These healthy banana, oat and chocolate bliss balls are a family favourite. They are soft, bite-sized, delicious, nut-free, and perfect for school lunches or after school snacks.
In my effort to spend the least amount of time in the kitchen, I make very quick meals. Over the years, I have taught myself various cooking tips, shortcuts and hacks, which don’t compromise on taste and nutrition, but make cooking dishes faster. You can view my other healthy, quick and yummy recipes and tips here.
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist or a dietician. I try to provide nutritious and yummy meals to my kids. Rest is all trial and error. 🙂
With oats, banana, cacao and dates being the main ingredients, these energy balls are excellent for growing kids. My kids love them. They eat it before, during and after school. They are vegan, nut free, super soft, and quick and simple to make – making them an ideal snack for the kids school lunchbox. As parents, we carry it in our lunch box too!
I like to make a big batch and keep them in the fridge for a quick and delicious snack for the whole family but they are gone in one day!
Prep time: 15 Mins
Total time: 15 Mins
Yield: 15 bliss balls
Ingredients:
- 1 banana (not too ripe, else it gives that very ripe taste in your mouth), peeled and mashed
- 10 medjool dates, pitted and chopped finely
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 2/3 cup oats
- Optional: 3 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut, extra
Instructions:
- If you are not using fresh dates, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes and take them out.
- Add dates and banana into a food processor, process on high speed for 10-15 seconds to combine.
- Pour date mixture into a bowl, along with coconut, cacao, oats, maple syrup (if you are adding it), vanilla and cinnamon. Mix to combine.
- Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls and coat in the extra desiccated coconut.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week – although I am sure it won’t last that long!
You can try my healthy, quick and child-tested delicious lunch box recipes here.