This recipe is adapted from a recipe for Walnut Fudge Brownie Balls from the cookbook In Good Health by Rachel Riggs. I went to make the original recipe as written, only to discover that the walnuts in my pantry had gone bad. So I replaced them with pecans (which I happen to like better anyways), and they are AMAZING. I also subbed in almond flour in place of coconut flour, since I can’t stand coconut.
Ingredients:
1.5 cups toasted pecans
10 plump medjool dates
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 T maple syrup
1 T almond flour
scant teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor, and pulse until well combined but bits of pecan are still visible. Since my food processor is small, I did it in 2 batches, and it came out just fine.
Use a cookie scoop (or spoon) to portion the dough into balls. Place on a baking sheet, and place in the freezer to firm up for 30-45 minutes. They can be stored in the fridge for 2 weeks or the freezer for a month.
Makes 20-24 energy balls, depending on the size of your cookie scoop.
Ooh, that looks delicious! I will make up a batch for Rob. He is so tempted by the endless brownies we’ve been making lately but they really are not for him and his creeping cholesterol! This will be a tasty and healthier alternative. Thanks for the recipe!
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AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
3
I have noticed that the walnuts we have been getting are going rancid quicker than usual! I am going to try them with coconut flour since I love coconut. These are similar to the date rum balls I make for Christmas, only they seem healthier.
Note: I was using up some “black” cocoa powder that I bought when making black frosting for Ada’s space birthday cake, so that might account for rich dark color. It’s not truly black, but much deeper that generic cocoa.
I’ve been keeping nuts & seeds in the freezer, it seems to help. We only had a rancid bag of walnuts from costco once, usually the quality is good.
1 Like
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
6
They were rancid to my nose, but I looked it up and it said it was fine for squirrels and birds. They were gone in a few minutes! I use a fresh bag to make your delish brownies. Jim said not to make them again because he could eat the whole pan in one sitting! ha
Maybe these bite size pieces will help his cravings.
As I was typing this, I got a message from the dietician I am seeing tomorrow. She said I don’t have diabetes (duh, I already knew that), but the tests show that I am a few points from being PRE-diabetic. Losing weight is the answer. My insurance will pay for the diet support and the exercise program.
Nice photo, and no-bake huh? I thought nuts lasted forever. How to tell if they’re bad? I have big bags of walnuts, hazelnuts and cashews that I’ve had for some time. Stored in the pantry. I use some occasionally.
Congratulations! Your crazy-cool craft is one of this week’s Featured Projects! 
How to tell if they’re bad? I have big bags of walnuts, hazelnuts and cashews that I’ve had for some time. Stored in the pantry. I use some occasionally.