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 childrenโs 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. Itโs 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 โka-cowโ, 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 โ 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 โ 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:
- Wash the dates and remove their seeds. I roughly chop them and add to the bowl of a food processor.
- Add the cashews, cacao powder, chia seeds, water and peppermint extract to the bowl of a food processor.
- Blend until well combined.
- 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.
They will last in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container, for about one week.
To keep them longer, they can also be frozen in an airtight container for about 3 months.
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
Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls
Please note:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results. All oven temperatures listed are for fan forced.
Ingredients
For the Bliss Balls:
- 1 cup (220 g) medjool dates See Note 1
- 1 cup (150 g) raw cashews
- ยผ cup (30 g) cacao powder
- 2 teaspoon white chia seeds
- 2 tablespoon (40 ml) water See Note 2
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract See Note 3
For Coating the Bliss Balls
- 3 tablespoon unsweetened desiccated coconut- for rolling the bliss balls See Note 2
Instructions
- Wash the dates, dry them, and remove the pits.
- Roughly chop the dates and add to the bowl of a food processor along with the cashews, cacao powder, chia seeds, water and peppermint extract and whiz until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Check that the mixture is sufficiently moist to be able to roll into balls. If not, add a little water and blend again.
- Take about a teaspoon of mixture, and roll into small bowls and toss in the coconut.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- I have used Medjool dates; these are fresh dates available from greengrocers or fruit and veg section of the supermarket.ย If measuring by volume, the dates are firmly packed in the cup. For me, it was 15 dates.
The measurement of the dates includes when they still have their stones in them. - In Australia, the tablespoon is 20 ml or 4 teaspoons. In many other countries, the tablespoon is 15 ml or 3 teaspoons. You may need to adjust your quantities accordingly.
- The intensity of peppermint extract can vary so add an amount which suits your taste.ย
- Useย unsweetened desiccated coconut.ย
You may require a little extra to roll the bliss balls. - Please note, theย nutritional informationย is calculated on one bliss ball. The nutritional information is an estimate only.
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Jane L
Made the bliss balls today w/o the mint ๐ and absolutely loved it! Thank you!
Alexandra Cook
Hi Jane,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the Bliss Balls, and appreciate that you took the time to let me know. ๐
Fleur
I have a sweet tooth but cutting bunch of things for health issues. Nothingโs as good as real choc but these good sub. Used cacao protein powder, added handful cacao nibs for crunch and made balls rolled in dessicated coconut. Made about 16? (So 1-2/day = week plus supply) Better day later kept in fridge
Alexandra
Thanks for sharing, Fleur ๐
I love the addition of the cacao nibs – great idea!
Adelaide
Making these for food technology, and they are AMAZING! Everyone loves them. Great combo, and great recipe. I also made my own Medjool Date caramel to go over the top…Delicious!
Alexandra
Hi Adelaide!
Thank you so much for sharing!
I am loving the sound of the caramel too – delicious!!!
Georgina
Hi Alex! I’ve been having these as a snack whenever I’m craving chocolate and it’s such a healthy and delicious alternative to my usual candy bar! I’ve been trying to eat healthier lately and these have helped so much with curbing my sugar cravings. Thank you so much!!
Alexandra
Hi Georgina!
Thank you so much for the lovely comment. I am so pleased to hear you have been enjoying the bliss balls. They are definitely a great, healthy treat!
Chris Collins
Chocolate and mint is one of my all time favourite combos! These worked a treat ๐
Alexandra
Thank you, Chris!
Alisha Rodrigues
Chocolate and mint are a match made in heaven.. This is really good for a snack. Need to make an big batch to keep some on hand!
Alexandra
They are great flavours Alisha. I do agree with you, it is a great idea to have a batch on hand. Enjoy! ๐
Mirlene
This is perfect to serve my family and for a dinner party. Love that it includes mint. It also pairs well with morning tea.
Alexandra
Hi Mirlene, thank you for the lovely comments about our Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls. I agree, there are many occasions to serve them. ๐
Adriana
What a great recipe. They also make a really great gift.
Alexandra
Hi Adriana, I am delighted that you like the Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls. I do agree, they make a lovely gift. ๐
Karina
I saw these on Instagram and had to try them straight away. They were the perfect snack for myself and the kids, especially as Iโm teaching from home! Thank you for the lovely recipe, I will be trying your salted caramel bliss balls next.
Alexandra
Hi Karina! Thank you so much for stopping by.
I am so glad that the bliss balls were a hit with the family, and I hope you enjoy the salted caramel ones just as much! Kind regards, Alex
Katherine | Love In My Oven
These sound like the perfect treat to make with the kids – easy and healthy! And who doesn’t love chocolate and mint together?! Yum!
Alexandra
Yes! One of the best combinations! Enjoy x