Made with dates, cacao and oats, these healthy chocolate bliss balls are naturally sweet and full of delicious, chocolate flavour. And they can be made in advance and frozen, making them perfect for lunchboxes and on-the-go snacking!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy – they come together in minutes and can be stored in the fridge or freezer, perfect for batching and meal-prepping.
- Healthy ingredients –no processed sugars or artificial ingredients. These balls are made with all-natural ingredients and are full of delicious, chocolate flavour. Sure to satisfy any sweet cravings!
- Dietary restriction friendly – nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free (with gluten-free oats).
- No cooking required.
- Perfect for nut-free lunchboxes.
- Satisfying – like these salted caramel bliss balls and raspberry bliss balls, they are the perfect snack to fill you up and keep you full between meals.
Ingredients you will need
** This post contains tips and instructions to achieve the best possible results. This photo is a great guide for when you are in the supermarket, but for full ingredient quantities and methods, please scroll down to the detailed recipe card below!
- Medjool dates – bind the balls and provide natural sweetness. Medjool dates are fresh and juicy dates that have a sweet caramel flavour and softer texture than dried dates. They are packed with fibre and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, iron, Magnesium and B vitamins. You’ll find them in health food stores, grocers and supermarkets in the fresh fruit section. Make sure the pits are removed before use, or buy pitted Medjool dates for convenience.
- Rolled oats – or swap for quick oats. Organic oats are best, where possible.
- Desiccated coconut – superfine, dried coconut. Use unsweetened, desiccated coconut or swap for shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Maple syrup – use pure maple syrup rather than maple-flavoured syrup (which is a sugar syrup with added flavourings). Maple syrup helps to bind the mixture and provides natural sweetness. You can swap for brown rice syrup or your preferred natural sweetener.
- Cacao powder – for pure chocolate flavour. Cacao powder is made from raw cacao beans and nibs. It is similar in flavour to cocoa powder, but is more nutritious because it is less processed. You’ll find it in supermarkets and health food stores or can swap for cocoa powder if desired.
- Vanilla – use good quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for best flavour.
Step by step instructions
Full ingredient notes and quantities can be found in the detailed recipe card below. But here is a brief overview of what you can expect;
Make the mixture simply by adding all of the ingredients into a food processor and mix until everything has thoroughly broken down and the mixture sticks together. You may need to scrape the sides of the processor a couple of times until everything comes together.
Check that the mixture is moist and sticky enough to be able to roll it into balls. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time and continue to blend.
Roll into balls. Roll scoops of the mixture in your hands to create bite-sized balls of your desired size.
Enjoy them plain, or roll the finished balls in extra cacao powder, hemp seeds, coconut or any of your favourite crushed seeds or nuts.
Expert tips
- This recipe is perfect for making in large batches, ideal for meal-prepping. Make a double, or triple batch and keep them in the freezer to add to lunchboxes or grab for an easy snack.
- The mixture should be thoroughly broken down and sticking together before rolling into balls. To test, press some of the mixture between your fingers and see if it holds together. If your mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time and continue to blend until everything comes together.
- If using regular dates instead of Medjool dates, soak them in water first (and drain) to soften before adding them to the food processor. Regular dates are drier than Medjool dates and water may need to be added to the mixture to help it come together.
- The balls can be enjoyed immediately, but will firm up slightly in the fridge if you prefer to eat them this way.
- Variations; Make choc mint bliss balls by adding a few drops of peppermint extract. The balls can be enjoyed plain, or rolled in a coating like hemp seeds, coconut, crushed nuts, sesame seeds, freeze dried strawberries/raspberries or cacao powder.
FAQs
Add them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Yes! Store bliss balls in the freezer by adding them to an airtight container, separating any layers with a sheet of baking paper (this helps them to retain their shape and prevent them from sticking together). Freeze for up to 3 months. You can eat the balls straight from the freezer, or sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
Wetting your hands in a little water will help stop the mixture from sticking as you roll the balls. (Don’t use too much, or the balls will become soggy).
Related recipes
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Chocolate Nut Free Bliss Balls
Ingredients
- 200 grams medjool dates 200 grams = approx. 14 large dates.
- 85 grams oats use gluten-free oats, if needed.
- 25 grams desiccated coconut unsweetened.
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder unsweetened. Or swap for cocoa powder.
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a food processor and blend on high speed until the ingredients break down and start to stick together. This may take a minute or two. The mixture should be sticky (but not too sticky) and hold together easily. If the mixture is still crumbly and dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- Using a spoonful of the mixture at a time, use your hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Roll the balls in extra coconut or cocoa (optional).
- The balls can be enjoyed immediately, or stored in the fridge or freezer to enjoy later (see notes below for storage instructions).
Video
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for making in large batches, ideal for meal-prepping. Make a double, or triple batch and keep them in the freezer to add to lunchboxes or grab for an easy snack.
- The mixture should be thoroughly broken down and sticking together before rolling into balls. To test, press some of the mixture between your fingers and see if it holds together. If your mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time and continue to blend until everything comes together.
- If using regular dates instead of Medjool dates, soak them in water first (and drain) to soften before adding them to the food processor. Regular dates are drier than Medjool dates and water may need to be added to the mixture to help it come together.The balls can be enjoyed immediately, but will firm up slightly in the fridge if you prefer to eat them this way.
- Variations; Make choc mint bliss balls by adding a few drops of peppermint extract. The balls can be enjoyed plain, or rolled in a coating like hemp seeds, coconut, crushed nuts, sesame seeds, freeze dried strawberries/raspberries or cacao powder.
- How to store them; Add them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
- Freezing; Store bliss balls in the freezer by adding them to an airtight container, separating any layers with a sheet of baking paper (this helps them to retain their shape and prevent them from sticking together). Freeze for up to 3 months. You can eat the balls straight from the freezer, or sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Please note that the nutrition information is based on the mixture being made into 10 balls, with one ball being one serve. The nutritional information is an estimate only.
- This recipe is made using Australian metric cups and spoon measurements. Any reference to cups or spoons in this recipe is in Australian metric. Due to cup sizes varying from country to country, I advise adjusting if necessary.
Nutrition
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Update Notes: This recipe was originally published in February 2019, but was re-published with new information and photos in April 2024.
Ashley says
What would be a good substitute for the dessicated coconut? There is a nut allergy (including coconut) in my son’s class but I’m looking for a substitute for our regular peanut butter protein energy balls.
Andrea Geddes says
Hi Ashley! You could try adding some extra oats or crushed Weetbix to the balls. Although you may need to tweak the dry:wet ingredients slightly to get the consistency you desire. I hope that helps, let me know how you go! Andrea.
Lauren says
They are deelish, but 3 tbsp of cocoa? Is that correct?
Andrea Geddes says
Hi Lauren! Yes, I use 3 tbs of cocoa or cacao. You can use less if you prefer 🙂
Robyn says
These look delicious, I love that they are nut free making them suitable for kiddie lunchboxes. And even better that I don’t have to switch the oven on to get a chocolate hit – and one that is healthy!
TheCookingCollective says
Hi Robyn! They are certainly quick and easy! Five minutes is all that stands between you and a delicious (and healthy) chocolate hit!
Sylvie says
Yuuum yes please!! I love making bliss balls, they always make such a delicious treat – and these one look SO delish! Love that they are nut free too
TheCookingCollective says
Thanks Sylvie! I love having them on hand in the freezer for the perfect sweet treat, anytime!