It was a chilly afternoon when I decided to rummage through my pantry in search of a healthy snack that could uplift my spirits. As I pulled out a variety of nuts and seeds, inspiration struck! I thought about how I could combine these nutritious ingredients into something delightful yet simple. And so, the idea for Nutty Seed Bliss Balls was born. These little bites of joy are packed with flavor, energy, and a delightful crunch that makes them perfect for snacking any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds)
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
Begin by placing the mixed nuts in a food processor. Pulse them a few times until they break down into a coarse meal, being careful not to over-process them into nut butter. Next, add the seeds to the food processor and pulse them together with the nuts until well combined.
Now, it’s time to introduce the dates. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. Drain and add the dates to the mixture in the food processor, along with the nut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Pulse until everything is thoroughly combined, and a sticky dough forms. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything is mixed well.
If you prefer a bit of texture, you can fold in the shredded coconut at this stage. It adds a lovely tropical twist to the bliss balls. Once your mixture is ready, use your hands to roll it into small, bite-sized balls, about the size of a tablespoon. You can coat them in more shredded coconut if you like, giving them a beautiful finish.
Place the bliss balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once they are set, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week – if they last that long!
These Nutty Seed Bliss Balls provide the ideal energy boost for busy days, a post-workout snack, or a sweet treat that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. I often enjoy them while sipping my afternoon tea, reminiscing about that cozy day in my kitchen when these little delights were created.