Learn how to make delicious, quick and healthy chocolate wholefood bliss balls (a.k.a. bliss balls) from scratch without a food processor. Save time in the kitchen with our simple-to-make, refined sugar-free recipe. Packed with nutritious whole food ingredients, these tasty treats are sure to become a favourite in your household.
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If you're a sweet tooth like me, you know well the struggle of trying to avoid unhealthy fats and sugars and still indulge in a decadent treat every once in a while.
As mums we all want to feed our kids the most nutritious foods with the flavours they love.
So I set out on a mission to find a healthy snack option that could offer the best of both worlds. After some serious research, trial and error, I think I've finally found the answer: Chocolate wholefood bliss balls!
These simple-to-make, healthy chocolate wholefood balls have quickly become a favourite recipe on high rotation in our household. I find myself making a fresh batch every second week, and they're always gobbled up, so I know this recipe is a winner.
Why we love them
They're packed with yummy chocolate flavour without the sugar high. I'm sure you'll agree that's a win for us mums and a win for the kids!
I like to enjoy a bliss ball with my afternoon espresso, or as a post work-out snack I can stash in my gym bag.
They also make great lunchbox fillers or after school snacks and are a sneaky way to get your kids eating healthy whole foods; nuts and seeds.
Making bliss balls is kid friendly because there's no need for sharp knives or hot surfaces; simply melt, mix and roll.
These chocolate wholefood bliss balls tick all the boxes for me: Quick to make; much cheaper than store-bought, no hidden nasties, convenient and a healthy way to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Hallelujah!
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Tips for making chocolate wholefood bliss balls
- If you're really short on time, you can skip the ball making step altogether. Simply press the mixture into a slice tin, chill and chop into squares, or use a cookie cutter to make individual portions.
- You can easily substitute honey for maple syrup.
- If you're dealing with food allergies, use whatever nut butter works for you.
- Check the nut butter you choose is free from added sugar and salt. Natural nut butter will separate from its oils, so you will need to ensure you mix it well before adding it to the mixture.
- Make a double batch and put some in the freezer for later.
Instructions
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatular
- Small microwave-safe jug
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond meal
- ½ cup desiccated coconut
- ¼ cup flaxseed (linseed) meal
- ¼ cup cocoa (I prefer to use unsweetened raw cacao powder for its health benefits)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon nut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Note: We use Australian Standard cups and spoons and metric measures.
Method
- Add almond meal, desiccated coconut, flaxseed (linseed) meal, cocoa powder and chia seeds to a large bowl and mix well.
- In a microwave safe jug combine coconut oil and nut butter and gently heat for about 20-30 seconds, or until soft.
- Add the coconut oil and nut butter and maple syrup to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- With clean hands, take tablespoon size portions of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them in a air-tight container.
- Sprinkle with extra cocoa powder, coconut or even dried petals to make them look even prettier.
- Refrigerate until firm, or pop them in the freezer for later.
Watch the video tutorial
Wholefood Chocolate Bliss Balls
Packed with healthy natural fats from nuts and seeds, these wholefood chocolate bliss balls are a great snack to keep hunger at bay. Free from refined cane sugar and sweetened with pure maple syrup, you won't be able to resist these tasty chocolate treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond meal
- ½ cup desiccated coconut
- ¼ cup linseed meal
- ¼ cup cocoa
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon nut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Add almond meal, desiccated coconut, flaxseed (linseed) meal, cocoa powder and chia seeds to a large bowl and mix well.
- In a microwave safe jug combine coconut oil and nut butter and gently heat for about 20-30 seconds, or until soft.
- Add the coconut oil and nut butter and maple syrup to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- With clean hands, take tablespoon size portions of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them in a air-tight container.
- Sprinkle with extra cocoa powder, coconut or even dried petals to make them look even prettier.
- Refrigerate until firm, or pop them in the freezer for later.
Notes
Check the nut butter you choose is free from added sugar and salt. Natural nut butter will separate from its oils, so you will need to ensure you mix it well before adding it to the mixture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 162Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 21mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 3g
These figures are approximate and should be used as a guide only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make bliss balls without a food processor?
You sure can! Most bliss ball recipes I have come across require a food processes to blend whole dates but I prefer to use maple syrup as a whole food sweetener instead. With maple syrup there is no chopping or blending required and that means less time and less washing up. Hooray!
Are wholefood chocolate bliss balls healthy?
Yes! As treats go, these little bliss balls are simply bursting with goodness.
Boasting whole food ingredients, bliss balls are high in antioxidants, protein and healthy fats. Chia seeds and flaxseeds (linseeds) are a good source of of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for heart health.
This recipe is sweetened with maple syrup. As a sugar alternative, maple syrup is regarded as a healthier and more nutritious option. It contains a variety of minerals and antioxidants and adds a delicious caramel-like flavour.
It goes without saying for optimal health you should limit your intake of added sugars, and that includes maple syrup. So be sure to enjoy these treats in moderation.
If you love healthy desserts check out our wholesome Easy apple crumble!
Which nut butter should you use?
The addition of nut butter in this recipe gives these bliss balls a beautiful rich taste. We use almond butter as my son has a peanut allergy, but you could also use peanut butter or any other kind of nut butter you like.
Check that the nut butter you choose is free from added sugar and salt. This is a healthy recipe after all. Natural nut butter does tend to separate from its oils, so you will need to ensure you mix it well before adding it.
How do you store bliss balls?
Store bliss balls in an airtight container the fridge for up to a week. I like to refrigerate half the bliss balls to eat straight away and freeze the rest for later.
Can you freeze bliss balls?
Yes, bliss balls freeze very well and you can store them this way for up to three months. Make a double or triple batch of this recipe and freeze them for many weeks of convenient, grab-and-go snacks.
If you make this recipe and love it, I would love if you gave it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @pineapplefarmhouse with your delicious creation.
Thanks so much for following along.
Danielle
Emily, these sound great! I've made other similar balls with dates in the food processor, and enjoyed eating them, but I think I killed my food processor by making repeated batches. That's why I'm excited about not having to chop dates for this recipe. I was temporarily confused about the linseed meal, as I've never heard of that in Canada - thanks for noting that it's also called flax. I'll bookmark these for the next time I need a sweet, healthy treat. Thanks!
Emily
I'm so glad you find the recipe helpful! And thanks for mentioning the linseed flaxseed thing, something I need to keep in mind with an international audience for sure.