These date balls were inspired by the ones I get at Pura Vida near my office. They’re so easy to make, and even easier to adapt to your own tastes. I made a plain version for Adi and a chocolate version for me. Roll it in coconut if you have it, or do what I did and pulse almonds into a powder to coat the outside of the balls. Add whatever nuts you have (it’s a great way to use up the last bits in your containers). Keep them in the fridge or freezer for when you just want a little bite of something sweet.
Add the dates to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until it forms a paste. Add in the mixed nuts and walnuts, then pulse again until it forms a dough-like consistency. If you need to add another date or two to reach that texture, do it.
Pulse in the salt, cinnamon, and vanilla paste, and pulse again until everything forms a dough-like ball.
If you want to make two versions: Divide the dough in half, keeping one half in the food processor, and add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the bowl. Pulse until the cocoa powder is evenly incorporated.
Roll all of the mixture into 1” balls.
Add the almonds to a blender and pulse until it becomes a sand-like powder. Toss each ball into the blender cup (one at a time) and swirl around to coat on all sides.
Place all the balls on a plate and freeze to set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer (they’ll last longer in the freezer).