Winter Bliss Balls: Instant Sweet Treat

Winter Bliss Balls: Instant Sweet Treat

Whip up these instant bliss balls with dates and cashews for a quick, healthy, and satisfying sweet treat.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 30

Course: Dessert

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 25-30 medjool dates, pitted (about 2 cups packed)
• 1 1/2 cups roasted cashews
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoon maca powder
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• pinch flaky sea salt
• melted chocolate, nuts, seeds, dried roses, cocoa or cacao powder, for topping

Method

 

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add dates, cashews, coconut flakes, cacao powder, hemp seeds, chia seeds, maca powder, orange zest, and sea salt to a food processor.
3. Pulse until fully combined and the dough easily holds together when squeezed in your hand.
4. Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
5. Optional: Roll balls in desired toppings OR dip in melted chocolate and sprinkle toppings onto the chocolate.
6. Allow chocolate to set in the fridge before storing the balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

– Use soft, fresh Medjool dates for the best texture.
– If dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water. Too wet, add more nuts or coconut.
– Freeze balls for 15-20 mins after rolling for easier dipping in chocolate.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The technique that makes it

The magic behind these Winter Bliss Balls lies in the natural binding properties of Medjool dates and the processing method. Medjool dates, when ripe and soft, are incredibly sticky due to their high natural sugar content. This stickiness acts as a binder for all the dry ingredients, eliminating the need for added fats or sugars. The key is to process the ingredients correctly. Start by pulsing the roasted cashews and unsweetened coconut flakes in a food processor until they are broken down into a coarse meal. This provides a good base texture. Then, add the pitted Medjool dates and process until a sticky dough begins to form. It’s crucial not to over-process at this stage; you want the dates to break down and start binding, but not turn into a completely smooth paste. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add another date or two. If it’s too wet, a tablespoon more of coconut flakes or hemp seeds can help absorb excess moisture. Finally, add the cacao powder, hemp seeds, chia seeds, maca powder, orange zest, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Pulse until these ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed. The final texture should be slightly sticky, pliable, and able to be rolled into balls without crumbling.

Troubleshooting

• Problem: Bliss balls are too crumbly and won’t hold their shape.
  Fix: This usually means there isn’t enough moisture or binding agent. Add a few more Medjool dates, one at a time, processing briefly after each addition until the mixture starts to stick together. Alternatively, a tablespoon of water or a neutral oil like coconut oil can help bind the mixture.
• Problem: Bliss balls are too sticky and difficult to roll.
  Fix: The mixture is likely too wet. Add more dry ingredients, such as unsweetened coconut flakes, hemp seeds, or even a little more ground cashews, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes can also make it easier to handle.
• Problem: The flavor is too bland or not sweet enough.
  Fix: Ensure you are using ripe, soft Medjool dates, as they provide the primary sweetness. If still not sweet enough, you can add another date or two. For more flavor complexity, consider adding a touch more orange zest, a drop of vanilla extract, or a pinch of cinnamon.
• Problem: The texture is too uniform or paste-like.
  Fix: This happens from over-processing. For a chunkier texture, pulse the cashews and coconut flakes separately first until coarsely ground, then add the dates and pulse until just combined before adding the remaining ingredients. Avoid running the food processor continuously for too long.

Substitutions

• Dates: If Medjool dates are unavailable, other soft, sticky dates like Deglet Noor can be used, though you might need to soak them briefly in warm water if they are dry. Ensure they are pitted. The sweetness and texture might vary slightly.
• Cashews: Roasted almonds or walnuts can be substituted for cashews. The flavor profile will change, with almonds offering a milder taste and walnuts a more robust, slightly bitter note. Ensure they are roasted for best flavor and texture.
• Hemp Seeds: Flax seeds or additional chia seeds can replace hemp seeds. Flax seeds will absorb moisture similarly and provide a slightly nuttier flavor. The binding properties will remain effective.
• Cacao Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder can be used as a direct substitute for cacao powder. The flavor will be slightly milder and less intensely chocolatey, as cocoa powder is often Dutch-processed, reducing its natural bitterness and antioxidant content.

Pro tips

• Use soft, fresh Medjool dates for the best texture.
• If dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water. Too wet, add more nuts or coconut.
• Freeze balls for 15-20 mins after rolling for easier dipping in chocolate.

Enjoy these versatile Winter Bliss Balls as a healthy indulgence, and feel free to experiment with your favorite flavor additions!

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