Afternoon Snack · chocolate · chocolate ritual · dark chocolate · energy bars · energybites · No Bake Recipes · Jul 11, 2026

Pistachio, Hazelnut & 80Noir Ultra-Dark Cacao Energy Balls

80Noir Ultra No-Bake Recipes

Pistachio, Hazelnut & Ultra-Dark Cacao Energy Balls

A rich, no-bake summer snack made with dates, nuts, tahini, hemp seeds and pieces of 87.5% dark chocolate.

When the weather is too warm to switch on the oven, these generous cacao energy balls offer something rich, satisfying and beautifully simple. Soft dates bring natural sweetness, pistachios and hazelnuts add texture, while tahini, hemp seeds and 87.5% dark chocolate create a deeper, more grown-up cacao finish.

No oven required Approx. 5g protein per ball Approx. 3g fibre per ball Keep refrigerated

Pistachio and dark chocolate energy balls

Ingredients

A flexible, forgiving recipe built around dates, nuts, seeds and deeply flavoured dark chocolate.

For the Energy Ball Mixture

150g dates, stones removed
150g shelled pistachios
75g hazelnuts
2 tbsp black cocoa powder
2 tbsp hemp seeds
3 tbsp tahini
30ml melted coconut oil
20g 80Noir Ultra 87.5% dark chocolate, roughly chopped

For the Pistachio Coating

100g shelled pistachios

Texture note: Keep a small amount of the date soaking liquid to one side. If the mixture feels too dry to come together, add it one teaspoon at a time.

Yield: Approximately 12–14 generous, golf-ball-sized energy balls, depending on how large you roll them.

Method

Make the pistachio coating first, then blend everything together into a rich, pliable cacao mixture.

Place the dates in a heatproof bowl and cover with hot water. Leave them to soften for 10 minutes.
While the dates soak, add the 100g pistachios for the coating to a food processor. Blitz into a fine crumb or powder, then transfer to a wide plate.
Drain the softened dates, reserving a small amount of the soaking liquid in case the mixture needs loosening later.
Add the drained dates, 150g pistachios, hazelnuts, black cocoa powder, hemp seeds, tahini and melted coconut oil to the food processor.
Blitz until the ingredients begin to break down and form a thick, sticky mixture. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
Add the roughly chopped 87.5% dark chocolate and pulse briefly so small pieces remain throughout the mixture.
Test the texture by pressing a little mixture between your fingers. It should hold together easily. If it feels dry or crumbly, add one teaspoon of the reserved date liquid and blitz again.
Tip the mixture onto a clean plate or board and press it together into one large ball.
Pinch off generous portions and roll them between your palms into golf-ball-sized rounds.
Roll each ball through the pistachio powder until evenly coated.
Arrange the balls in a lined metal container and refrigerate until firm. Keep chilled between servings.

Storage: Keep the energy balls in a covered metal box or airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed chilled and should keep well for approximately one week.

Approximate Nutrition

Based on approximately 12–14 generous balls. Exact values will vary depending on the final size, ingredient brands and amount of coating used.

5g Approx. protein per ball

3g Approx. fibre per ball

Why These Ingredients Work Beautifully Together

Nuts, seeds, dates and dark chocolate combine to create a more substantial snack with natural sweetness, texture and cacao depth.

Pistachios

Pistachios contribute plant protein, fibre, unsaturated fats and a naturally sweet, buttery flavour that pairs beautifully with dark cacao.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts bring richness, texture and naturally occurring vitamin E, alongside their classic affinity with dark chocolate.

Hemp Seeds & Tahini

Hemp seeds and sesame-based tahini add plant protein, minerals, nourishing fats and a softly savoury note that balances the dates.

87.5% Dark Chocolate

Ultra-dark chocolate brings deep cacao flavour with less sugar than conventional chocolate, as well as naturally occurring cocoa polyphenols and minerals.

A note on wellbeing: These energy balls are intended as a satisfying snack made from nutrient-dense ingredients. They are naturally energy-rich, so one generous ball may be all you need between meals or alongside a cup of tea.

Perfect For Summer Snacking

No oven, no baking tray and no need to heat the kitchen — just a chilled cacao snack ready whenever you need it.

Dark chocolate energy balls stored in a metal tin

Why We Keep Them Chilled

Refrigeration firms the coconut oil, tahini and dates, giving each ball a dense, truffle-like texture.

A metal box also makes them easy to prepare in advance and reach for during busy afternoons, workdays or warm-weather outings.

For travelling, place the container inside a cool bag with an ice pack and avoid leaving the balls in direct sunlight.

Serving Suggestions

Rich enough to feel indulgent, practical enough for everyday snacking and easy to prepare ahead.

Afternoon Cacao Pause

Enjoy one chilled ball with tea, coffee or a small 80Noir Ultra cacao shot.

After Exercise

Pair with fruit or yoghurt as part of a balanced post-movement snack.

For Workdays

Keep a chilled batch ready for afternoons when you want something more substantial than a biscuit.

For Sharing

Arrange on a ceramic plate and vary the coatings with pistachios, hazelnuts, coconut or cocoa powder.

The Final Serve

Rich dates, roasted nuts, tahini and pieces of ultra-dark chocolate come together in a chilled no-bake snack made for warm days, busy afternoons and moments when turning on the oven is simply not an option.

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