I love these Cranberry, Date & Cashew Bliss Balls, such an easy and versatile recipe
Even the title sounds delicious! I am in love with Bliss Balls, how I got to my ancient 35 years old without discovering these I have no idea. Chances are high that it’s because I’m not in the healthy department of any café or recipe book! Well with the discovery of these and using the gorgeous dried fruit from Sunreal this is all about to change!
Bliss Balls are little balls chock full of goodness, usually made with dried fruit, nuts or seeds, coconut and bound with coconut oil, rice syrup or honey. They are healthy and a wonderful tasty alternative to a biscuit at afternoon tea time!
There are so many possible combinations you can absolutely experiment with your favourite dried fruits, seeds and nuts flavours. I am a huge fan of using cranberries in both savoury and sweet dishes and these cranberries are really plump and flavoursome unlike some I have used which seem quite shrivelled and past their best!
Using the dates and cocoa gives this a lovely richness that meant my kids were instantly fans of the “Chocolate Bliss Balls”, they are dense and sticky and would make a perfect “take-a-plate” dish to any gathering. You can use raw cacao in place of cocoa but it is not something I have in my cupboards.
Coconut Oil is the king of oils, but if you have none and do not wish to buy some you can substitute with a TBSP of honey, or leave it out altogether if you prefer, it is a really sticky mixture I find so may easily come together with no added liquid.
One of the great things about Bliss Balls is they can be stored in the freezer, so you can make lots of batches ahead of time, store them and bring them out when you need them. You serve them cold from the fridge so they last really well.
I will be sharing lots more Bliss Ball recipes over the coming weeks so you are sure to find a combination you love! They would be perfect for the ladies after golf, on the Christmas table or in kids lunch boxes, they are perfect!
You can also try my Apricot & Coconut version, so easy and delicious
Here is my latest recipe, Cranberry, Date & Cashew Bliss Balls – you will love it!
Cranberry, Date & Cashew Bliss Balls
Delicious and oh so versatile!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Dried Cranberries, 150 grams
- 1/2 Cup Dried Dates, 75 grams
- 1 Cup Cashews, 125 grams
- 2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder, 12 grams
- 1 Tablespoon desiccated coconut (plus more for rolling)
- 1-2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil (15-30mls) (I found 1 was plenty) - If you do not wish to use coconut oil, leave this out completely as it is quite a sticky mixture - or use a TBSP of honey or Rice Syrup if you prefer.
Optional
- Zest of 1 Orange
Instructions
- Place the cranberries and dates in a small bowl and cover in boiling water for a 2-3 minutes to soften then drain off water
- Put the cashews in a food processor and pulse until they are blitzed into tiny bits
- Add the cranberries, dates, cocoa powder and coconut and blitz to form a paste
- Add the melted coconut oil slowly while pulsing the mixture until it comes together to form a sticky dough - I found 1 Tablespoon was plenty sticky enough!
- Roll the dough into small balls and roll them in coconut to coat the outside then place on a tray
- Freeze for 30 minutes then enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to eat them
This recipe has been adapted from one I have found from the very clever Liz at I Spy Plum Pie – but there are so many varieties out there you can never have too many!
I am looking forward to sharing more lovely recipes with you over the coming weeks, such a great way to sweeten your food without using a lot of extra sugar and packed full of flavour!
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my latest recipes on my blog. If you are not already be sure to follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more deliciousness, and you can register your email in the subscription box below to receive all my recipes as I publish them.
Happy Baking
Anna
Tara says
These were really yummy, I love the addition of the orange zest. Didn’t have enough cranberries so subbed with dried apricot, as I’d just made the apricot ones aswell
justamumnz says
Wonderful! I’m so pleased you enjoyed them ☺️
julia Denny says
i want to make these but only have roasted cashews not fresh, is this ok?
justamumnz says
Yes totally fine to use roasted if that is what you have on hand.
Bianca says
I love this recipe SO much I make them all the time! Can these be frozen?
justamumnz says
Yes definitely can be frozen
Claudia Sterling says
Made this recipe for the first time tonight. Recipe was easy to follow and the balls turned out great! I tried adding some dried apricots with the dates and cranberries – Delicious!
Thanks for the amazing recipe,
Claudia, aged 11.
justamumnz says
Awesome Claudia! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Such a good recipe, and great idea to add a few different things to it.
Bex says
Gonna give these a go!
I love how you’re so real and honest, a lot of bloggers go way OTT with pretending that cacao and coconut oil and random sugars are what you keep in your pantry on the regular. You always have a good balance and I admire you for that!
justamumnz says
Thank you Bex! I share what we enjoy with ingredients found in our cupboard. Sometimes I wish I were more fancy but I’ve got to be authentic! Xx
Prachee says
Made these today using different nuts. The variations that can be made are amazing!! Quick, easy and healthy recipe!
justamumnz says
I’m so pleased you are enjoying it! I love that you can taste as you go and add a little of this and that ?
Aleena says
Really healthy recipe. Definitely I am going to try it.
Lesley says
These are so yummy and very easy to make
justamumnz says
Glad you like them! 🙂
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
I’m totally with you on a love of Bliss Balls. These ones sounds incredible!!! What a fab flavour combo. xxx
justamumnz says
Thanks, cannot wait to share more variations, the possibilities are endless!