This vegan bliss balls recipe is the definition of wholesome decadence. Chocolate-coated, packed with a protein-rich filling, and flavoured with a unique blend of spices inspired by Grenada cocoa balls, these will be your new go-to healthy snack!
Bliss balls (or energy balls) are a constant in our household. I try to make a new flavour every week, or at least a variation on a flavour I have made in the past. They have become our go-to after lunch snack. It’s got to the point where if there are none in the freezer, my flatmate Floss will come through to me with puppy-dog eyes requesting a new batch to be whipped up.
Grenada is renowned for its cocoa balls. These balls are made of cocoa beans that have been dried, roasted and ground into a fine paste, then mixed with spices such as cinnamon, bay leaf and thyme. Realistically, these traditional cocoa balls sounded quite complicated to recreate without some very specific equipment. Instead, I thought I could make a chocolate bliss ball recipe inspired by these cocoa flavour bombs.
Ingredients for this vegan bliss balls recipe
For these healthy chocolate bliss balls, I combined dates, almond meal and a selection of Grenadian spices to form a protein-rich inner. Then, I dipped the balls in a rich, homemade chocolate coating. If you want an easy shortcut, you can melt store-bought dark chocolate for the coating instead.
- Dates– You can use any type of dates for this recipe, however medjool dates will be the softest and sweetest.
- Almond meal- Use store-bought almond meal or blend almonds in food processor for about 30 seconds until a fine texture is achieved.
- Cocoa powder- Use a high-quality unsweetened dark cocoa powder for the best result. You can sub for cacao powder however the chocolate coating will not be as rich in flavour.
- Nutmeg– I’d recommend freshly grating nutmeg as this will give the most depth of flavour, however you can sub for ground nutmeg.
- Bay leaves– Make sure you use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind bay leaves down to a powder before using.
- Cocoa butter- Cocoa butter is the edible fat extracted from a cocoa bean and comes in hard white blocks. It gives chocolate a very creamy texture. You can sub this for coconut oil. If you don’t want to make your own chocolate coating, you can use store-bought dark chocolate instead.
- Maple syrup- This is my preferred choice of natural sweetner. Sub for a sweetner of your choosing.
How to make this vegan bliss balls recipe
Add all ingredients for bliss balls to a food processor and blend until combined. The mixture should stick together when you press it with your fingers. If it’s too dry, add extra coconut oil and blend a bit longer.
To form chocolate bliss balls, roll 1 tablespoon of mixture into a ball and repeat till all mixture is used. Place balls in freezer for 10 minutes to set.
Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate coating. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil over medium heat. Set a heat-proof mixing bowl on top of the saucepan to create a bain-marie, making sure it isn’t touching the water. If making chocolate from scratch, add cocoa butter (or coconut oil) to the bowl and allow a few minutes to melt. Once melted, whisk in maple syrup. Take off heat and whisk in cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt until smooth. If using store-bought dark chocolate, melt using bain-marine method or incrementally in the microwave.
Dip each bliss ball into the chocolate mixture fully coating them, then set on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Put in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
Serving suggestions for this vegan bliss balls recipe
These chocolate bliss balls make a healthy morning or afternoon snack to have with a coffee, a cup of tea or if your chocolate cravings are strong, hot chocolate.
Chocolate, Date & Almond Bliss Balls
These chocolate, date and almond bliss balls are the definition of wholesome decadence. Chocolate-coated, packed with a protein-rich filling, and flavoured with a unique blend of Grenadian spices, these will be your new go-to healthy snack!
Ingredients
Bliss balls:
- 1 cup dates
- 1 cup almond meal
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 1/2 nutmeg (grated)
- 2 bay leaves (ground)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
Cocoa coating:
- 1/2 cup cocoa butter (chopped)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- OR
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate (melted)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients for bliss balls to a food processor and blend until combined. Mixture should stick together when you press it with your fingers. If it's too dry, add extra coconut oil and blend a bit longer.
- To form chocolate bliss balls, roll 1 tablespoon of mixture into a ball and repeat till all mixture is used. Place balls in freezer for 10 minutes to set.
- Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate coating. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil over medium heat. Set a heat-proof mixing bowl on top of the saucepan to create a bain-marie, making sure it isn't touching the water.
- If making chocolate from scratch, add cocoa butter (or coconut oil) to the bowl and allow a few minutes to melt. Once melted, whisk in maple syrup. Take off heat and whisk in cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt until smooth. If using store-bought dark chocolate, melt using a bain-marine or incrementally in the microwave.
- Dip each bliss ball into the chocolate mixture, fully coating them, then set on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Put in freezer for 10 minutes to set berfore serving
Other healthy snack ideas:
- Island Banana Bread with Buttered Rum Sauce from the Bahamas
- Tufahije Recipe: Walnut-Stuffed Poached Apples from Bosnia
- Vegan Coconut Tarts Recipe: A Belize Dessert
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