Healthy And Festive Christmas Bliss Balls

Not only can you make these cute Christmas bliss balls without turning on the oven, they’re also a fabulous, weight loss friendly healthy sweet treat.

Instead of the usual, weight loss sabotaging culprits (refined sugar, lots of calories), these delicious little bites combine protein-rich nuts with low GI oats and get their sweetness from soft, juicy dates. All that goodness combined makes for a fantastic christmas treat OR even a post workout snack.

The key to making these healthy snacks decadent and delicious is all in the dates you choose. While the pre-packaged variety will suffice, it’s the fresh, caramelly variety that really makes a difference. We used medjool dates (which can be found at your local supermarket or fruit shop).

Fresh dates, while high in natural sugar, pack such a sweetness punch that you don’t need many, or any other form of sweetness to make these balls taste great.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup fresh dates pitted

  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup nuts of your choice almond, walnuts and pecans all work well

  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut

  • 2 tbsp coconut butter, or regular butter slightly softened and cubed

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

  • 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla essence

  • 2 tbsp desiccated coconut, cocoa, or sprinkles for rolling

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Soak dates and cranberries in a glass or small bowl of warm water for 15 minutes or until soft.

  2. When the fruits are nice and soft, drain and tip dates into the bowl of a food processor.

  3. Add the remaining ‘ball’ ingredients to the processor and process until combined (the ‘dough’ will become quite dense and sticky when properly combined).

  4. Remove mixture from food processor and roll into teaspoon sized balls.

  5. On separate plates, shake out your desired toppings.

  6. Roll each ball in your chosen topping before placing on a dinner plate/baking tray/large tupperware container and popping in the fridge.

RECIPE NOTES

Makes 25 balls at 55 calories each.

We’ve chosen to roll our bliss balls in coconut and cocoa powder but there are a variety of toppings you can use. If you’re feeling especially festive, why not try some ground pistachios (green) or processed goji berries (red)? You could also use your favourite chopped nuts.

Wrap them up in a beautiful bright red Christmas ribbon and they’ll make a pretty fabulous gift too.

Eamon Wilson