A dark-chocolate drizzle adds more intense chocolate flavor.

Keep reading for expert tips, including how to keep the texture of the crisped rice.

Let stand until softened, about 10 minutes.

a recipe photo of the Crunch Bar-Inspired Energy Balls

Photo:Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Pulse the drained dates in a food processor until coarsely chopped, about 5 (1-second) pulses.

Roll about 1 tablespoon date mixture into a ball; place on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining date mixture.

the ingredients to make the Crunch Bar-Inspired Energy Balls

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Spoon the chocolate into a small zip-top plastic bag; cut a 14-inch hole in the corner.

Drizzle the balls with the melted chocolate; garnish with puffed rice, if desired.

Refrigerate, uncovered, until the chocolate is set, about 5 minutes.

a step in making the Crunch Bar-Inspired Energy Balls

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

We recommend waiting to add the chocolate and puffed rice toppings until youre ready to serve them.

The date mixture is thick, so be patient and pay attention to your food processor.

Stop to scrape down the sides and stir the contents to help the ingredients incorporate.

a step in making the Crunch Bar-Inspired Energy Balls

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.

a step in making the Crunch Bar-Inspired Energy Balls

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower