Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls

Satisfy your sweet cravings with these Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls.  Chocolate and mint are a classic combination; they belong together, and these bliss balls are all the better for it. These delicious sweet bites are also refined sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan.

Why we love this recipe:

When I see the flavour combination of chocolate and peppermint (hello after-dinner mints) I am immediately drawn to it. It was this delicious recollection which inspired me to create a bliss ball which contained these flavours but was a far healthier alternative.

The Chocolate Bliss Balls are made with ingredients which you will be able to easily find in the supermarket.

They are quickly and easily made. There is no cooking involved; all the ingredients are raw and they are easily whizzed together in the bowl of a food processor.

They are free of refined sugar; their natural sweetness comes from Medjool dates, and yet they satisfy my sweet cravings, fulfil my love of chocolate and peppermint.

The children will love them, and they are far healthier than a supermarket snack which is over-salted or over-sweetened and contains who-knows-what additives.

As well, if your children are of the right age, get them to help you roll the balls. Things may get a little messy and fingers get sticky but they will enjoy them all the more for being involved.

They are great to have on hand. Keep a container of these in the fridge to enjoy with a tea or coffee, pack them in the children’s lunch boxes or keep some in the drawer of your desk to provide a quick pick-me-up.

Ingredients in this recipe:

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Medjool dates - these are not the dried dates commonly found in the baking section of the supermarket. They are a fresh fruit, grown on a date palm. They have a natural sweetness and stickiness that works perfectly for these Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls. It’s best to store the dates in an airtight container in the fridge.

Cashews - I use raw cashews. They have a rich, creamy flavour and as they are softer than many other nuts they easily blend to a smooth paste. You can, however, leave them with a little texture if you prefer.

Cacao powder - pronounced “ka-cow”, is made from minimally processed cocoa beans and maintains the nutritional benefits of the bean. It is, in essence, chocolate in its purest form.

Chia seeds - currently enjoying enormously popularity, chia seeds were once a staple in the Mayan and Aztec diets. Chia seeds absorb liquid and form a gel; they help bind the bliss balls.          

Water – I add some filtered water to help the ingredients bind together. If your mixture seems too dry to roll into a ball, add a little more water.

Peppermint extract – will vary in intensity. The one that I use has an intense flavour. Add the extract to suit your taste; you may need to use more or less than in the recipe.

Desiccated coconut - this is finely grated, un-sweetened and dried flesh from the white part of the coconut. Store your coconut in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place. Alternatively, to extend the shelf life, store it in the fridge or freezer.

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Wash the dates and remove their seeds. I roughly chop them and add to the bowl of a food processor.
2. Add the cashews, cacao powder, chia seeds, water and peppermint extract to the bowl of a food processor.
3. Blend until well combined.
4. Roll the mixture into small balls and toss them in desiccated coconut.

Tips for Success and FAQs:

The dates that we use in these Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls are Medjool dates. These are fresh dates, available from the greengrocer or fruit and veg section of the supermarket. They are not the dried variety that is found in the baking aisle of the supermarket.

After blending the mixture, take a small amount, press it together between your fingers to check if it can be rolled into balls. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a little more water to bind it together.

Peppermint extracts vary in intensity. Use the amount in the recipe as a guide and add the extract according to your taste.

More delicious recipes for you to try:

After some more healthy snack ideas? Try some of these recipes:

• Soy Roasted Almonds
• Spicy Roasted Almonds
• Salt and Pepper Walnuts
• Roasted Mediterranean Olives
• Mixed Seed Crackers
• Salted Caramel Bliss Balls
• Nut-Free Chocolate Bliss Balls

Enjoy these healthy Chocolate Bliss Balls the next time you need a nutritious, energy-boosting snack. They are not complicated to make; it will take just a few minutes of your time.

Alex xx