Are you on the lookout for a delicious and healthy snack that your kids and the whole family will love? Look no further than these delectable chocolate orange bliss balls! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also pack in plenty of essential nutrients.
These no bake date balls combine the natural sweetness of dates with rich cocoa powder and zesty orange zest, resulting in a delightful, attractive snack or dessert. They are sure to get the kids coming back for more, whilst also providing a wholesome alternative to store-bought snacks.
Reasons to love these easy chocolate orange bliss balls
- They can be made in less than 15 minutes
- They require no cooking
- Packed with healthy ingredients, as they include dates and cashew nuts.
- Perfect for a snack or dessert
- Great as finger foods in lunchboxes and picnics
- Perfect for children 1 year upwards
- Nutritious alternative to store- bought snacks
- Just 4 ingredients and gluten free
Energy balls for kids
Energy balls or also known as bliss balls are a great way to get some extra nutrition into your child if they struggle at mealtimes and enjoy snacks. These no sugar chocolate orange energy balls are just perfect for little tummies on the go all day.
The dates contain natural sweetness alongside plenty of fibre, potassium and calcium. Dates are also known to help with constipation, If you have a child who struggles with this then having dates in the diet could really help get things moving. If you’re not sure if your child is constipated then you may like to check out this blog Is My Toddler Constipated And What Are The Best Foods To Help Relieve Them?
The other nutritious ingredient in this recipe is cashew nuts. Although you could use other nuts if these are preferred. Cashew nuts contain healthy fats, protein. They are also a good source of magnesium and other minerals. Cashew nuts add a bit more texture and crunch too without adding any more flavour.
Bliss ball Ingredients
Heres what I included in this recipe or what you need to make them.
Dates
I used partially rehydrated pitted dried dates from the supermarket. They are no particular type of dates, just regular dates but you can use which variety you like as long as they are dried without stones (pitted) or it will take more work to remove them.
Cacoa or cocoa powder
Use regular cocoa powder that is 100% cocoa, so with no added sugar.
Cashew nuts
Whole or chopped plain cashew nuts without any salt or seasoning.
Orange juice and zest
Makes a perfect partner to chocolate.
How to make choc orange bliss balls
Step 1. Tear the dates with your hands into the food processor
Step 2. Measure out all the other ingredients and put in the food processor. Whizz until forming a paste. It will have some small pieces of chopped nuts visible.
Step 3. Roll the mixture into balls using the palms of your hands.
Step 4. Roll in your choice of toppings. They can be left without toppings but it makes them look more colouful with toppings. (optional)
Step 5. Place in the fridge to firm up for about 30 minutes.
Variations
Nut free – make them nut free by substituting the cashew nuts for some fine oats. Other alternatives to nuts could be seeds like sunflower seeds.
Different nuts – not keen on cashew nuts then use walnuts or pecans which would work well too.
Additions – for more richness add some chocolate chips or add some extra nutrition and crunch with some seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Recipe FAQ
How to serve to kids
As they are quite sticky they are easy to coat in various toppings to make them look more colourful and appealing to kids. You can try different toppings such as
- Cocoa powder
- Finely grated chocolate
- Shredded coconut
- Chia seeds
- Sprinkles
- Freeze dried raspberry or strawberry pieces
- Orange zest
- icing (using a icing or gel pen).
- Edible eyes. Make faces by adding edible eyes and use icing tubes to add a mouth and nose.
Coating the chocolate orange bliss balls in different toppings is a great way to get kids involved. Other fun ways to get them involved could be putting them on lolly sticks or cake pop sticks so they look like lollies.
Portion sizes
For toddlers or young kids you can break these balls in smaller chunks as they are quite sticky and chewy. You don’t want them putting the whole ball in their mouths.
How do I store?
Store these bliss balls in the fridge inside an airtight container. They will keep for up to 5 days (if they last that long)!
Chocolate orange balls recipe
Chocolate orange bliss balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates without stones
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts unsalted
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder unsweetned
- 1/2 orange zest and juice
Instructions
- Tear the dates into strips and put into a food processor
- Add the other ingredients (cashew nuts, cocoa powder, zest and juice of half a orange) to the processor and blend until coming together but still has some small lumps.
- Take a walnut size piece and roll into a ball using the palm of your hands. Continue with the rest of the mixture.
- Roll the mixture into a choice of coatings (cocoa powder, sprinkles, chia seeds etc)
- Store in a airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
Make sure to tag me on Instagram @childrensnutritionist_ so I can see and share your creations!
Other popular recipes you will love
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chocolate orange date balls no nuts
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Snacks for kids
Like some more easy snack ideas for kids? Then you might like to check out this healthy snack kids guide for 1 – 4 year olds. It includes what makes a healthy snack, portion sizes and snack ideas for inspiration.
If you would like more family friendly recipes then you might like to check out my blog
This post has been included by Twinkl among their top picks for Delicious Easter Treats for Springtime Snacking
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