When you are craving chocolate and are trying to avoid sugar, then these Healthy no bake Chocolate bliss balls made from cacao, nut butter and dates are a great alternative. It is really hard to bake when you are avoiding sugar, so I thought I would make these no bake chocolate bliss balls to snack on when everyone else is eating this decadant Chocolate Cake . These protein balls taste like delicious dark chocolate truffles, and BONUS they are guilt free.
What are bliss balls - they are delicious protein balls packed with goodness for a healthy and delicious snack. And what's more they are gluten free, raw and vegan. Now for me, that is the ultimate guilt-free treat, with the sweetness coming from the dates, with no added sugar.
How to make bliss balls - In a food processor, blend nut butter, pitted dates, vanilla essence and cacao powder until it forms a ball. Roll into bite size balls and then roll in dessicated coconut and place on a tray. Pop them in the fridge and wait until they are firm. That is, of course if you can resist eating them all before they have firmed up. I used store bought macadamia butter, but you can make your own, or use any nut butter like cashew, almond or hazelnut.
How to store bliss balls - Storing Bliss Balls in the fridge will extend their shelf life, but it is not necessary. Keep them in a nice cool place in your kitchen though, as nut butter can become oily when left to get too warm.
Cacao is the purest form of chocolate you can consume, it is raw and less processed than cocoa powder or chocolate bars. Cacao nibs are cacao beans that have been roasted, separated from their husks and broken into smaller pieces, much like chocolate chips without the added sugars and fats. They are not quite as sweet as chocolate, which makes them more versatile. Cacao nibs contain all of the fiber, fat, and nutrients that the cacao bean has.
Cocoa is the heated form of cacao. Cocoa powder is produced in a similar way to cacao except cocoa undergoes a much higher temperature during processing. Although you may think cocoa is inferior to raw cacao, it's actually very good for you (and less expensive) in the correct form. Be sure you buy plain cocoa powder, not cocoa mixes which often contain sugar, milk fats or oils. Look for Dutch-processed (dark) cocoa powder which is the best form.
Both cacao and cocoa are highly nutritious but if you want more nutrients then go with cacao. If you want less calories and a good source of antioxidants, then choose cocoa powder. But remember it must be one that is not loaded with sugar, as are most found on the shelves of grocery stores. Health and speciality food shops would stock these healthier options.
If you are not avoiding sugar then try these No bake Date and Coconut Balls or my Chocolate Truffles. Both are delicious alternatives to this healthy version.
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