Gluten-Free Protein Balls with Dates

Naturally sweet and satisfying protein balls, featuring the chewy caramel notes of dates and the satisfying crunch of nuts. They offer a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients for a guilt-free treat.

Prep: 10 min Total: 30 min Serves: 4

At a glance: This medium snacks recipe yields 4 servings in about 30 minutes (10 min prep). It uses 7 ingredients — including pitted medjool dates, raw almonds or walnuts, coconut oil — and walks through 6 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more snacks recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Shop links in the ingredient list are affiliate links and do not change the recipe.

Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Protein Balls with Dates: When preparing this snacks recipe, dates, nuts and vanilla extract are the packaged items, so pick ones labeled gluten-free; pre-chopped dates are sometimes coated with oat flour. Wash the food processor if it last pulsed crackers or crumbs.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Protein Balls with Dates: This recipe naturally avoids gluten-containing grains by relying on dates and nuts for its base. Ensure all added ingredients like vanilla extract are gluten-free.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for pitted Medjool dates, raw almonds or walnuts, coconut oil, melted. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

1 cup pitted Medjool dates Shop
1 cup raw almonds or walnuts Shop
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted Shop
1 tbsp maple syrup Shop
1 tsp vanilla extract Shop
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp cinnamon Shop

Instructions

1 Begin by processing the raw almonds or walnuts in a food processor until they form a coarse meal, about 30-45 seconds. Be careful not to over-process them into a butter. Transfer this nut meal to a separate bowl.
2 Add the pitted Medjool dates to the now-empty food processor. Process them until they form a sticky paste, which should take about 1-2 minutes. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure even processing.
3 Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon to the food processor with the date paste. Pulse a few times to combine these wet ingredients into the sticky date mixture.
4 Return the processed nut meal to the food processor with the date mixture. Process again until everything is well combined and the mixture starts to clump together, forming a dough-like consistency. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
5 Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape. If the mixture feels too dry, add another teaspoon of melted coconut oil; if too wet, add a tablespoon of the nut meal.
6 Place the formed protein balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow them to firm up. Once chilled, they are ready to be enjoyed or stored.

Nutrition (per serving)

226

Calories

Protein

35g

Carbs

13g

Fat

Fiber

169mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Process the date paste and nut meal separately, as steps 1-2 do, so the almonds don't turn into nut butter.
Toast the almonds or walnuts lightly and cool them before processing for more flavor.
Chill the balls for the full 20 minutes, as step 6 says, so they hold their shape.

Common questions

How long does Gluten-Free Protein Balls with Dates take?

Gluten-Free Protein Balls with Dates takes about 30 minutes, including resting time: 10 minutes to prep, for 4 servings.

What should I check before making Gluten-Free Protein Balls with Dates with celiac disease?

Written with gluten-free ingredients. Use products labeled gluten-free, check labels, and ask your clinician about your own needs.

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Protein Balls with Dates?

Check pitted Medjool dates, raw almonds or walnuts, coconut oil, melted before they go into Gluten-Free Protein Balls with Dates. Dates, nuts and vanilla extract are the packaged items, so pick ones labeled gluten-free; pre-chopped dates are sometimes coated with oat flour. Wash the food processor if it last pulsed crackers or crumbs.

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Gluten Free Recipes team

Gluten-free recipe development since 2026

Recipes include certified gluten-free ingredient guidance and cross-contamination notes. Check every label and use certified gluten-free products. Learn more about us.

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