeling when you’re hungry RIGHT NOW and GIMME ALL THE FOOD….But you don’t want to put ANY effort in?
Ya. The hangry monster was coming right out.
You know what the best thing to do in that scenario is? Let your kitchen tools do the work for ya. This is why I love my food processor. If I wasn’t already married, and if it wasn’t totally weird, I would marry it.
You think I’m strange. Whatever. It was bound to happen one day.
I didn’t quite know WHAT to put in my little, blade-clad processor of joy (Taylor speak for “food processor) so, whatever I could find went in it.
And then I saw the orange.
Hangry monster took over logical brain and decided to get a little zesty in the kitchen.
I was leary about what was mixin’ around the food processor. BUT, it was food.
And that’s all that mattered at that moment.
UNTIL I TRIED IT.
Cranberry and orange where the HECK have you been ALL my life? Why have you not being gracing my face with your presence for the past 24 YEARS.
And, since the day, I have been eating all the (insanely EASY!) Cranberry Orange bites, packed with energy and protein goodness.
I suggest that you do the same.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Cranberry Orange Energy Date Balls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Dates roughly chopped (240 g)
- ½ Cup Dried Cranberries 70g
- ¼ Cup Whey Vanilla Protein powder + additional for rolling Grass-Fed for Paleo option
- ¼ Cup + 2 Tbsp Slivered almonds
- 1 – 1 ½ tsp Orange zest *
- 2 tsp Coconut oil melted
Instructions
- Place the chopped dates and the craisins into a food process and process until broken down and crumbly.
- Add in the ¼ cup of protein powder, almond and orange zest. Process until well combined.
- With the blender running, slowly stream in the melted coconut oil and process until the mixture comes together into a sticky ball. Depending on the strength of your food processor, this could take a few minutes.
- Pour some vanilla protein powder onto a shallow plate. Roll the date mixture into 1 Tbsp sized balls (or bigger if you want) and roll around in the protein powder, gently shaking off to eliminate any excess.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. **
- DEVOUR
Tips
** The coconut oil will slightly harden in the refrigerator, so leave the balls at room temperature for a few minutes before eating if you want them soft.
Nutrition Information
Find Taylor Here!
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Joelle Ouellette says
ughh…what happened, they are so dry they just crumble and fall apart. I added more coconut oil to no avail.???
Jo says
I’m not really seeing anything in this recipe that needs to be refrigerated. Could these be left out for a week or so? If I removed the protein powder, should I add more of anything else? Thanks!!
Julie Evink says
I think they’d be really sticky without the protein powder and also if not refrigerated. I would recommend making it with protein powder and also refrigerating it.
Crystal says
I’ve only recently started using dates. Can’t wait to try this recipe! Thanks so much 🙂
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I am a huge fan of date balls! Love the cranberry and orange flavors. Great recipe, Taylor!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I agree with Tori, I love eating healthy foods that make me think I am eating dessert. These fall in that category. Classic flavor combo too.
Tori@Gringalicious.com says
My sister is going to love these. I love healthy food that makes you feel like you’re eating dessert!
heather+@french+press says
I hate that feeling when you want something right NOW, and you have to make that something! but man these would do the trick
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
yes to Cranberry + orange and love the “how you survived on this earth for 24 years.” 😛 energy balls are like my new fave thing. . love love love these!!!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
Thanks so much for letting me share girl! 😀