These hazelnut chocolate bliss balls taste just like Ferrero Rocher, but are healthier. Made with only 6 ingredients, it’s the perfect make-ahead snack to have on hand. They are vegan, gluten-free and are packed with all the good stuff!
Why We Love This Recipe so Much:
- Healthy snack never tasted that good. Plus, its gluten-free and vegan.
- Easy to prepare with a food processor.
- They’re simply delicious.
- It’s a convenient option, easy snack to bring with you for post workout or in your lunch.
Hazelnut Chocolate Bliss Balls Ingredient List:
Made with only 6 ingredients:
- Dates: To help thicken the energy balls. It’s also a natural sweetener. If you’re not a fan of dates, I promise you won’t even taste them!
- Hazelnuts: We’re using hazelnuts, skin removed. You can buy roasted hazelnuts with the skin removed or simply roast them and get rid of the skin yourself.
- Cacao: use quality cacao powder. It will generate the chocolate flavor we’re looking for.
- Nut butter: for creaminess. Use smooth nut butter, ideally almond butter or hazelnut butter. If you want to make homemade almond butter, grab the recipe here.
- Maple syrup: to sweeten even more.
- Vanilla: use vanilla extract.
How to Roast Hazelnuts?
- Roast hazelnuts in the oven at a 350F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Let it cool down completely. Using a dish cloth, press the hazelnuts firmly. This way, the skin will remove easily. Don’t worry if you can’t get the skin off completely.
What Type of Dates to Use?
I recommend using medjool dates. They’re bigger, tender and sweeter than other varieties. Simply the best dates to use in recipes, like these energy balls.
Medjool Dates Nutrition Benefits
- Natural sweetener: a good alternative to sugar.
- High in fiber: Medjool dates help promote digestive health.
- Potassium: may contain up to 50% more potassium than bananas.
Hazelnut Chocolate Bliss Balls Conservation
- In the fridge: Keep energy balls in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: You can easily freeze the energy balls. Place on a baking dish in the freezer for an hour to set. Transfer to a ziploc bag or an airtight container. They will last up to 2 months.
Hazelnut Chocolate Bliss Balls (Ferrero Rocher)
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minutesThese hazelnut chocolate bliss balls taste just like Ferrero Rocher, but are healthier. Made with only 6 ingredients, it’s the perfect make-ahead snack to have on hand. They are vegan, gluten-free and are packed with all the good stuff!
Ingredients
1 cup of hazelnuts
13-14 fresh medjool dates, kernel removed (approx 1 ¼ cup)
3 tbsp of cacao powder
2 tbsp of almond butter or hazelnut butter (creamy)
2 tbsp of maple syrup
1 tsp of vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- If your hazelnuts are already skin removed, skip to step 2. Preheat the oven to 350F. Add hazelnuts to a baking sheet and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. Let it cool down completely. Using a dish cloth, press the hazelnuts firmly. This way, the skin will remove easily. Don’t worry if you can’t get the skin off completely.
- Add the roasted hazelnuts to a food processor. Pulse for about 20 seconds, until finely chopped.
- Add all the remaining ingredients and process for about 60 seconds, until you get a sticky mixture.
- Scoop about a tablespoon’s worth into your hand. Roll the mixture into balls.
- Transfer the finished energy balls onto a plate or baking sheet and place to the freezer for 30 minutes to let them set. Enjoy them and keep in the fridge.
