Name: Coconut Bliss Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (approx. 225g) Medjool Dates, pitted: These are the star for natural sweetness and binding. Medjool dates are larger, softer, and have a richer, more caramel-like flavor than other varieties like Deglet Noor. Ensure they are pitted, and if they feel a bit dry, soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then drain well.; 1 cup (approx. 100g) Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (plus extra for rolling): This provides the signature coconut flavor and a lovely chewy texture. Unsweetened is key to keep the sugar content natural. You’ll need extra for coating the balls, which adds an attractive finish and an extra layer of coconut goodness.; ½ cup (approx. 60g) Raw Almonds or Cashews (or a mix): These add a wonderful nutty flavor, a bit of crunch, and healthy fats. Raw almonds provide a more robust flavor, while cashews offer a creamier texture. You can also use walnuts or pecans.; 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses add a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They also help bind the bliss balls and contribute a subtle textural element.; 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil, melted: This helps to bind the ingredients together, adds a touch more coconut flavor, and contributes to a smoother texture. Use virgin or unrefined coconut oil for the best flavor.; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer, vanilla extract deepens the sweetness and complements the coconut and dates beautifully.; ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors. Don’t skip this!; Optional: 1-2 tablespoons Water or more Coconut Oil: Only if needed, if your mixture is too dry and crumbly to come together. Add a teaspoon at a time.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Coconut Bliss Balls. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor profile.

1 ½ cups (approx. 225g) Medjool Dates, pitted: These are the star for natural sweetness and binding. Medjool dates are larger, softer, and have a richer, more caramel-like flavor than other varieties like Deglet Noor. Ensure they are pitted, and if they feel a bit dry, soak them in hot water for 10–15 minutes, then drain well.
1 cup (approx. 100g) Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (plus extra for rolling): This provides the signature coconut flavor and a lovely chewy texture. Unsweetened is key to keep the sugar content natural. You’ll need extra for coating the balls, which adds an attractive finish and an extra layer of coconut goodness.
½ cup (approx. 60g) Raw Almonds or Cashews (or a mix): These add a wonderful nutty flavor, a bit of crunch, and healthy fats. Raw almonds provide a more robust flavor, while cashews offer a creamier texture. You can also use walnuts or pecans.
2 tablespoons Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses add a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They also help bind the bliss balls and contribute a subtle textural element.
1 tablespoon Coconut Oil, melted: This helps to bind the ingredients together, adds a touch more coconut flavor, and contributes to a smoother texture. Use virgin or unrefined coconut oil for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer, vanilla extract deepens the sweetness and complements the coconut and dates beautifully.
¼ teaspoon Sea Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors. Don’t skip this!
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons Water or more Coconut Oil: Only if needed, if your mixture is too dry and crumbly to come together. Add a teaspoon at a time.

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Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious and healthy Coconut Bliss Balls. A food processor is highly recommended for the best results.

Prepare the Dates: If your Medjool dates are not already pitted, remove the pits. If they seem dry or hard, place them in a bowl and cover with hot water for about 10-15 minutes to soften. Drain them thoroughly before use. This step ensures they blend easily into a smooth paste.
Process the Nuts: Add the raw almonds or cashews (or your nut of choice) to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times until they are broken down into a coarse meal or small pieces, depending on your preference for texture. Be careful not to over-process into nut butter unless that’s the consistency you desire. Remove the processed nuts from the food processor and set aside.
Process the Dates: Add the pitted (and soaked/drained, if necessary) Medjool dates to the now-empty food processor. Process until they form a sticky, paste-like ball. This might take a minute or two, and you may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times.
Combine Ingredients: Add the processed nuts back into the food processor with the date paste. Also, add the 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, chia seeds, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
Blend Until Combined: Process all the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined and starts to clump together. It should be sticky enough to hold its shape when pressed. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of water or a little more melted coconut oil and pulse again. Add more liquid sparingly, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. You should be able to pinch a piece of the mixture and have it hold together.
Chill the Mixture (Optional but Recommended): Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for about 15-30 minutes. Chilling makes the mixture less sticky and easier to roll into balls.
Roll the Balls: Place the extra shredded coconut for rolling in a shallow dish or on a plate. Take about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the chilled mixture and roll it firmly between your palms to form a smooth, compact ball. A small cookie scoop can help ensure uniform-sized balls.
Coat with Coconut: Roll each ball in the extra shredded coconut until it’s evenly coated. This adds an extra layer of coconut flavor and an appealing texture.
Set and Store: Place the finished Coconut Bliss Balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up completely before serving.
Enjoy: Once firmed, your Coconut Bliss Balls are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g