Orange chocolate bliss balls

These orange chocolate bliss balls are AMAZING. I have tried a lot of different bliss balls in my time but these are honestly at the top of my list. Let me ask you a question: have you ever had one (or maybe more) of those rich chocolatey rum balls that are often made at Christmas time? Clearly, these bliss balls don’t have any rum in it, but what they have in common with those sugar-ladden rum balls is the chocolatey smoothness and fudginess when you bite into them. So moreish and delicious.

Healthy raw bliss balls

Unlike rum balls though, there is no refined sugar to be found here. All the ingredients are good for you, let’s see: dates, seeds, coconut oil, cacao powder and some fresh fruit juice – yum!

And once you mix these together, you will roll the balls in desiccated coconut or hemp seeds, if you like. I personally like to stick to desiccated coconut, not because I have anything against hemp seeds (to the contrary) but because rolling those little chocolate babies in coconut gives me a lovely nostalgic feeling reminiscent of Christmas time which I quite enjoy.

Finally, these balls are raw (as are all or most bliss balls). That is always great news in my book, as no cooking means: (1) less chance of loss of nutrients from the ingredients, and (2) quicker prep (and quicker eating!). Plus, I find the rolling of the balls between the palms of my hands very relaxing. Who needs a therapist when you have cooking, right!?

What, no chocolate? Where does the chocolatiness come from?

Great question. No, chocolate is not among the ingredients. The chocolatey fudginess comes from the combination of mushy fresh dates and cacao powder.

Adding dates to your diet is always a great idea since they are high in several nutrients, fiber and antioxidants, all of which may provide health benefits ranging from improved digestion to a reduced risk of disease. They are often used in raw and vegan desserts and for a good reason. They give desserts beautiful sweetness and depth of flavour but, unlike refined sugar, you are not simply adding empty calories to your meals.

And cacao is also great for you. Did you know that cacao packs in more calcium than cow’s milk? It’s densely packed with iron, magnesium and antioxidants and can help with issues such as depression, stress, blood pressure and heart health.

Bliss balls are great for lunchboxes

In addition to being delicious, these bliss balls are nut free and so perfect for kids’ lunchboxes. I like adding one or two to the kids’ morning tea selection for pre-school and knowing that they are getting a lovely hit of sweetness which is all natural and won’t cause a huge spike in their blood sugar.

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5 from 1 vote

Orange chocolate bliss balls

Author: Katerina | Once a Foodie

Materials

• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup flaxseeds
• 10 large fresh dates, pitted
• 2 tbsp organic coconut oil, melted
• 2 tbsp organic cacao powder
• 2 tbsp fresh unsweetened orange juice
• desiccated coconut or hemp seeds, to roll

Instructions

• Place all seeds in a food processor and blitz until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Add the dates and pulse a few times until the dates are finely chopped and mushy.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and blitz until the mixture comes together.
• Working with about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time, roll each tablespoon into a ball and roll in coconut or hemp seeds.
• Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

This recipe was adapted from the Orange bliss balls recipe found in Green Kitchen Stories’ fabulous cookbook Little Green Kitchen.

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Recipe notes

This recipe was adapted from the Orange bliss balls recipe found in Green Kitchen Stories’ fabulous cookbook Little Green Kitchen.

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