Matcha Energy Balls with Dates, No Baking
Twelve bites with dates, oats, and matcha. Their name promises no special effect: shape the mixture, then chill until firm.
By Roseline Zhou, Founder
Contents
For these matcha energy balls, a food processor brings together soft dates, rolled oats, and peanut butter. Roll the mixture by hand, with no baking. You'll need 5.3 oz (150 g) dates, 4.2 oz (120 g) oats, and about 4 tsp (8 g) matcha; the twelve bites take 50 minutes, including 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
The name describes the bite-sized format without promising a particular effect. Spoonable preparations are also among our matcha breakfast recipes.
We choose soft dates to bind the oats. Fruit that's too dry makes it harder for the mixture to come together. If the processor struggles, pause it briefly before blending again.
Ingredients for twelve matcha balls
- 4.2 oz (120 g) rolled oats
- 5.3 oz (150 g) soft pitted dates
- 2.8 oz (80 g) peanut butter
- 4 tsp (20 ml) water
- About 4 tsp (8 g) matcha
Blend, shape, and chill until firm
- Blend the 4.2 oz (120 g) rolled oats for 10 seconds in the food processor.
- Add the 5.3 oz (150 g) soft pitted dates.
- Blend until you have sticky crumbs.
- Add the 2.8 oz (80 g) peanut butter.
- Add the 4 tsp (20 ml) water.
- Sift about 4 tsp (8 g) matcha over the mixture.
- Blend until the mixture forms a dough that holds together.
- Transfer it to a bowl.
- Divide it into twelve portions with a spoon.
- Roll each portion between your hands.
- Place the twelve balls on a plate.
- Refrigerate the plate for 30 minutes.
Roll the portions as soon as they leave the processor. After chilling, the mixture is firmer and harder to work between your hands. We wouldn't bake these bites: the dates and chilling give them their hold.
Which matcha should go with the dates?
With dates and peanuts, we'd choose Essence for these no-bake bites. This sweet mixture doesn't let you judge the tea as you would in a bowl made with water. Chilling firms the balls without baking.
How should you serve them?
Serve them cold after the 30-minute rest, when they hold together well enough to pick up by hand.
Our tip. Divide the mixture with a spoon before rolling it. Twelve portions are easier to apportion than a slab that's already chilled.
Allergens. Peanuts from the peanut butter. Check the oat label if you need to avoid gluten.
