Peanut Butter Bliss Balls (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Peanut Butter Bliss Balls are a perfect delicious and nutritious snack for all peanut butter lovers. They are made with five simple ingredients, including soft and creamy Medjool dates, smooth peanut butter and dry roasted peanuts resulting in a wonderful sweet and salty healthy treat.

WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE?

• These peanut butter bliss balls are made with only 5 whole ingredients and take just a couple minutes to prepare.
• They are packed with nutrients, such as protein, healthy fats and fiber.
• They are naturally gluten free, dairy free and vegan.
• They are very portable – easy to bring as a healthy snack on the go.
• Kids and toddlers love them!
• They will stay fresh for weeks in the fridge or months in the freezer.
• These raw date balls are absolutely delicious!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Peanut Butter: smooth all-natural peanut butter will work best. Peanuts should be the only ingredient on the label (salt is ok, too). My favorite all-natural peanut butter brand is Teddie because it doesn’t separate.

Medjool Dates: sweet and sticky, dates act as a an excellent base for bliss balls and help them hold together.

Dry Roasted Peanuts: to add another layer of texture and peanut flavor to these energy balls.

Ground Flaxseed: for extra healthy fat and fiber.

Coconut Flour: I like to use coconut flour in bliss balls because it’s a soft, naturally grain- and gluten-free flour that helps the bliss balls get the right texture.

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER BLISS BALLS

Step 1: Pre-soak the dates. This step will ensure that your Medjool dates are super soft and creamy.

Step 2: Chop the peanuts. Pulse dry roasted peanuts in a food processor several times until finely chopped.

Step 3: Add dates and the remaining ingredients and process until smooth. The dough should stick together when pressed between fingers. If it’s too crumbly, add a tablespoon or two of cold water and pulse a couple more times until you are able to roll balls.

Step 4: Roll the balls. The easiest way is to use a small cookie scoop and then use your hands to form 14-15 balls the size of walnuts.

Step 5: Refrigerate to set. Place the bliss balls in the fridge for at least 1h or in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.

Enjoy the balls chilled for a healthy sweet after dinner treat or a post-workout snack. You can also eat them frozen, though allow at least 5 minutes to thaw for best results.

STORAGE AND FREEZING TIPS

Store the Peanut Butter Bliss Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Are bliss balls the same thing as energy balls?

Pretty much. Healthy balls made with dates (or other dried fruit) and nuts go by a couple different names that are essentially interchangeable, including “bliss balls”, “energy balls”, “protein balls” or “raw date balls”. Sometimes they are also called “energy bites”.

What makes bliss balls stick together?

In the case of these Peanut Butter Bliss Balls, it is dates that are sticky enough to help the balls hold its shape. Dates are most commonly used as a base of bliss balls but sometimes it’s other dried fruit. Try my delicious Apricot Bliss Balls for protein balls made with dried apricots and toasted coconut.

Are these bliss balls healthy?

Yes! These balls are a great sweet snack that’s high in protein, healthy fat and fiber that’s also gluten-free, refined sugar-free and entirely plant-based.

Are energy balls low carb?

No. Though these balls use no added sugars or grains, dates are naturally sweet which makes them a high carb food. However, other ingredients in date balls, such as nuts, nut butters and seeds make them a well-rounded nutritious snack that’s also high in other macros, such as protein, good fats and fiber.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

I prefer to use smooth but if all you have is crunchy peanut butter, it should also work. You may skip the dry roasted peanuts when using crunchy butter.

MORE HEALTHY SNACKS TO TRY

Chocolate Bliss Balls
Apricot Bliss Balls
Almond Butter Rice Crispy Cups
Banana Peanut Butter Cookies
Banana Cherry Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies