What Are Bliss Balls?
Bliss balls, sometimes called energy balls or energy bites, are a simple treat that combines raw, usually plant-based ingredients into no-bake snack balls. They get their name because they taste like pure bliss! Many recipes include nuts, coconut, vanilla beans, and natural sweeteners, such as dates. I made these bliss balls with dates, but if you need a sugar-free alternative, try my keto energy balls, peanut butter balls, or cookie dough balls instead.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this easy bliss ball recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Bliss Balls:
Nuts – This recipe uses roasted cashews and almonds for the best texture, but you can substitute any other nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts, in the same quantity. Desiccated Coconut – You could use shredded coconut, but larger shreds may remain in the final mixture and the bliss balls might be more difficult to roll. You will need more for topping, if desired. Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness. Vanilla Bean Powder – Although optional, it adds a deep flavor and aroma to this recipe. You can also use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pitted Medjool Dates – These add natural sweetness and prevent the balls from falling apart. You can substitute any other soft and juicy date variety. If using drier dates, soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes or until softened, then drain and pat dry before use.
Optional Toppings:
Desiccated Coconut – For extra texture and fiber. Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour – Adds flavor and keep the balls from sticking to each other.
How To Make Bliss Balls
This section shows how to make coconut bliss balls, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Recipe Variations
Peanut Butter – The trick to this recipe is having something sticky to hold everything together. My recipe uses dates, but you could make peanut butter bliss balls by replacing the dates with 1/3 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter) and 1/4 cup honey (regular or sugar-free honey). Or, simply make my peanut butter protein balls recipe instead. Chocolate – Replace half of the dessicated coconut with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. You can also simply add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips (or sugar-free dark chocolate chips) after processing. Oatmeal – Replace the almonds with old fashioned rolled oats. Add Superfoods – Include 1-2 tablespoons of other superfood mix-ins, such as chia seeds, chewy goji berries, or crispy cacao nibs. Swap The Dates – Try a different dried fruit, such as dried apricots, dried cherries, or dried figs.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep coconut energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last at least a week. Meal prep: These balls make the perfect make-ahead snack. You can make them in just 10 minutes and have them all week (or month) long. Freeze: Place the bliss balls in a zip top freezer bag or airtight container, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter.
More Healthy Sweet Snack Recipes
Believe it — you can enjoy sweet snacks without the extra junk! Try more naturally sweetened healthy snacks here: This recipe is easy to make, but keep these tips in mind for the best taste and texture:
Don’t process too much. Be careful not to process too much, so the nuts don’t start to turn into nut butter. It’s okay if there are some slightly bigger nut pieces. Adjust dates as needed. The amount of medjool dates you need will depend on how soft they are. If the processed ingredients are not sticking together, add more dates until it’s easy to form them into a ball with your hands. If the dough is too wet and it’s sticking to your hands, add more desiccated coconut. Use a cookie scoop. This one is the perfect size and makes it easier to form even balls. Use roasted cashews for best flavor. If you buy them raw, you can roast them in the oven for 6-8 minutes at 320 degrees F (160 degrees C). Set aside to cool for at least 5 minutes before using.
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Nutrition info does not include optional ingredients: Desiccated coconut and almond flour.
