Have you made bliss balls yet? They are kind of unavoidable. I consider these nut free bliss balls to be the healthy version of the cake pop phenomenon of 2012. Only much, much easier to make.
Pop one of these balls into the lunch box for a hit of energy to power the recess handball game. They are also fabulous to keep in your handbag for snackmergencies. Little bliss ball packs big nutrition points.
Oh and I DO plan on sharing recipes that don’t contain cacao / cocoa in the future. I seem to be having a run of Recipes that Look Like Poo at the moment. Nothing sinister about it – I just have a jumbo bag of cacao sitting in my pantry begging to be set free.
Nut-free bliss balls
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (you can also substitute sultanas)
- 5 dates, seeds removed
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon cacao or cocoa
- Extra coconut for rolling
Put everything into the food processor except the extra coconut and whizz on high until the mix comes together. You may need to pause the processor to scrape out the mix every now and then (depending on your mixer).
Roll the mix into bite-size balls and then roll in the extra coconut. Put into the fridge for about half an hour (or longer) and you’re ready to roll. Roll, geddit?
Will keep nice and firm in the lunch box if you add an ice brick. You can also freeze these balls for up to a month: lay the bliss balls flat in the bottom of a container, add a sheet of baking paper on top, stack more bliss balls on top of the paper, keep going until full, freeze whole container.
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Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
I hope you’re sitting down Bron, but I have just printed this recipe out – yes I will attempt these over the weekend and hope like heck my fuss bums eat them. Although can I substitute dates for something – ugh
Maxabella says
Em, if the kidders aren’t allergic, try any kind of nuts with a little honey or maple syrup or rice malt syrup for stickiness instead of the dates. x
ClaireyHewitt says
I have tried to make all sorts of these balls, but I can not get my kids to eat any but the original. They are nut free too, but not so hipster these days.
Maxabella says
The original? I’ve seen so many versions but I didn’t know there was an Original. Please share, Clairey!
Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who comes up with recipes to use up excess ingredients! My boys (husband included) regard any kind of bliss ball as a rum ball and will happily eat them regardless of what they contain.
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
Fantastic recipe Bron! I love that kids can take these to school too! Have a great weekend and thanks for linking up with our Fabulous Foodie Fridays party!! xx
Tash @ Gift Grapevine says
Bliss balls are a huge favourite in our house! Mr TT is a ridiculously fussy eater and “little balls” (as he calls them) are a great way to boost iron and fruit consumption. I have to swap almond meal with skim milk powder when making them for Miss T’s school lunches. I love the sound of including sunflower seeds so I’ll be trying your recipe – thanks for sharing! The only problem is I’m also a fan and not very good at stopping at just one. And as for “Recipes that look like poo” – I think you’ve just come up with the title of your first cookbook. Surely that would be a winner?!
Dannielle@Zamamabakes says
Kidlet Lunchbox perfection I say!
Love it.
Have a beautiful weekend lovely lady xx
Kathryn Doherty says
Yum! I love these for the kiddos – and for me! Definitely a great lunchbox option or even for a portable snack on the weekends if we’re out running around.
Suzanne says
Yum, I love that these are school friendly, Its so hard to find quick healthy things for lunchboxes.
Danielle @ Several Kinds of Crazy says
Ooh yum! These look great. Iv never tried making Bliss Balls yet, must give it a go.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
I love the addition of sunflower seeds in these, always a winner. #FFF
peregrinationgourmande says
This one seems very good ! I save it for later. Even if I might add nuts as I love them haha! xx cathy
Storm Townsend says
Made these this afternoon and they were a hit with my 10 yo daughter. I love that she can take them to school for recess. There is now a triple batch sitting in the freezer, just for that purpose.
Maxabella says
I’m so glad she liked them. x
Carly says
Making these right now but I’m wondering if the sunflower seeds go in raw, or do we lightly toast them?
Maxabella says
I put mine in raw, Carly.
Carly says
They’re very yummy!
The real test is about to happen – Miss 4 and Miss 2 are about to find them as part of their lunch.
I’ve eaten three already and wish I’d doubled the recipe…
Maxabella says
They are very moreish… danger! Thank goodness they are ‘healthy’ comparative to, say, a truffle. 🙂