Healthy Bliss Balls for Kids (No-Bake, Gluten-Free)

Healthy snack alert! Our no-bake healthy bliss balls for kids are ready in just 15 minutes for a kid-favorite snack featuring rich chocolatey flavors and a creamy nutty texture.

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✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!

Today, we are continuing our easy, healthy snack recipe with one of my kids' favorite after-school treats! Our healthy bliss balls for kids feature rich chocolate flavors with a nutty, creamy texture.

The best part? It requires no baking and is ready in 15 minutes! Perfect as an afternoon snack, post-workout treat, or when you need something on the go! Just as delicious as our high-protein chocolate mouse recipe!

Packed full of healthy fats our easy-to-make chocolate bliss balls are more than just a treat; they're a powerhouse of nutrition. With 3 boys at home, I am always creating healthy snacks that focus on gluten-free and nutritious ingredients. So if you are looking for more healthy snacks, check out our chocolatey, fudgy, gluten-free, dairy-free brownies, or our easy creamy oat milk chocolate chia pudding.

🌰Simple Ingredients

Our healthy energy bites are the perfect energy booster and have become my go-to for quick, healthy snacks. Here is what you will need for this simple recipe:

• Walnuts: These are my go-to for a creamy, earthy base. Walnuts are packed with Omega-3s and blend into the perfect texture for these bliss balls. Plus, they add a slight nuttiness that complements the chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Medjool Dates (pitted): I always choose Medjool dates for their caramel-like sweetness and soft, sticky texture. They act as both a natural sweetener and a binder—no need for added sugar!
• Avocado: A secret ingredient that keeps these bliss balls irresistibly soft and creamy. Avocado also adds a dose of healthy fats to keep little tummies satisfied longer.
• Hemp Seeds: I love the subtle crunch and nutty flavor these tiny seeds bring. They’re also a powerhouse of protein and Omega-3s, making these bites even more nutritious.
• Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder brings a rich chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness from the dates. It’s like a healthy version of your favorite chocolate truffle!
• Maple Syrup (optional): My kiddos sometimes want a touch more sweetness, so I’ll drizzle in a bit of maple syrup. It’s a natural way to boost the sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Optional Seeds (Pumpkin or Chia): For an extra crunch or nutritional boost, I like tossing in a handful of pumpkin seeds or chia seeds. They’re optional, but they take the nutrient profile up a notch!

For full quantities check out the recipe card.

👩🏽‍🍳Instructions: How to Make Bliss Balls

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

First things first, gather all your ingredients and take out the food processor (or high-speed blender). Make sure your fresh dates are pitted and that your avocado is ripe.

Step 2: Blend and Mix:

Add all your ingredients into the food processor. Process for about 3 minutes until a dough forms. Look for a sticky mixture that holds together when you press it between your fingers. Then place the date mixture into a small bowl.

Step 3: Shape 'em Up:

With a spoon or a small ice cream scooper, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time. Then, roll it between your hands to form 1-inch wide small balls. The size is really a personal preference but I like them as bite-sized balls.

Step 4: Cocoa Coating:

INto a small shallow bow, add your cocoa powder. Then place each bliss balls into the bowl and roll gently until it's completely coated.

Step 5: Chill Out or Dig In:

Once you've coated all your date balls, you can eat them right away, or if you prefer, place them onto a baking sheet and let them chill in the fridge for about an hour. They also freeze well, making them a perfect make-ahead snack.

🧒🏻Tips for Kids: Will They Like This?

• Naturally Sweet: The Medjool dates give these balls a natural sweetness that kids love and are perfect for that sweet tooth. It's a great way to introduce them to healthier snack options without compromising on taste.
• Fun and Hands-on: The process of making these date balls can be a fun activity for kids. They'll love the hands-on experience of rolling the dough into balls and coating them in cocoa powder.
• Feels Like a Treat: Although these date balls are packed with nutrients, they feel and taste like a decadent dessert. It's a clever way to sneak in healthy ingredients into a picky eater's diet.
• Customizable: If your child isn't a fan of any ingredient, you can easily swap it out. Check out the substitution section for how to swap out ingredients.

🍴Recipe Variations:

1. Chocolate Chips: Want to double up on the chocolate? Add some chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey surprise.
2. No bake peanut butter balls: If you're a peanut butter fan (or almond butter), try replacing the avocado with an equal amount of peanut butter. We love this version almost as much as the original recipe. You'll get a deliciously different flavor profile that might just become your new favorite!
3. High protein snack balls: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make protein bites and up the nutrition in this recipe. This is a great trick for picky eaters or if you want a more filling snack for those busy days. I make a batch of this no bake protein balls on busy weeks (with chocolate protein powder) when I need a quick post-workout refuel.
4. Oats and Seeds: For a bit of extra texture, try adding oats or other seeds of your choice to the mix. We love adding sunflower seeds or rolling these in toasted sesame seeds.