Healthy Chocolate Snacks: No-Bake Prune Balls Hit the Sweet Spot
Let’s talk about prunes — not your grandma’s secret stash (although, shout out to Grandma for being ahead of the game), but a modern, flavor-forward kitchen staple that Let’s be honest — most “healthy chocolate snacks” are either too dry, too chalky, or taste like they were designed by someone who hates joy. But these no-bake Chocolate Prune Balls? They’re chewy, rich, and satisfying — and they just happen to be packed with fiber, antioxidants, and naturally sweet ingredients you can feel good about.
These chewy, rich morsels from our friends at California Packing Co. blend naturally sweet California Prunes with nuts, cocoa, and coconut for a snack that feels like dessert but fuels like a functional food. They’re the kind of treat you can feel good about sneaking from the fridge at 3 p.m. — or sharing at your next gathering and watching everyone say, “Wait, what’s in these?”
If you’ve got 15 minutes, a food processor, and a soft spot for chocolate, this recipe is about to earn a permanent place in your snack rotation.
Why These Are the Ultimate Healthy Chocolate Snacks
The magic comes from California Prunes, which bring a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with bold cocoa and crunchy nuts. No refined sugar, no weird powders, and no baking required.
Unlike some snack balls that are all date and no depth, prunes add real richness — and they come with science-backed health benefits like:
- Digestive support (hello, fiber!)
- Bone health thanks to vitamin K, boron, and magnesium
- Natural antioxidants that support cellular health
Healthy? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.
What Do They Taste Like?
Think chocolate truffle meets chewy brownie bite. These little guys are sweet without being cloying, thanks to the natural sugars in prunes. The cocoa powder brings the chocolate punch, while toasted nuts and shredded coconut round it out with texture and a nutty finish.
If you’re a fan of energy bites, but want something that actually tastes indulgent, this is your moment.
How to Serve Chocolate Prune Balls
These versatile bites go wherever you do. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Dessert with coffee: One or two of these with a cup of espresso is chef’s kiss.
- Afternoon pick-me-up: Keep a stash in the fridge for that 3 p.m. “I need chocolate” moment.
- Post-workout fuel: With natural carbs, fiber, and a touch of protein, they make a great post-gym recovery snack.
- On a cheese board: Yep, you read that right. Serve these alongside aged cheddar or goat cheese, dried apricots, and almonds for a next-level sweet-savory board.
Storage Tips
These healthy chocolate snacks keep incredibly well — just like prunes themselves. Store them in an airtight container:
- In the fridge: up to 2 weeks.
- In the freezer: up to 3 months. (Just let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.)
Pro tip: make a double batch and freeze half. Future you will thank you.
Why Prunes?
Prunes are a powerhouse of good stuff:
- Fiber for digestive health
- Bone-supporting nutrients like vitamin K, boron, and magnesium
- Natural sweetness without added sugar
And when they’re from California? You’re getting the best of the best — sustainably grown, sun-dried, and flavor-packed.
Ready to Rethink Prunes?
Chocolate Prune Balls are just the beginning. Whether you’re dabbling in clean snacking or just want something delicious that doesn’t leave you with a sugar crash, prunes are a game changer. Try this recipe, share it with your most prune-skeptical friend, and let the conversions begin.
Let’s Make Chocolate Prune Balls
Whether you’re a no-bake novice or a healthy snack enthusiast, this is a foolproof recipe that takes minutes and delivers maximum flavor.
Tag us @CAPrunes when you make them — we love to see your creations!
Chocolate Prune Balls
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup California Prunes pitted
- ½ cup toasted almonds or walnuts
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut plus more for rolling
- 2 TBSP cocoa powder
- 1 TBSP honey or maple syrup optional
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 –2 tablespoons water as needed
For Decorating
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 TBSP vegetable oil
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Toast the nuts (if not already toasted) in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes over medium heat, until fragrant. Let cool.
- Combine prunes, nuts, coconut, cocoa, sweetener, vanilla, and salt in a food processor.
- Pulse until sticky and cohesive. Add 1 tablespoon of water if too dry; pulse again. Repeat if needed.
- Roll into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small scoop.
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour before decorating to firm up — or enjoy right away!
- If you are decorating, after 1 hour, melt 2/3 cup chocolate chips in the microwave. Add 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil into melted chocolate in order to make it smoother and shinier.
- Dip each ball into chocolate and sprinkle with your favorite dessert decorations. Place them on the baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them cool down in the fridge for about an hour.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
