Celebrate the silly season with a guilt-free treat — my Chocolate Covered Christmas Bliss Balls. Each bite-sized ball is the perfect blend of sweet and satisfying that comes from all vegan ingredients. If you're looking for a dairy-free chocolate option that captures the spirit of the holidays, this is it. Ready? Let's cook it together!
How To Make Chocolate Balls At Home?
All this week, I have been playing in the test kitchen perfecting my series of healthy alternatives for Christmastime favourites. One of my passions is making not-so-healthy recipes with wholefood ingredients to see if I can come up with a healthier version, and these Christmas Chocolate Covered Bliss Balls are one such recipe.
Unlike store-bought chocolate and bliss balls, this homemade recipe contains heaps less sugar, no fillers, additives or flavour enhancers. It focuses only on superfood ingredients such as nutrient-rich coconut oil and raw cacao, an excellent source of magnesium. Here's why its healthier to make these at home:
High in Protein: using almond flour and protein powder boosts the protein content of these bliss balls and other recipes. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function; you need at least 50-70g of protein per day.
Good Fats: almond flour and nut butters provide healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help keep you feeling satisfied.
Nutrient-Dense: almond flour is also rich in nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients contribute to overall your health and well-being.
Natural Sweeteners: this recipe uses natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which, in moderation, provide sweetness along with essential nutrients (compared to refined sugars).
No Refined Flour or Sugar: almond flour is a gluten-free alternative to traditional flours, and the recipe avoids refined sugars, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivity or those looking to reduce their intake of refined carbohydrates.
Make It Your Own: customise this recipe easily by adding chia seeds or flaxseeds for additional fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, by mixing up the nut butter used or by adding other superfood powders such as acai, maca root, spirulina etc. Swap out the protein powder to one that aligns with your dietary preferences and needs (whey, casein, plantbased etc).
Portion Control: this recipe yields bite-sized bliss balls, making it easier to practice portion control. They can be a convenient snack option without the risk of overeating; great when you're flat-out from Christmas shopping and need an energy boost.
It's important to note that while this wholefood recipe has several health benefits, moderation is still important--you can overdo it on the healthy stuff too!
On a budget? Making homemade treats and desserts is a great way to save money. Most of the ingredients are fairly inexpensive and can be used for many recipes and home baking. When you compare the cost of store-bought bliss balls filled with excess sugar and fillers, the cost of making your own with wholefood ingredients can't be compared (in my opinion).
Food allergies, not problem! Since you are making these bliss balls from scratch, you are in full control over the ingredients. This means you can omit and swap out any ingredient as needed to suit food sensitivities, allergies and dietary requirements. For example, almond flour is a great gluten-free option and is packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients that doesn't compromise on taste. Switch whey-based protein powder with a brown rice/pea version for plantbased or vegan diets. Use stevia instead of honey or maple syrup to make a diabetic-friendly version of this recipe. Once you realise the potential of home cooking for your unique dietary needs, I bet you'll be hooked!
Free Sample Meal Plan
Download a sample of one of my Meal Plans featuring a few of my nutritious and super easy-to-make recipes!
Vegan Chocolate Sauce Ingredients
First, you need to make the chocolate sauce, and I promise you, its super easy. It's made with superfoods and other wholefood ingredients to create a guilt-free chocolate treat, the perfect swap for Christmas chocolates, or any time!
Coconut Oil: is predominantly composed of saturated fats, but it contains a unique type of saturated fat called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). The MCTs in coconut oil help increase feelings of fullness and can boost your metabolism promoting fat burning.
Protein Powder: provides a satiating feed and helps to balance blood sugar levels. It can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, yoghurt, or even baked goods, for an extra boost.
Raw Cacao: is a potent source of antioxidants, and undergoes minimal processing, preserving more of its natural nutrients compared to conventional cocoa powder or chocolate. Raw cacao is also a good source of essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.
These key ingredients provide a nutritious based for a healthy, homemade chocolate sauce that is rich in nutrients and low in sugar. You control the ingredients, so by choosing wholefood options, can enjoy a very healthy alternative to store-bought chocolate.
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Chocolate Covered Christmas Bliss Balls
These chocolate covered protein bliss balls are a deliciously good option for sugary Christmas chocolates and bonbons. They provide all the chocolate flavour in a satisfying treat without the excess carbs or sugar. By using almond flour, they are also fully gluten-free making them a delightful surprise gift to friends and family who are coeliac or gluten sensitive.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
1 cup almond flour, unbleached
1/4 cup chocolate protein powder, vegan
1/4 cup nut butter, runny type (almond butter or peanut butter)
2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp raw cacao powder, organic
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch of rock salt
METHOD
In a large bowl, combine almond flour, protein powder, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients well until they form a dough-like consistency. If you're using chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts, add them to the mixture and combine evenly.
Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more honey or maple syrup. You can also use stevia instead. Then, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place on a lined baking tray until all the dough is used up. Then, roll each ball in the Chocolate Sauce (below) to coat evenly. Place the bliss balls back on the lined tray and pop them in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Once chilled, the bliss balls are ready to eat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer until needed to serve. They will last up to 4-6 months in the freezer and stay fresh for 1 month in the fridge.
The Chocolate Sauce Recipe
For this healthy version of chocolate sauce you only need a few basic ingredients. It is very easy to make, and is made highly nutritious by the superfood ingredients.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
1 cup coconut oil, organic
3 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon, ground
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 pinch of rock salt
To make, first add the oil to a bowl and melt the coconut oil in the microwave. Once melted, add the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine. As long as the sauce mixture is warm, the coconut oil will remain runny. Taste test and adjust the sweetness to your preferences.
To use the sauce, take one of the bliss balls and roll in the sauce mix to coat evenly. Place the chocolate covered bliss ball on a lined baking tray and repeat the process for each ball.
Batch Cook & Meal Prep
Yes, you can easily meal prep these bliss balls for entertaining. You'll need to double or triple the recipe depending on the number of of bliss balls you need. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and can be prepared days or even weeks before the treats are required. if you store the bliss balls in a sealed plastic tub, they will keep in the freezer for up to six months. To thaw, leave in a tub in the fridge overnight. Just remember, at room temperature, the coconut oil will start to soften and may melt. For this reason, these chocolate treats are best stored in the fridge or freezer until you need to serve them.
Want more holiday wholefood recipes like these? You might like my Healthy Holiday Dessert Cookbook full of easy, festive recipe for the Christmas season. Click here to grab your copy!
Emma Lisa, Nutritionist & Women's Practitioner
Emma Lisa is a Nutritionist & Women's Health Practitioner with over 12+ years expereince in wholefood nutrition, meal planning and health coaching. She is a published cookbook author, passionate food recipe creator and lifestyle blogger, and an advocate for women's health and anti-diet culture. When she's not in clinic, Emma is mum to five kids, in her test kitchen and a wellness digital creator. She lives in Sydney, Australia.
Healthy + happiness,
Emma Lisa xx
HEALTH & NUTRITION PRACTITIONER
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