Description
Coconut Bliss balls are a sweet and salty snack ball made with coconut, dates, cashews, cinnamon and more! Paleo and vegan-friendly, they’re crunchy, chewy, and and naturally sweetened. The perfect bite size healthy treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/2 cup loosely packed shredded unsweetened coconut. (40-42 grams) + extra for coating if desired. See notes for toasted option.
- 1/2 cup packed dates (about 90 g; ~10-12 regular dates or 6-8 Medjool), pitted. See note.
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup whole almonds, whole cashews, or halved cashews (80 grams is a little over half a cup of almonds and 2/3 cup of cashews)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons Gluten-free oat flour or vanilla protein powder (about 15-18 g)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Nutrition estimates will vary based on the type of nuts, dates, and protein powder used, as well as the final size of each bliss ball.
Instructions
- Blend the base. Add ½ cup shredded coconut, the dates, nuts, and cinnamon to a food processor. Pulse until a crumbly, slightly “mealy” mixture forms and starts to stick together.
- Mix the dough.. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add vanilla, and 2 tablespoons oat flour or protein powder Mix until a soft dough forms that holds together when pressed.
- Adjust the texture (important): If the mixture feels too sticky, add an additional 1 tablespoon of flour or protein powder. If it feels too dry, add 1–2 more tablespoons of maple syrup. You’re looking for a dough that is soft, easy to roll, and holds together without being crumbly.
- Note: If you didn’t soak the dates beforehand and the batter is still dry, you may need to add 1–2 teaspoons of water to help the mixture come together smoothly.
- Roll into balls. Scoop and roll into small, golf ball–size bites. Place on a tray or plate.
- Optional coating. Place the ¼ cup toasted or regular shredded coconut in a bowl. Roll each ball in the coconut until evenly coated.
- Transfer back to the tray and chill/refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, or until firm.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 weeks.
Notes
Substitutions + Tips
- Double batch: This recipe doubles easily. Simply double all ingredients, using about 1½ to 2 tsp vanilla (instead of a full 2 tsp). Start with 4 tbsp oat flour or protein powder, then add more as needed until the mixture holds together and isn’t too sticky.
- Dates: If your dates are soft and sticky, use them as-is. If they feel firm or dry, soak in hot water for 10–30 minutes, then drain well before using.
- Coating in coconut: If your coconut isn’t sticking to the balls, lightly dampen your hands with a bit of maple syrup or coconut oil before rolling. This helps the coconut cling without making them overly sticky.
Toasted Coconut Option – For a lighter, nutty flavor (and less intense coconut taste), toast extra shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until lightly golden. Let cool before rolling. Note: Toasted coconut is drier, so you may need to lightly dampen your hands with maple syrup or coconut oil to help it stick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 20–30 minutes
- Cook Time: n/a
- Category: Bliss Balls, Energy Bites, Gluten-Free Snack, Healthy Snack, No-Bake Snack, Protein Bites
- Method: blend, mix, no bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bliss Ball
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 4.4g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Fat: 4.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9g
- Carbohydrates: 6.8g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2.6g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
