Chocolate cherry bliss balls

Bliss balls, or energy balls are the perfect energy boosting snack. This chocolate cherry recipe uses all natural ingredients and dried cherries for a great texture and flavor. They are filled with plant-based protein, fiber and vitamins.

For more chocolate cherry recipes, check out these Cherry chocolate cups or these fluffy Chocolate Chip Cherry Pancakes

• Dates, gives these bliss ball a natural sweetness and creamy texture. I have used normal dates without pips for a budget friendly option to medjool dates.
• Dried cherries, preferably without added sugars or preservatives. 
• Boiling water, for soaking the dates and dried cherries.
• Almonds, natural, or other nuts of choice.
• Rolled oats, quick cooking oats works well. Great for texture and nutrients in this bliss ball recipe. For a gluten-free snack, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
• Cocoa powder, unsweetened.
• Chia seeds, helps hold these bliss balls together and ads nutrients.
• Salt, just a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavours.
• Dairy free chocolate chips (optional)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Making these Chocolate cherry balls is really easy. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below.

For the full written instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom.

Step 1: Start by soaking the dates and cherries in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain them well but reserve the water.

Step 1: Add the almonds and oats to a high speed food processor.

Step 3: Blens until it has a coarse flour texture. Add the soaked and drained dates and cherries, the cocoa powder, chia seeds and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Blend and scrape down the sides as needed until all the ingredients come together. Add a little of the reserved soaking water for it to come together if needed.

Step 5: Stir in the optional chocolate chips in desired.

Step 6: Take about 1 tablespoon and roll into balls. Let them set in the fridge for about 20 min then store them in an airtight container.

Hint: Use the reserved soaking water from the dates and cherries to adjust the consistency to your liking.

Substitutions and variations

• Nuts – instead of almonds, you can use walnuts, cashews or hazelnuts.
• Gluten-free – use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make these chocolate cherry balls gluten free.
• Melted dark chocolate – To make these into chocolate covered bliss balls, simply dip in melted chocolate and let set for 20 min in the fridge.
• Vegan – To keep these chocolate bliss balls with cherries vegan, use a dairy-free chocolate for coating.
• Dried cherries – If you can’t get ahold of dried cherries, they can also be replaced with other fried fruit like, cranberries, dried strawberries or raisins.

For more bliss ball recipes, thy these Salted caramel bliss balls or these Mango Bliss Balls.

Equipment

Use a high speed food processor to make these chocolate cherry bliss balls. If you do not have a food processor, a blender can be used on the chopping program.

Storage

Store these chocolate cherry balls in and airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days for a great grab and go snack.

They can also be frozen and will keep for around 2 to 3 months. Let them defrost in the fridge, or on the counter if eaten straight away. I do not recommend defrosting them in the microwave since they will melt.