No-Bake Gluten-Free Cherry Date Nut Balls

These no-bake Cherry Date Nut Balls are one of those easy little treats that feel both wholesome and indulgent at the same time. Made with naturally sweet Medjool dates, tart dried cherries, crunchy walnuts, dark chocolate, and coconut, they come together in minutes with no baking required.

They’re perfect when you want a simple gluten-free dessert or snack made with real ingredients. I originally discovered the recipe in Delicious Living magazine while looking for an easy dessert to serve friends and family, including guests avoiding gluten and dairy. They were such a hit that I’ve been making variations ever since.

These bite-sized treats are rich, chewy, lightly chocolatey, and full of texture. They also store beautifully in the refrigerator, making them ideal for make-ahead snacking, holiday trays, afternoon treats, or healthy-ish desserts when chocolate cravings strike.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Dried sour cherries – Add tart sweetness and chewy texture. Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots would also work well.
• Medjool dates, pitted – Naturally sweet and sticky, helping hold everything together. If your dates feel dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes first.
• Walnut pieces – Add richness, texture, and healthy fats. Pecans or almonds can easily be substituted.
• Fresh orange juice – Helps bind the mixture and adds bright citrus flavor. Orange zest is also a nice addition.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth. A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg would also be delicious.
• Dark chocolate chips – Use vegan chocolate chips if needed. Mini chocolate chips work especially well for even distribution.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut – Mixed into the bites and used for rolling. You can leave the exterior coating off if preferred.

How Many Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations, each serving (2 cherry nut bites) has about 199 calories and 10 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

5 PointsPlus (Old plan)

How To Make Cherry Date Nut Balls

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Finely chop the dried cherries, dates, and walnuts and add them to a large mixing bowl (affiliate link).

Step 2: Mix everything together

Stir in the orange juice, cinnamon, chocolate chips, and 4 tablespoons of the shredded coconut. Mix until the mixture is evenly combined and sticky enough to hold together.

If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more orange juice or another chopped date.

Step 3: Form the bites

Place additional shredded coconut in a shallow bowl or plate.

With clean, slightly damp hands, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about the size of a walnut.

Step 4: Coat and chill

Roll the balls in the coconut, if desired, and place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate until firm.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Yield: About 24 bites

Recipe Notes

These cherry date nut balls are naturally sweetened mostly with fruit, making them a satisfying alternative to traditional candy or cookies.

Because there’s no baking involved, this recipe comes together quickly and is easy to customize with whatever nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate you have on hand.

For a softer texture, use fresh, moist Medjool dates. If your dates are dry or firm, soak them briefly in warm water before chopping.

I love serving these alongside fresh berries or a simple chocolate sauce for an easy dessert platter. They also make great little energy bites for afternoon snacking.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

• Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or pistachios.
• Use dried cranberries instead of cherries.
• Add orange zest for brighter citrus flavor.
• Stir in chia seeds, hemp hearts, or flaxseed for extra nutrition.
• Roll the bites in finely chopped nuts instead of coconut.

Serving Suggestions

These no-bake bites are delicious served:

• With coffee or tea
• Alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries
• On a holiday cookie tray
• Packed for road trips or lunchbox snacks
• As a quick grab-and-go afternoon treat

How to Store

Store the cherry date nut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

They also freeze very well. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw briefly before serving.

If you’ve made these Gluten-Free Cherry Date Nut Bites, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Source: Recipe adapted from Delicious Living.

More Easy No-Bake WW-Friendly Desserts

If you like these Cherry Date Nut Balls, you might also enjoy:

• No Bake Kodiak Protein Balls
• No Bake Cranberry Date Nut Energy Bites
• No Bake Chia Carrot Cake Bites
• No Bake Rice Krispies Date Balls
• No Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Balls
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies