This bliss balls recipe blends soft dates, almonds, cocoa, coconut and chia seeds in a food processor, then rolls the mix into bite-sized balls. There’s no baking, and it takes about 15 minutes plus a short chill.
It makes about 16 balls that taste like chocolate fudge. They’re handy for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks and road trips.
The key is soft dates. If yours feel firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first, or the mix will be too dry to roll.
Table of Contents
Texture check
Soft Medjool dates are sticky enough to hold everything together without any syrup or sugar. Blend the almonds first, then add the rest, and use this guide.
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| Almonds look like fine crumbs | Stop and add the dates. Any longer and they turn into nut butter. |
| Mix is dry and sandy | Blend a little longer, then add water a teaspoon at a time. |
| Mix clumps when you squeeze it | Ready to roll. |
| Mix is very wet and sticky | Add a spoon of coconut or a few more almonds and blend briefly. |
Bliss Balls Recipe
Course: SnackCuisine: AustralianDifficulty: Easy16
balls15
minutes90
kcal45
minutesNo-bake bliss balls made with soft dates, almonds, cocoa, coconut and chia seeds, rolled in extra coconut. Ready in 15 minutes plus chilling.
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
- Don’t over-blend the almonds: stop once they’re crumbly, or they’ll turn into nut butter.
- Sweeter balls: add an extra date or two.
- Wet hands trick: wet your hands with cold water before rolling so the mix doesn’t stick.
- Nut free: swap the almonds for sunflower seeds or rolled oats.
Bliss balls recipe troubleshooting
Too dry to roll.
The dates were firm or the mix needs more moisture. Soak the dates next time, and add water a teaspoon at a time now.
Too sticky to handle.
There are too many dates, or your hands are warm. Wet your hands with cold water, or add a spoonful of coconut.
Falling apart.
Press and roll firmly rather than shaping gently. Chilling for 30 minutes also helps them hold.
Oily mixture.
The almonds were blended too long. Add a little extra coconut to soak up the oil.
Mix and match flavours
| Flavour | Swap or add | Roll in |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut butter | Peanuts instead of almonds, plus 1 tbsp peanut butter | Crushed peanuts |
| Lemon coconut | Skip the cocoa, add lemon zest and extra coconut | Coconut |
| Apricot | Swap half the dates for dried apricots | Coconut |
| Cashew | Cashews instead of almonds | Cocoa |
| Nut free | Sunflower seeds or rolled oats instead of almonds | Coconut |
Make ahead and storage
Bliss balls keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They firm up and taste even better after a day or two.
They freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes. They also hold up well out of the fridge for a few hours, so they’re fine in a lunchbox.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a food processor for this bliss balls recipe?
Yes, a food processor works best. A high-speed blender can work in small batches, but you’ll need to scrape it down often.
Can I use regular dried dates?
Yes, but soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first. They’re firmer than Medjool dates and won’t bind well otherwise.
Can I use a different nut?
Yes. Cashews, walnuts or pecans all work in place of almonds, each with a slightly different flavour.
Can I make bliss balls nut free?
Yes. Use sunflower seeds or rolled oats instead of the almonds.
How long does this bliss balls recipe keep?
Up to 2 weeks in the fridge in an airtight container, or 3 months in the freezer.
This bliss balls recipe is quick, simple and easy to change up. Soften the dates, check the texture and roll them firmly, and you’ll have a batch ready for the week.
Enjoy,
Ella x
