These bliss balls are the perfect snack and are the perfect pick me up with an afternoon cuppa. I like to make these to get me through the workday, plus for those of you with kids at school, they’re a fantastic treat for their lunch box. In fact, kids can get involved in the making and rolling them. It’s a great activity to get them off the screen on a Sunday afternoon!
They come in a lot of different varieties, but they all have one thing in common. They’re delicious, healthier than a chocolate bar and once you get the idea of how to make them, then you can experiment to your heart’s desire, exploring the flavours and textures that suit you.
These aren’t made with any protein powders or other additives, but you could add your own tweaks if you want to put them together as the perfect workout pick-me-up. Head to the gym with a couple of these in your bag!
The beauty of a recipe like this – and what makes them the perfect snack – is just how versatile the recipe is. It can be adjusted to suit you own tastes or ingredients swapped out if you have any allergies or food intolerances.
Here’s just a few ideas:
- swap the almonds for cashews or hazelnuts
- add some unsweetened puffed rice for a bit of crunch
- roll the balls in finely chopped nuts instead of coconut
- mix half / half dates and dried apricots or other dried fruit of your choice
- use almond butter instead of tahini
- Add protein powder for that extra hit of energy
- replace the honey with maple syrup or other vegan friendly sweetener.
Whatever you choose to do, have fun with them. And remember, a snack that’s low in processed sugars and additives is way healthier than the alternative. Plus, the added bonus is they taste wonderful.
Bliss Balls
Course: Featured, Recipe, Sweet Treats, Healthy snacksCuisine: HealthyDifficulty: Easy20
balls10
minutes15
minutesAn easy recipe for beautiful home-made healthy treats. Perfect for lunchboxes and snacking.
You will need
fresh medjool dates, pitted
raw or activated whole almonds
chia seeds
pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
sesame seeds
(heaped) raw cacao powder
organic tahini
2 tablespoons preservative free desiccated coconut
pure vanilla extract – the best you can afford
raw honey – optional (omit if you’re vegan)
extra coconut – for rolling
Here’s what to do
- Make sure your dates are pitted. Do this yourself by splitting the date with a sharp knife and removing the seed. And check every single one. It’s very important!
- Place everything straight into your food processor and whizz up until well chopped and mixed. Check for moisture and add a teaspoon or two of cold, filtered water if it appears dry. The chia seeds will absorb excess moisture, but don’t go overboard or they’ll be soggy.
- Remove your food processor bowl and the blade from the processor too.
- Pour the coconut into a wide bowl – a cereal bowl is perfect.
- Moisten your hands under the cold tap.
- Using a dessert spoon or tablespoon, take even portions of the mixture from the bowl and roll each portion into a ball. Toss into the coconut.
- Do three or four at a time, roll the balls around in the coconut, then remove and place on parchment paper.
- Once all done, just pop the lot into a fridge container (preferably glass), pop the lid on and place in the fridge.
