These Banana Bread Energy Balls with a chocolate hardshell and flaky sea salt are the perfect cold, satisfying treat to keep in your fridge. Whether you need a little something after lunch, dinner, or your 3 p.m. slump, these dessert bites are always a win.
They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free—but still taste totally indulgent.
Think: banana muffin meets chocolate truffle.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Energy Balls with a Chocolate Shell
Lately, I’ve been craving something sweet after lunch—and with this summer heat, I’m leaning toward cold and refreshing treats. As a self-proclaimed chocolate addict, I usually want something chocolatey every day. My boyfriend, on the other hand, isn’t a huge chocolate fan (you can check out my lemon cookies here—he’s obsessed with those!).
One day, I had a bunch of ripe bananas sitting on the counter, but I didn’t feel like making banana bread or muffins. So I threw a banana into the food processor with a few pantry staples, and these delicious freezer-friendly dessert balls were born.
In my opinion, any dessert becomes next-level when you add a chocolate shell and flaky salt. This combo makes them perfectly rich, balanced, and addictive—in the best way.
If you are into the raw dairy free chocolate dessert vibe, then you might also like my Layered Salted Caramel Brownies.
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Banana Bread Energy Balls Ingredients
- Almond flour – Naturally gluten-free and rich in healthy fats
- Almond butter – Creamy, protein-packed, and satisfying
- Banana – Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and potassium
- Chewy dates – Provide fiber, antioxidants, and natural caramel-like sweetness
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and flavor depth
- Flakey Salt – Balances the sweetness
- Cinnamon – Adds a cozy, banana bread-inspired flavor
- Maple syrup – A touch of unrefined sweetness
- Melted dark chocolate (dairy-free, RSF if desired)
- Flaky salt for topping (don’t skip it!)
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Banana Bread Energy Balls
Blend the base – Add all the ingredients (except the chocolate shell ingredients and flaky salt) to a food processor and blend until a thick, cookie dough-like consistency forms.
- Note: If you’re using a large banana and the dough is too soft or wet (like brownie batter), add more almond flour—or use only a quarter of a banana next time.
Form the balls – Scoop the dough into small balls, place them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze for 1 hour.
Make the chocolate shell – In a small pot, melt chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Coat the balls – Remove the frozen balls from the freezer, drizzle with melted chocolate, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Return to the freezer until the chocolate hardens.
Top Tip
Don’t skip the flaky sea salt. Kosher salt just doesn’t give you the same finish. Trust me—invest in a good flaky salt (like Maldon). It’s a game-changer.
FAQ
YES!
Dairy Free Desserts
📖 Recipe
Banana Bread Energy Balls with a Chocolate Shell & Flaky Salt
Ingredients
- ¾ cup almond flour
- ½ cup almond butter
- ½ banana ripe
- ½ cup chewy dates
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Blend the base – Add all the ingredients (except the chocolate shell ingredients and flaky salt) to a food processor and blend until a thick, cookie dough-like consistency forms.
- Note: If you’re using a large banana and the dough is too soft or wet (like brownie batter), add more almond flour or peanut butter powder—or use only half a banana next time.
- Form the balls – Scoop the dough into small balls, place them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze for 1 hour.
- Make the chocolate shell – In a small pot, melt chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Coat the balls – Remove the frozen balls from the freezer, drizzle with melted chocolate, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Return to the freezer until the chocolate hardens.
