Description
These Chocolate Bliss Balls are a nutritious and delicious no-bake snack made from black beans, dates, almond butter, oats, and hemp seeds. Perfect as a wholesome energy boost or a guilt-free dessert, they are naturally sweetened and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Ready in under an hour and requiring only a blender or food processor, these bliss balls are a healthy treat suitable for a variety of dietary preferences and lifestyles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can (1.5 cups) black beans, rinsed and drained
- ⅔ cup medjool dates, pitted
- ⅓ cup almond butter
- ¾ cup rolled oats (certified gluten free if needed)
- ½ cup hemp seeds
- ½ cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
- 2-3 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (optional)
Toppings
- ½ – 1 cup finely shredded coconut
- Coloring powders as desired (such as turmeric and matcha powder)
Instructions
- Prepare Dates: Ensure your medjool dates are soft; if they are hard or dry, soak them in hot water for 10-30 minutes, then drain and remove any pits to prepare for blending.
- Blend Dates: Add the pitted dates to your blender or food processor and pulse until they form a rough paste, which helps to create a smoother texture when combined with other ingredients.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the rinsed black beans, almond butter, rolled oats, hemp seeds, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract (if using), and sea salt (if using) to the blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste while leaving some small chunks for texture.
- Chill Mixture (if needed): If the mixture feels too sticky or hard to shape, refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up and make it easier to handle.
- Prepare Toppings: Place your chosen toppings such as shredded coconut and coloring powders into shallow bowls to roll your bliss balls after shaping for additional flavor and presentation.
- Scoop & Shape: Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the mixture into equal sizes. Roll each scoop between your hands to form evenly sized balls and place on a wax paper-lined tray or baking sheet.
- Roll in Toppings: Optionally, roll each bliss ball in shredded coconut or chopped nuts, or dust with the chosen coloring powders for a vibrant and appealing finish. Return them to the wax paper-lined tray.
- Freeze to Set: Freeze the bliss balls for about 30 minutes to firm them up. Alternatively, refrigerate for a few hours if freezer space is limited. After freezing, transfer the balls into a freezer-safe container for easy storage.
- Enjoy: These energy bites are best enjoyed straight from the freezer or after thawing for a couple of minutes, making them perfect as a snack or quick dessert.
- Store Properly: Store bliss balls in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to three months to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Using medjool dates that are soft is essential for blending; soak hard dates to soften them.
- Certified gluten-free oats should be used if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- Customize the toppings with your favorite nuts, shredded coconut, or natural coloring powders like turmeric or matcha.
- Freezing helps the bliss balls maintain shape, but refrigeration works if freezer space is limited.
- These bliss balls can be enjoyed as a quick energy snack, pre/post-workout bite, or healthy dessert alternative.
- Store leftovers properly to maximize freshness and shelf life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Healthy, Vegan
