Vegan Nutty Bliss Bites: A Decadent, Addictive Treat!

Recipe Overview:
If you’re looking for a vegan treat that’s irresistibly decadent, nutty, and oh-so-addictive, then look no further! These Vegan Nutty Bliss Bites are the perfect sweet snack for when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying. Whether you’re craving something to satisfy your sweet tooth or need a quick energy boost, these little bites are packed with nutrients, healthy fats, and the perfect amount of natural sweetness to keep you coming back for more.

Made with wholesome ingredients like nuts, oats, and medjool dates, these bliss bites are vegan, gluten-free, and packed with energy-boosting nutrients. These are not only delicious, but they also make for a healthier option when you’re in need of a snack or looking to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Plus, they come together in minutes, making them the ultimate quick treat for busy days. So let’s dive into this recipe!

Ingredients (Makes 12-15 Bliss Bites)

  • Raw Almonds – 1 cup (can substitute with cashews, walnuts, or pecans)
  • Oats – 1/2 cup (use gluten-free oats if needed)
  • Medjool Dates – 8 large, pitted (for natural sweetness and chewy texture)
  • Natural Peanut Butter (or almond butter) – 1/4 cup (unsweetened)
  • Cocoa Powder (unsweetened) – 2 tablespoons (adds a rich, chocolatey flavor)
  • Chia Seeds – 1 tablespoon (optional, adds fiber and omega-3s)
  • Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (for a subtle, sweet flavor)
  • Maple Syrup or Agave – 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Sea Salt – a pinch (enhances sweetness and balances the flavors)
  • Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Dark Chocolate – 1/4 cup (optional, for an indulgent touch)
  • Shredded Coconut – 2 tablespoons (optional, for texture and extra flavor)
  • Water – 2-3 tablespoons (for binding the mixture)

Nutritional Information (per Bliss Bite – 1/12 of recipe)

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 12g (from dates and optional syrup)
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 10mg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients
    Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using raw almonds, place them in a food processor or high-speed blender and pulse until they are chopped into small pieces but not powdered. You want some texture, so don’t over-process. If you’re using other nuts like cashews or pecans, they will work just as well in this recipe.
  2. Date Prep
    If your Medjool dates are firm or dry, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them up. This will make them easier to blend. Once softened, pit and roughly chop the dates into smaller pieces. Dates are nature’s candy—they will provide the sweetness and chewy texture for these bliss bites. If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can substitute with regular dates or figs, though Medjool dates are preferred for their extra softness and sweetness.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients
    In a large mixing bowl or food processor, combine the oats, chopped almonds (or your choice of nuts), chia seeds, cocoa powder, and shredded coconut (if using). If you’re making these bites for a chocolate lover, add some dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate to the mixture at this point to give them a fudgy, rich bite.
  4. Add the Wet Ingredients
    Next, add in your natural peanut butter (or almond butter) and vanilla extract. If you’re looking for an extra touch of sweetness, now is the time to add in maple syrup or agave nectar. The peanut butter (or almond butter) not only helps bind the mixture together but also adds healthy fats, while the vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile.
  5. Add the Dates
    Place the soaked dates into the food processor or bowl with your dry ingredients. Pulse or mash everything together until the mixture starts to come together. If you’re using a food processor, pulse several times until everything is well-combined, and the dates are broken down into small pieces. If you’re mixing by hand, use your hands or a spatula to mash and mix everything thoroughly.
  6. Adjust Consistency
    At this point, you should have a sticky, dough-like mixture. If it feels too dry and doesn’t hold together well, add water one tablespoon at a time. You want the mixture to be sticky enough to form into small balls without falling apart but not too wet. If it’s too wet, add a little more oats or shredded coconut to balance out the consistency.
  7. Shape the Bliss Bites
    Take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon per bite) and roll them into balls using your hands. If you prefer, you can also shape the mixture into small bars or squares. Roll each ball gently in your palms until smooth. For an extra layer of flavor, roll the balls in a little shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts for a decorative and flavorful coating.
  8. Chill and Set
    Once all your bites are rolled, place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow them to firm up and set. This step is important because it gives the bites their desired texture and prevents them from being too sticky when you eat them.
  9. Serve and Enjoy
    After chilling, your Nutty Bliss Bites are ready to be enjoyed! They make for a perfect snack, post-workout bite, or dessert. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though we’re pretty sure they won’t last that long!

Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Nutty Bliss Bites

  1. Customize the Nuts:
    You can easily customize the nuts in this recipe based on what you have in your pantry or your personal preferences. Cashews, walnuts, and pecans all make excellent substitutes for almonds. For a more tropical flavor, try adding macadamia nuts or pistachios. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can even make the bites entirely out of nut butter (e.g., peanut butter or almond butter) without any whole nuts.
  2. Use Natural Sweeteners:
    If you’re avoiding added sugars, the dates provide a natural and healthy way to sweeten the bites. However, if you want to cut down on sweetness, you can reduce the number of dates and skip the maple syrup altogether.
  3. Make Them Protein-Packed:
    If you’d like to boost the protein content of these bites, you can add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder. A vanilla or chocolate protein powder would blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. Adding protein powder will make them more filling and provide an added benefit for those who need a post-workout snack.
  4. Go Raw:
    These bites are raw, which means they retain all of their nutrients and healthy fats. If you prefer a more cooked flavor or texture, you can bake them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Just keep in mind that this will change the texture and slightly reduce the nutrient content of the nuts and oats.
  5. Double the Recipe:
    These Nutty Bliss Bites are so delicious that you’ll want to make a double batch! They’re great for meal prep, and they store well in the refrigerator. Make a batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a quick snack ready whenever you need one.
  6. Avoid Overmixing:
    If you’re using a food processor, be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Over-processing can turn the mixture into a paste, which makes it harder to roll into balls. Pulse just enough until everything is combined and sticky.
  7. Allergen-Free Variations:
    To make these bites allergen-free, simply substitute the peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter, and ensure that you are using nuts and seeds that are safe for those with allergies.

Health Benefits of These Vegan Nutty Bliss Bites

  1. Packed with Healthy Fats:
    Almonds and nut butter provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which are essential for heart health and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. These fats also help keep you feeling fuller for longer, making these bites a great choice for satisfying hunger in a balanced way.
  2. High in Fiber:
    These bliss bites are high in fiber, thanks to the oats, chia seeds, and dates. Fiber supports digestive health, promotes regularity, and helps balance blood sugar levels. It also adds volume to meals and snacks, helping you feel full and satisfied.
  3. Natural Energy Boost:
    The combination of oats, nuts, and dates provides sustained energy. These bites are packed with natural sugars from the dates, making them a great snack to fuel workouts or long days at work. The oats provide slow-releasing carbohydrates, while the nuts contribute protein and healthy fats.
  4. Rich in Antioxidants:
    Cocoa powder and dark chocolate are