Halva Bliss Balls: Decadent, Refined Sugar-Free Energy Bites

Prepare to be enchanted by these Halva Bliss Balls, a truly decadent treat that offers the rich, distinctive flavor of traditional halva without a trace of refined sugar. Each bite is pure bliss, crafted with wholesome dates and a whisper of maple syrup, proving that healthy can indeed be utterly delicious. This recipe transforms simple, nutrient-dense ingredients into a delightful snack that satisfies cravings and boosts energy naturally.

This post has been updated from the original, published September 4, 2017. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

When to Indulge: Serving Your Halva Bliss Balls

Bliss balls are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal choice for almost any occasion. Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up to conquer the midday slump, a little sweet treat after dinner to round off your meal, or a post-workout snack to refuel your body, these Halva Bliss Balls are perfect. They are also fantastic as a lunchbox treat for kids and adults alike, or simply whenever you’re craving something sweet and wholesome. Their compact size makes them easy to grab and enjoy on the go, providing sustained energy without the sugar crash associated with many conventional sweets.

Imagine unwinding with a cup of tea, accompanied by one of these delightful bites. Or perhaps, before a demanding meeting or a long afternoon, a Halva Bliss Ball can provide that gentle, natural energy boost you need. Their rich flavor profile also makes them a sophisticated addition to a dessert platter when entertaining, offering a healthier alternative that still feels indulgent. They are a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

The Powerhouse Ingredients Behind Your Healthy Halva Bliss Balls

Often referred to as protein balls or energy bites, these Halva Bliss Balls live up to their name by being packed with nutrients that fuel your body and mind. The magic lies in a carefully selected blend of ingredients, each contributing unique health benefits and a delicious texture that makes these treats truly irresistible. Let’s explore the superfoods that make these bliss balls a healthier alternative to conventional desserts:

• Tahini: The star of this halva-inspired recipe, tahini, is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are a remarkable source of protein, making up about 20% of their weight, which is higher than most other nuts or seeds. Beyond protein, tahini is a treasure trove of essential minerals including phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It stands out as one of the best plant-based sources of calcium, vital for bone health. Tahini is also known for being easy to digest and promoting healthy cell growth, while offering a healthy dose of Vitamins E and several B vitamins, all contributing to overall well-being. Its creamy texture provides the perfect base for these delightful bites, giving them that authentic halva mouthfeel.
• Flax Seeds (Ground): These tiny seeds are nutritional giants. Ground flax seeds are not only an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats, but they are particularly renowned for their exceptionally high content of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are extensively studied for their profound heart health benefits, including reducing the risk of stroke and supporting cardiovascular function. Incorporating ground flax into your diet can aid digestion, promote satiety, and provide a steady release of energy throughout your day.
• Cacao (Raw Powder): For all chocolate lovers, rejoice! Raw cacao is more than just a flavor enhancer; it’s a superfood that brings immense health benefits. It’s the highest plant-based source of iron, crucial for oxygen transport in the body, and it’s overflowing with antioxidants—boasting 40 times more than blueberries! Cacao is also rich in magnesium, a mineral vital for a healthy heart and brain function. Surprisingly, it contains more calcium than cow’s milk and acts as a natural mood elevator and anti-depressant. It’s the ultimate guilt-free chocolate indulgence that genuinely makes you feel good from the inside out.
• Maca Powder: Maca root, native to the Andes Mountains, is truly a superfood powerhouse. It is highly nutritious, providing healthy amounts of protein, Vitamin C, copper, iron, potassium, and Vitamin B6. Maca is widely recognized for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. It has been shown to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, and plays a role in protecting bone health. Its earthy, slightly nutty flavor complements the other ingredients beautifully, adding another layer of nutritional depth to these bliss balls.
• Medjool Dates: These succulent fruits are the primary sweetener in our bliss balls, replacing refined sugars entirely. Dates are not only naturally sweet but also provide dietary fiber, potassium, and various antioxidants. Their sticky texture is key to binding the ingredients together, creating a perfectly soft and chewy ball.
• Maple Syrup: A touch of pure maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, caramel-like note. While it’s a natural sugar, it’s used in moderation and brings a subtle complexity that refined sugar simply cannot replicate.
• Vanilla Extract & Sea Salt: These ingredients are essential for rounding out the flavors. Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic depth, while a pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, making the halva taste truly shine.

Crafting Your Halva Bliss Balls: A Simple Process

Making these Halva Bliss Balls is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort and no baking. The process is quick, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking a healthy homemade snack.

To begin, gather all your ingredients: tahini, pitted Medjool dates, vanilla extract, maple syrup, ground flax seeds, raw cacao powder, maca powder, and sea salt. Place them all into the bowl of a high-speed food processor. Process the mixture until it is thoroughly combined. You’ll know it’s ready when it forms a cohesive, large ball of chocolate-colored dough that holds together firmly.

• Aim for bliss balls that are approximately 1-inch in diameter. This size is perfect for a satisfying bite and ensures consistent texture.
• You can use your hands or a small cookie scoop to portion out about 24 equal-sized balls from the dough. A scoop helps maintain uniformity.
• Place the portioned dough balls onto a sheet of unbleached parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes the next step easier.
• To achieve perfectly smooth, round balls, lightly wet your hands before rolling each dough portion. This prevents the sticky mixture from adhering to your palms and helps create a polished finish.
• Once rolled, it’s time to add your favorite coatings! You can either roll the finished bliss balls directly onto a plate containing your chosen topping material, or place the coating into a zip-top bag, add a few balls, and gently shake until they are evenly coated.

Creative Coating Ideas for Your Bliss Balls

Elevate your Halva Bliss Balls with an exciting array of coatings that add texture, flavor, and visual appeal. These outer layers not only make your bliss balls more appealing but can also add extra nutritional benefits. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite:

• Crushed Freeze-Dried Berries: For a vibrant pop of color and a tangy contrast to the sweet halva flavor, roll your bliss balls in crushed freeze-dried raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. These offer concentrated berry flavor and a beautiful natural hue.
• Nuts or Seeds:
  • Sesame Seeds: For an extra layer of sesame flavor, mirroring the tahini base, a coating of plain or toasted sesame seeds is a classic choice.
  • Crushed Pumpkin Seeds: These add a lovely green color and a nutty, slightly savory crunch, along with extra magnesium and zinc.
  • Finely Chopped Pistachios: Pistachios lend a beautiful green color and a distinct, buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the halva.
  • Hemp Seeds: A sprinkle of hemp seeds adds a soft, slightly nutty texture and a boost of plant-based protein and Omega-3s.
• Cacao Nibs or Shredded Coconut:
  • Cacao Nibs: For a bittersweet crunch and an intensified chocolate experience, roll your bliss balls in raw cacao nibs.
  • Shredded Coconut: Toasted or untoasted shredded coconut provides a tropical aroma and a delightful chewiness that complements the dense center.

Feel free to mix and match or create your own unique coating combinations!

Optimal Storage for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage ensures your Halva Bliss Balls remain fresh, delicious, and safe to eat for an extended period. Because they are made with fresh ingredients and contain no preservatives, refrigeration or freezing is key.

• Always store your bliss balls in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods. They truly taste best when enjoyed cold.
• If you are stacking multiple layers of bliss balls within your container, place a piece of unbleached parchment paper between each layer. This prevents them from sticking together, making it easy to grab one without disturbing the others.
• When stored in the refrigerator, Halva Bliss Balls will maintain their quality and flavor for up to one week.
• For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for up to six months. This is an excellent way to prepare a large batch and have healthy snacks readily available whenever a craving strikes. Simply take them out of the freezer a few minutes before you wish to enjoy them, or eat them directly from frozen for a firmer texture.

The combination of authentic halva flavor with the incredible nutritional benefits of sesame, flax, cacao, and maca makes these bliss balls an absolute winner. They are perfect for any occasion, at any time of day, offering a nourishing boost whether you’re heading back to school, returning to work, or simply embracing a healthful and extraordinary life. By making up a batch of these Halva Bliss Balls, alongside perhaps some healthy chocolate chunk cookies, nutritious granola bars, and even some pumpkin spice balls, you can stock your freezer with a variety of wholesome, ready-to-eat options. This proactive approach ensures you always have a healthy choice available to grab when hunger or a sweet craving arises, empowering you to make better dietary decisions effortlessly.

📖 Recipe: Halva Bliss Balls

Halva Bliss Balls

Author: Debra Klein

Halva bliss balls are rich and decadent, easy to make, and nutrient-dense. Just what a hard-working snack should be!

Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 6 votes

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Raw

Servings: 2 dozen

Calories: 133 kcal (per 2 bliss balls)

Ingredients

• ½ cup tahini
• 6 medjool dates, pitted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup ground flax seeds
• 1 Tablespoon raw cacao powder
• 2 Tablespoons maca powder
• ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients (tahini, dates, vanilla, maple syrup, ground flax, cacao powder, maca powder, and sea salt) into the bowl of a food processor and blend until well combined. Continue processing until the mixture resembles a large, cohesive ball of chocolate dough.
2. Use your hands to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. You can choose to roll the balls into your coating of choice, or leave them plain for a simpler finish.
3. Serve immediately, or place them in the fridge for a couple of hours to firm up before enjoying.
4. Bliss balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 4 months for longer preservation.

Notes

Coating Ideas: Experiment with sesame seeds, crushed freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries, shredded coconut, cacao nibs, finely crushed pistachio nuts, or hemp seeds to add extra flavor and texture.

Rolling Tip: Use wet hands when rolling the mixture into balls. This prevents the sticky batter from adhering to your hands and helps create perfectly smooth, round shapes.

Tahini Preparation: For the best consistency and to ensure all ingredients blend smoothly, make sure to thoroughly mix any new jar of tahini until it achieves a uniform consistency before adding it to the food processor.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 Bliss Balls

Calories: 133 kcal

Carbohydrates: 19 g

Protein: 3 g

Fat: 6 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g

Sodium: 95 mg

Fiber: 2 g

Sugar: 12 g

The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.

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