Place the dates in a medium bowl, covered with 1 cup of hot water and soak for 30 minutes until softened.
After the dates have soaked, drain the water from the bowl.
Add the moistened dates, dried cherries, pecans, almonds, flaxseed meal, salt, and 2 scoops of protein powder in a food processor. Pulse the mixture lightly until the ingredients are finely chopped.
In a separate bowl, combine the coconut oil, vanilla, honey, and peanut butter. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Then, in a large bowl combine the peanut butter mixture and nut mixture from the food processor and stir to combine. Expert Tip: Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a small butter scoop, form the mixture into a ball and then release, spacing each ball 2 inches apart. Expert Tip: You can use your hands to form balls. Just roll the mixture into small balls forming them into 1 to 2 inch balls.
Place the cookie sheet of peanut butter protein balls in the refrigerator and let them chill for 30 minutes so they can lightly set.
Once the balls have chilled, remove the tray from the refrigerator.
In a small saucepan, melt the dark chocolate wafers on medium heat. Using tongs, dip half of a ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring you move the ball around until all the sides are evenly covered.
Place the ball back on the parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Repeat this process until each ball has been dipped in chocolate. Expert Tip: If you want to add the coconut flakes, dip the chocolate while it's still wet in a bowl of shredded coconut flakes and roll around until the ball is covered.
Place the cookie sheet back into the refrigerator and chill for 10 minutes so the chocolate can harden. Once the chocolate is has hardened and cool, you are ready to enjoy these these tasty little peanut butter energy balls!