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

15-minute no-bake bliss balls for kids. Ready in 15 minutes made with real food ingredients for the ultimate easy gluten-free snack bites. A brain-boosting, healthy bliss ball recipe packed with healthy fats to satisfy that chocolate craving.

Jump to:

• 👪Why You'll Love These Bliss Balls
• 🥑Are These Bliss Balls Kid Approved?
• 🧠Brain Benefits of Bliss Balls
• 🌰Simple Ingredients
• 💡Perfect Bliss Balls Recipe Tips
• 👩🏽‍🍳Instructions: How to Make Bliss Balls
• ⏲️ Time-Saving Tip
• 🍫Substitutions & Variations
• 🥡Storage
• ❔FAQ
• 🥣Pairing and More Healthy Snacks
• 📖 Recipe
• Information Source:

Stuck in a snack rut? Looking for a healthy snack recipe that's both kid-approved and packed with nutrients? You're in the right place! Much like our high-protein chocolate mouse recipe, we are always creating easy, healthy, and kid-approved recipes here.

That's because, as a mom and health scientist, I get the struggle of finding snacks that tick all the boxes. That's why I'm thrilled to share another one of our family's favorite snack recipe: No-Bake Bliss Balls for Kids.

Healthy Brain Boosting Snack

As someone deeply passionate about health and nutrition, I've always been a big advocate for including healthy fats in our diets. And let's be real, with all the confusing diet trends out there, it's easy to get mixed messages about what's good for us and our little ones. That's why I'm here to set the record straight and bring you a snack that's not just a hit with the kiddos but also packed with the good stuff – yes, I'm talking about those brain-boosting, healthy fats!

Healthy fats are essential, not just for nutrient absorption and hormone production but also for maintaining robust cell membranes (1,2). Most importantly, they are critical for brain development in both kids and adults. And no, we're not talking about fats from processed sources. We're focusing on the natural, beneficial fats found in ingredients like walnuts, avocado, and hemp seeds - all stars in our bliss ball recipe.

These easy-to-make chocolate bliss balls are more than just a treat; they're a powerhouse of nutrition. Perfect for a homemade snack or a healthy dessert, they cater to everyone in the family, especially those looking for grain-free or gluten-free options.

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.

👪Why You'll Love These Bliss Balls

My family loves these healthy bliss balls for kids and here is why:

• Quick and Easy: With just a food processor and 15 minutes, you can whip up these little balls without any mess or hassle.
• Long Shelf Life: These vegan energy balls can be stored at room temperature, in the fridge, or even in the freezer so you can have a healthy snack ready whenever you need it.
• Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Made from real food ingredients. Our bliss balls for kids were created to be packed with healthy fats from walnuts, avocado, and hemp seeds. These are not only essential for kids' brain development but also aid in nutrient absorption.
• Great Snack for Kids, or post-workout: These bite-sized snacks are perfect as an after-school snack or to refuel after a workout for that energy boost!
• Versatile HealthyTreat: This recipe is flexible. You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. Plus, it can be served as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast on the go.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: When sticking to gluten-free diets it can feel frustrating to find healthy and delicious alternatives, but this gluten-free bliss ball is made with gluten-free ingredients (and no oats).

🥑Are These Bliss Balls Kid Approved?

• 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.

Remember, the healthy fats in these healthy bliss balls are crucial not just for brain development but also for nutrient absorption. Choosing healthy fats from whole food ingredients is essential, which is why these healthy bliss balls are perfect - it's a nutritious, kid-friendly snack that's incredibly tasty and beneficial for the whole family!

🧠Brain Benefits of Bliss Balls

Let's chat about something close to my heart. I'm super passionate about supporting our kids' health through food, especially when it comes to their ever-growing and ever-amazing brains. As a mom with a background in neuroscience, I'm all about figuring out how to utilize those whole food ingredients in recipes that my kids love.

And guess what? Our date ball recipe does just that! Here's why:

Boosting Brain and Gut Health: It's a No-Brainer!

1. Super Fats for Super Brains: The walnuts in this recipe are bursting with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, essential for brain development and function (1). Avocados, on the other hand, are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (the good kind!) and DHA, both known to promote healthy brain function and help nutrient aborption (2). These fats are like sending our kids to school with the best tutors money can buy.
2. Sweet Gut Protectors: Dates, our naturally sweet superheroes, are high in fiber, which is a key player in promoting a healthy digestive system (3, 4). But the cool part? This fiber also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in our gut. So, we're not just sweetening the deal; we're nurturing a healthy gut microbiome, too!
3. The Brain-Gut Superhighway: Scientists have found a profound connection between our gut and our brain, meaning when we take care of our gut, we're also taking care of our brain (5). And with the fiber-rich dates and healthy fats from avocados and walnuts in our recipe, we're giving a first-class ticket to our kids' gut and brain health. It's like a two-for-one deal!
4. Anti-Inflammatory Trio: This recipe is like a trifecta of anti-inflammatory goodness (4, 6, 7). So, every bite of these date balls is like sending in a mini anti-inflammatory army to support our kiddos' brain health. It's not about who's the strongest, it's about the power of working together! Let's break it down:

So, these vegan energy balls aren't just perfect for snack time, they are also a brain-boosting, gut-loving, taste-bud-tickling powerhouse! As a scientist and a mom, I can't think of a better way to sneak in so much goodness. Your kids (and their happy, healthy brains!) will thank you.

🌰Simple Ingredients

Our healthy energy bites are the perfect energy booster and have become my go-to for quick, healthy snacks. They strike the perfect balance of sweetness and a delightfully chewy texture. Here is what you will need for this simple recipe:

Main ingredients:

• Walnuts: A fantastic source of healthy fats with an earthy creamy flavor, walnuts provide the ideal base for these healthy bliss balls. They blend beautifully to create a fantastic texture.
• Medjool dates (pitted): I've tried several types of dates, but Medjool dates are my favorite hands down. Larger, sweeter, with a caramel-like taste that makes our bliss balls irresistibly delicious. A natural sweetener meaning no added sugar needed for our healthy bliss balls!
• Avocado: If you're wondering how these date balls stay so soft and chewy, avocado is the answer. It brings moisture and helps build that creamy texture while increasing the healthy fats!
• Hemp seeds: I love adding hemp seeds for a little texture variation.
• Cocoa powder: I couldn't resist adding cocoa powder - it brings a chocolatey richness that my kids (and I) love. Coco helps balance out the sweetness from the dates, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Maple syrup: This is an optional ingredient for a slightly sweeter version. My kiddos definitely have a sweet tooth and as a mom, I've learned to pick my battles. A little extra natural sugar is worth it to ensure these healthy fat bites are devoured.
• (Optional) Additional seeds: I sometimes sprinkle in pumpkin seeds or chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost.

For full quantities check out the recipe card.

👩🏽‍🍳Instructions: How to Make Bliss Balls

Are you ready for the easiest healthy bliss balls recipe ever? No, really – you don't even have to turn on the oven. These no-bake bliss balls are ready before the kids even finish their homework!

Step 1: Prep:

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:

Now comes the fun part – add all your ingredients into the food processor. Process for about 3 minutes until a dough forms. Then place the date mixture into a small bowl.

• Pro tip: Not sure if your dough is ready? Look for a sticky mixture that holds together when you press it between your fingers.

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 small balls. The size is really a personal preference but I like them about 1-inch wide so they are bite-sized balls. Keep going until you've transformed all that tasty dough into balls.

Step 4: Cocoa Coating:

Next, get your cocoa powder ready in a shallow bowl or plate. Then place bliss balls into the bowl and roll gently until it's completely coated. Feel free to give them a second roll if you're a big fan of chocolate.

Step 5: Chill Out or Dig In:

Once you've coated all your date balls, you can eat the energy date balls 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.

• Pro Tip: If you want to add a little extra pizzazz, try drizzling some homemade chocolate syrup on top. Just warm up ¼ cup of plant milk (oat works well) until it's almost boiling, then add about ½ cup of dark chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute then stir. Voila! You can dip or drizzle this over your energy bites for an extra touch of fancy.

🍫Substitutions & Variations

We all know that no two kitchens (or taste buds!) are the same. So, I want to make sure these bliss balls fit seamlessly into your life so you have healthy snacking options! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

Substitutions:

• Medjool dates: if you don't have Medjool dates you can use regular dates but you may have to add more of them.
• No Walnuts: You can replace the walnuts with an equal amount of pumpkin seeds or oats. However, keep in mind that this may affect the texture of your date balls. They won't be as creamy, and you may need to add in some natural peanut butter or sunflower seed butter to compensate.
• No Avocado: If you're out of avocados or simply want to try something different, bananas or peanut butter make good substitutes. Bananas make the texture a bit softer and wetter, while peanut butter adds a unique flavor twist.
• No Hemp Seeds: Chia seeds are an excellent substitute for hemp seeds. I have used this substitution often. They'll add a bit of a crunch but also provide similar nutritional benefits.
• No Maple Syrup: If you prefer your vegan energy balls less sweet or are looking to cut down on sugar, feel free to omit the maple syrup. You can add in some vanilla extract to still get a sweet flavor.
• No Cocoa Powder: Not a fan of cocoa or just want to switch it up? Try carob powder, or roll your date balls in hemp seeds, shredded coconut flakes, chocolate sprinkles, or even a dash of cinnamon (just don't go overboard with the cinnamon!).

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.

Remember, the kitchen is your playground. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Delicious recipes are the ones that are tweaked to perfection!

🥡Storage

Room Temperature: This date ball recipe can be left out at room temperature in an airtight container. They stay good for about two days, and I love the convenience of just grabbing one whenever I walk by.

Fridge: If you're not devouring these as fast as my family does, the fridge is your friend. They firm up nicely and taste delicious cold. Plus, they last longer - up to a week. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container, and you're golden!

Freezer: If you're making these date balls in batches (which I highly recommend), the freezer is a lifesaver. They'll last in there for up to three months. Yes, you read that right – three months of healthy, tasty snacks ready to go! Plus, they make for an unexpectedly delightful cold treat. I sometimes pretend they're mini ice-cream balls.

Top tip: Remember, the best way to store your date balls recipe depends on how quickly you plan to eat them and what texture you prefer. But whether at room temperature, chilled, or frozen, these date balls are always a hit in my household!

❔FAQ

🥣Pairing and More Healthy Snacks

I hope you loved these healthy bliss balls for kids as much as we did, it is definitely at the top of our favourite snack list! For more healthy snacks for kids be sure to check out these: We also Love our vegan cheese balls!

Until then, tchau

📖 Recipe

Information Source:

1. Pribis, P., Bailey, R. N., Russell, A. A., Kilsby, M. A., Hernandez, M., Craig, W. J., Grajales, T., Shavlik, D. J., & Sabaté, J. (2012). Effects of Walnut Consumption on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults. British Journal of Nutrition, 107(9), 1393–1401.
2. cott, T. M., Rasmussen, H. M., Chen, O., & Johnson, E. J. (2017). Avocado Consumption Increases Macular Pigment Density in Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 9(9), 919.
3. Al-Farsi, M. A., & Lee, C. Y. (2008). Nutritional and functional properties of dates: a review. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 48(10), 877-87.
4. Dreher, M. L., & Davenport, A. J. (2013). Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 53(7), 738-50.
5. Cryan, J. F., O'Riordan, K. J., Cowan, C. S., Sandhu, K. V., Bastiaanssen, T. F., Boehme, M., ... & Peterson, V. L. (2019). The microbiota-gut-brain axis. Physiological Reviews, 99(4), 1877-2013. doi:10.1152/physrev.00018.2018.
6. González-Castejón, M., Rodriguez-Casado, A. (2011). Dietary phytochemicals and their potential effects on obesity: A review. Pharmacological Research, 64(5), 438-455.
7. Vinson, J. A., Zubik, L., Bose, P., Samman, N., Proch, J. (2005). Dried fruits: Excellent in vitro and in vivo antioxidants. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 24(1), 44-50.