Vegan Gingerbread Energy Balls
I made those vegan gingerbread energy balls for my pilates event, and these were a hit before and after the class. They are sweet but not too much and give you steady energy while taking away those first hunger signals.
I love making them for holidays, as an easy dessert, a snack on busy days, or even as a homemade gift for someone you care about. Making them takes literally about 10 minutes + keeping them in the fridge overnight to get them more firm.
Can I make gingerbread energy balls nut-free?
Yes! Substitute almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep them nut-free and equally nutritious.
How long do those christmas energy balls last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they keep well for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients
Dates
Why They’re Used: Naturally sweet and sticky, they bind the mixture without refined sugar.
Benefits: High in fiber and antioxidants, dates provide quick energy and support digestion.
Substitute: Soaked dried figs or raisins.
Gingerbread Spice
Why It’s Used: Adds warm spiced flavor reminiscent of holiday gingerbread.
Benefits: Spices like ginger and cinnamon have antioxidant and digestive benefits.
Substitute: Pumpkin pie spice or a custom mix of cinnamon + ginger + nutmeg.
Cacao Powder
Why It’s Used: Gives a rich chocolate taste and deep brown color.
Benefits: Cacao is high in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Substitute: Carob powder
Almonds
Why They’re Used: Provide texture, healthy fats, and mild nutty flavor.
Benefits: Almonds are nutrient-dense, with healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber; they may support hormone balance and help ease menstrual discomfort due to micronutrients like magnesium and vitamin B6.
Substitute: Pecans, cashews, tigernuts
Optional add-ins
- Caffeine-free coffee powder – I recommend that if you love coffee flavored dessert
- Nut butter – For extra creaminess, taste and healthy fats
- Orange zest – To balance the gingerbread spices
- Chia or flaxseeds – For extra fiber and omega-3s
- Shredded coconut – For more tropical flavor
MORE HEALTHY CHRISTMAS RECIPES
Vegan Gingerbread Energy Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Place the dates, gingerbread spice, cacao powder, almonds, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed. If you don’t have a food processor, roughly chop the almonds and mash the dates with a fork before mixing well by hand.
- Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll into balls.
- If the dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll the balls in extra cacao powder or finely chopped nuts for a textured finish.
- Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge—these balls firm up and taste even better the next day.
Notes
