Bliss Balls in Fifteen Minutes, No Baking

No baking, no fuss, just a food processor and fifteen minutes. A handful of wholesome ingredients rolled into bite-sized balls that taste like a treat but are packed with real nutrition.

My first attempt was far too dry, the mixture crumbled apart no matter how hard I tried to roll it. The dates needed soaking first to soften them right through. Fix that one step and the whole thing comes together beautifully.

Ingredients you will need

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut, plus extra for rolling
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon water, if needed

Makes about 16 balls. Medjool dates are softer and stickier than regular dried dates, which makes them perfect for binding. If yours feel firm, soak in warm water for 10 minutes first.

How to make bliss balls step by step

1. If your dates feel firm, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
2. Blend the almonds in a food processor until fine and crumbly. Do not over-process into nut butter.
3. Add the dates, cocoa powder, coconut and chia seeds. Blend until the mixture clumps together when pressed.
4. Too dry to hold together, add water a teaspoon at a time and blend again.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll firmly between your palms into smooth balls.
6. Roll each ball in extra coconut to coat. Place on a tray lined with baking paper.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Bliss Balls Recipe

Recipe by Ella McKenzieCourse: SnackCuisine: AustralianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

16

balls

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

90

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

An easy no-bake bliss balls recipe made with dates, almonds, cocoa and coconut. A wholesome, naturally sweetened snack ready in 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

• 1 cup almonds

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut, plus extra for rolling

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1 tablespoon water, if needed

Directions

• Soak firm dates in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
• Blend almonds in a food processor until fine and crumbly.
• Add dates, cocoa powder, coconut and chia seeds. Blend until the mixture clumps together.
• Add water a teaspoon at a time if the mixture is too dry to hold together.
• Roll tablespoon-sized portions firmly between your palms into smooth balls.
• Roll each ball in extra desiccated coconut to coat.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Notes

• Do not over-process the almonds: Stop blending once they reach a crumbly texture, or they will turn into nut butter.
• Adjust sweetness: Add an extra date or two if you prefer a sweeter bliss balls recipe.
• Wet hands trick: Lightly wet your hands with cold water before rolling to stop the mixture sticking.
• Nut free option: Swap the almonds for sunflower seeds or rolled oats for a nut-free version of this recipe.

If it goes wrong: too dry means the dates needed soaking, or the mixture needs a splash more water. Too sticky usually means too many dates, or your hands are too warm, wet them with cold water before rolling. Falling apart just means roll firmer, don’t shape gently.

Flavour variations: peanuts and peanut butter instead of almonds for something richer. Skip the cocoa, add lemon zest and extra coconut for something bright. Swap half the dates for dried apricots for a tangier, fruitier version.

Storage: keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, actually firms up and tastes better after a day or two. Freezes for up to 3 months, thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes. Holds up well at room temperature for lunchboxes or on the go.

Frequently asked questions

Keep a batch in the fridge and you will always have something satisfying to reach for.

Happy cooking from my Newcastle kitchen.

Ella x