Healthy Date Snacks: Black Sesame Brownie Protein Balls & Coconut Mound Bites
Looking for healthy date snacks that satisfy your sweet tooth without refined sugar? These Black Sesame Brownie Protein Balls and Coconut Mound Bites are no-bake, naturally sweetened, high-protein energy bites made with wholesome ingredients—perfect for meal prep, clean eating, and guilt-free dessert cravings.


Health Benefits of Medjool Dates:
Medjool dates are naturally sweet, nutrient-dense fruits packed with fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants. Here are their top health benefits:
1. Rich in Fiber
Medjool dates support healthy digestion and help prevent constipation thanks to their high soluble fiber content. Fiber also promotes gut health and helps you feel full longer.
2. Natural Energy Boost
Their natural sugars (glucose and fructose) provide quick, sustained energy—making them an excellent pre-workout snack.
3. Heart Health Support
Dates contain potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure and support overall cardiovascular health.
4. High in Antioxidants
Medjool dates are rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid—compounds that help fight inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress.
5. Bone Health Benefits
They provide important minerals like calcium and phosphorus that contribute to strong bones and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
heath benefits of black sesame seeds:
Black sesame seeds are tiny but incredibly nutrient-dense, offering a wide range of health benefits thanks to their healthy fats, minerals, and powerful antioxidants.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Black sesame seeds contain sesamin, sesamol, and other lignans that help reduce oxidative stress and support overall cellular health.
2. Support Heart Health
They’re high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats and may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while supporting healthy blood pressure levels.
3. Excellent Source of Calcium & Magnesium
These minerals are essential for strong bones, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Black sesame seeds are especially valued for their bone-supporting properties.
4. Promote Healthy Skin & Hair
Their zinc, iron, and vitamin E content may support collagen production, scalp health, and overall skin elasticity.






health benefits of dark chocolate:
Dark chocolate—especially varieties with 70% cacao or higher—is rich in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds that may support overall health when enjoyed in moderation.
1. Powerful Antioxidant Source
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids (particularly flavanols) that help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
2. Supports Heart Health
Flavanols may help improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol oxidation, supporting cardiovascular health.
3. May Improve Brain Function
The compounds in dark chocolate can increase blood flow to the brain, which may enhance focus, memory, and cognitive performance.
4. Mood-Boosting Effects
Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins and contains small amounts of serotonin-boosting compounds, which may help elevate mood.
5. Rich in Essential Minerals
It provides iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese—important for energy production, immune function, and bone health.
how to store chocolate-covered medjool date snacks:
Proper storage keeps your chocolate-covered Medjool dates fresh, firm, and delicious.
Refrigerator (Best for Freshness)
- Store in an airtight container in a single layer (or separate layers with parchment paper).
- Keeps fresh for 7–10 days.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezer (Long-Term Storage)
- Place dates on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe container or bag.
- Keeps well for 2–3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator or enjoy slightly chilled for a firmer bite.
Cook with me!
Healthy Date Snacks: Black Sesame Brownie Protein Balls & Coconut Mound Bites
Ingredients
(Makes ~16) For the Black Sesame Brownie Protein Balls:
- 1 1/2 cups Pitted Medjool Dates
- 1/2 cup Black Sesame Seeds
- 3 tbsp. Maple Syrup
- 3 tbsp. Almond Flour
- 4 oz Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1/4 tsp. Fine Sea Salt
- 6 oz Milk Chocolate or dark chocolate
(Makes ~22) For the Coconut Mound Bites:
- 2 cups Shredded Coconut
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- 4 oz Dark Chocolate
- 22-24 Medjool Dates pitted
Instructions
For the Black Sesame Brownie Protein Balls:
- In a high speed blender, add the black sesame seeds to pulse until very finely broken up. Blend on HIGH until it begins to form a paste-like texture. It’s also okay if it’s just fine powder-like texture.
- Transfer to a food processor with the pitted dates, maple syrup, almond flour, chocolate protein powder, and salt. Pulse until well combined.
- Use a spoon to scoop out 2-3 tbsp size portion, then roll in your hand to shape into a ball.
- Line a baking pan or large plate with parchment paper.
- Dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate with a fork, then transfer to the parchment paper.
- (Optional) Garnish with extra black sesame seeds.
- Let harden in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
For the Coconut Mound Bites:
- In a food processor, combine the coconut and maple syrup. Blend until a paste-like texture that pulls away from the food processor container, about 1 minute.
- Use your fingers to create an opening slit in each medjool date. Remove any pit or stem.
- Use a spoon to scoop a generous portion into the center of the split medjool date, then pinch the ends together to help it all seal together.
- Line a baking pan or large plate with parchment paper.
- Dip half of each coconut medjool date into the dark chocolate. Place on the parchment paper.
- Garnish with extra shredded coconut on the ends.
- Let harden in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
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hello!
I was wondering for the sesame brownie protein balls recipe could I use an equal amount of cocoa powder instead of the chocolate protein powder?
hi friend! yes you definitely could!
Whole family loved it!! (Kids aged 7,5,3) I’m happy that it doesn’t have refined sugar and getting that fiber in! The recipe said 4oz of protein powder but I only used one packet which is 1oz and still was good flavor wise. (Didn’t want to use all my chocolate protein on these 🤣)
Happy to have found the brand Perdi’s through you.
oh my goodness!! this is so amazing!! thank YOU!!