Black Sesame Energy Balls (Printable)

Bite-sized snacks featuring toasted black sesame, oats, and tahini for a quick, nutritious boost.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
03 - 1/4 cup almond meal
04 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1/3 cup tahini
06 - 1/4 cup maple syrup
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-Ins

08 - 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips
09 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds

# How to Cook:

01 - Toast black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond meal, cooled toasted black sesame seeds, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together. If too dry, add 1-2 teaspoons water as needed.
05 - Gently fold dark chocolate chips and chia seeds into the mixture if using.
06 - Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of mixture and roll into compact balls using your hands.
07 - Arrange balls on a parchment paper-lined baking tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They taste indulgent and decadent but contain no refined sugar, so you can enjoy them guilt-free anytime.
  • Ready in 15 minutes total (mostly just chilling time), which means you can make them on a lazy Sunday and have snacks all week.
  • Naturally vegan and dairy-free without tasting like a compromise—the tahini creates a richness that feels luxurious.
02 -
  • Toasting the black sesame seeds is non-negotiable—it transforms them from flat and one-note to complex and aromatic, and there's no shortcut that delivers the same result.
  • Don't skip the cooling step after toasting; warm seeds will wilt the mixture and make rolling nearly impossible.
03 -
  • For extra sesame flavor and visual drama, roll the finished balls in additional toasted black sesame seeds before chilling—it looks impressive and deepens the flavor even more.
  • If tahini feels stiff and resistant, warm it slightly by running the jar under hot water for a minute; it becomes silky and blends much more smoothly.
Go Back