Satisfy your sweet cravings with these delicious Nut-Free Chocolate Bliss Balls. They are incredibly easy to make and are a healthy sweet treat. These sweet bites are also refined sugar-free and vegan.
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Why we love this recipe:
Perfect for an easy snack, these Nut-Free Chocolate Bliss Balls are also made from ingredients readily available in the supermarket.
They are so simple to prepare. Aside from tasting delicious, they are also:
- Free of refined sugar, yet their natural sweetness will satisfy sweet cravings;
- A raw treat - no cooking is necessary;
- Something that adults and kids alike will enjoy;
- Ideal for lunchboxes, especially if your child's school has a nut-free policy.
- Ideal to make with your little helpers!
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 and have a natural sweetness that works perfectly for the Bliss Balls. It's best to store the dates in an airtight container in the fridge.
Rolled oats - help bind the ingredients.
Desiccated coconut - this is finely grated, un-sweetened and dried flesh from the white part of the coconut.
Cacao powder - pronounced "ka-cow", this product is from minimally processed cocoa beans and maintains the nutritional benefits of the bean. It is, in essence, chocolate in its purest form.
Vanilla extract - use good quality vanilla, extracted from vanilla beans, not one synthetically flavoured.
Maple syrup - for the best flavour, I use pure maple syrup.
Step by step instructions:
- Wash the dates, dry them, and remove their seeds. Roughly chop the dates.
- Add the dates to the bowl of a food processor along with the rolled oats, coconut, cacao powder, vanilla extract and maple syrup.
- Process until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Check that the mixture is sufficiently moist to be able to roll into balls. If not, add a teaspoon of water and blend again.
- Take about a teaspoon of mixture and roll into small balls and toss in the coconut.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for success and FAQs:
The dates that we use in these Nut-Free Chocolate Bliss Balls are Medjool dates. These are fresh dates, available from the greengrocer or fruit and veg section of the supermarket. They are different to the dried variety that is found in the baking aisle of the supermarket.
After you blend 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 small amount of water to bind it together.
They will last in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container, for about two weeks.
Yes, to keep them longer, store them in the freezer in an airtight container for about 3 months.
More delicious recipes for you to try:
After some more delicious snack ideas? These are also vegan and refined sugar-free, and very simple to prepare:
- Chocolate Orange Bliss Balls
- Raw Salted Caramel Slice
- Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls
- Apricot and Coconut Bliss Balls
- Raw Chocolate Mint Slice
- Salted Caramel Bliss Balls
- Apricot and Coconut Bars
- Raw Chocolate Orange Slice
My Nut-Free Chocolate Bliss Balls make for a great snack. Enjoy them the next time you need a nutritious, energy-boosting treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings. They are so simple to make; it will take just a few minutes of your time and they are certain to become a new favourite; be sure to let me know when you have given them a try!
Alex xx
Chocolate Bliss Balls (Nut Free)
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
- 1 cup (220 g) Medjool dates See Note 1
- ½ cup (40 g) rolled oats
- ½ cup (45 g) desiccated coconut See Note 2
- 2 tablespoon cacao powder See Note 3
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract See Note 4
- 3 teaspoon pure maple syrup
For coating the bliss balls:
- 3 tablespoon desiccated coconut See Note 5
Instructions
- Wash the dates, dry them, and remove the pits. Roughly chop the dates.
- Add the dates to the bowl of a food processor along with the rolled oats, coconut, cacao powder, vanilla extract and maple syrup and process until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Check that the mixture is sufficiently moist to be able to roll into balls. If not, add a teaspoon of water and blend again.
- Take about a teaspoon of mixture and roll into small balls and toss in the coconut.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months.
Notes
- Medjool dates are fresh dates available from greengrocers or the fruit and vegetable section of the supermarket. For accuracy, weigh the dates. (with the stones in.) If measuring by volume, the dates are firmly packed in the cup. The number will vary depending on the size of the date.
- Desiccated Coconut is finely shredded coconut.
- 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.
- For the best flavour, use vanilla which has been extracted from the vanilla bean and not synthetically produced.
- You may require a little extra coconut to roll the bliss balls.
- Please note, the nutritional information 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.
Lauren says
Delicious! Love nut free snacks I can take to school! Thank you x
Alexandra Cook says
Thanks, Lauren! So happy you enjoyed this recipe 🙂
Marina says
They look great. Can you make these without the maple syrup?
Thanks
Alexandra says
Hi Marina,
That should be fine! If they're not binding together as well, just add a little water if needed.
Thanks, Alex
Anna says
Super easy to make and they taste fantastic! My new favourite snack!
Alexandra says
Hi Anna, thank you for your great feedback, I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed these Bliss Balls. 🙂
Kirsteen Murray says
Absolutely love these. So quick and easy to make too. My kids are allergic to dairy, nuts and gluten (we use gluten free oats) and these are a great healthy snack for their packed lunches, they love them!
Alexandra Cook says
I am so happy you all enjoy these, Kirsteen! 🙂
I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Alex xo