These cranberry cocoa bliss balls are the perfect snack when you need an energy boost. Made with pantry staples such as oats, almond flour, cocoa powder, dates, coconut, and frozen cranberries they are a perfect substitute to store-bought energy bars.

If there is one thing that my kids and I all seek out at least twice per day, it’s snacks! Whether it’s a quick bite to eat before heading out on a dog walk, a study session break, or a mindful fika moment, these cranberry cocoa bliss balls are perfect.

Adapted from my popular cocoa-coconut bliss ball recipe, these plant-based bliss balls will appeal to kids and adults alike. 

What I Love About these Cranberry Cocoa Bliss Balls

• They are delicious! The combination of chocolate and cranberry is terrific. 
• They are filled with nourishing ingredients such as oats, cocoa, and cranberries. (Read more below.)
• There is no added sugar since all the sweetness comes naturally from the dates.
• They are easy to store in your fridge for a quick energy boost on demand. Great for busy families!
• There is no oven involved! You will need a food processor, but that’s about as complicated as this recipe gets.

Nutrient-Packed Snacking

I believe that all snacks can fit. Whether it’s milk and cookies, avocado toast, peanut butter crackers, or bliss balls. That said, these bliss balls make for a simple way to boost your daily nutrient intake. Let’s take a look:

Cranberries – rich in antioxidants which are important because they may prevent or reduce cell damage; like other fruits, cranberries are also a great source of fiber, a type of carbohydrate that many of us all fall short on

Medjool dates – provide more important fiber and natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tart cranberry

Oats – oats provide long-lasting energy and more fiber

Cocoa – unsweetened cocoa is a natural source of a type of antioxidant known as flavanols which may help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, and reduce 

Almond flour – almond flour provides protein and healthy fat to help satisfy you and keep you full longer

Cape Cod Select Cranberries

For best results with this recipe be sure to use premium berries such as Cape Cod Select cranberries. Cranberries are no longer a treat reserved just for the fall as they are available frozen year-round. Find your nearest Cape Cod Select retailer here.Learn more about Cape Cod Select cranberries and find delicious, creative recipes on their Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Hälsa Kids

Get Rolling!

Give these cranberry cocoa bliss balls a try and let me know what you think! Be sure to tag @halsanutrition on Instagram if you make them! Cheers!

Cranberry Cocoa Bliss Balls

Maria Adams, MS, MPH, RDN

These cranberry cocoa bliss balls are the perfect snack when you need an energy boost. Made with plant-based pantry staples such as oats, almond flour, cocoa powder, dates, coconut, and frozen cranberries they are a perfect substitute to store-bought energy bars.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Course Fika, Snack

Cuisine American, Plant-Based

Servings 20 balls

Equipment

• food processor

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup frozen Cape Cod Select cranberries
• 12 Medjool dates, pitted soak in water for about 10 minutes if hard
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats certified gluten-free if needed
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon water (plus more as needed)

Instructions

 

• Measure out the frozen cranberries and set aside to thaw slightly while you prep the rest of the recipe.
• Add the dates to a large food processor and pulse until well chopped.
• Add the oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, cocoa, coconut oil, and water to the food processor and process until a ball starts to form. If it seems to dry or isn't forming a ball add another tablespoon of water.
• Add the cranberries to the food processor and mix until combined. The cranberries should get chopped up and distributed throughout the mixture.
• Tip the mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Form into about 20 balls. Roll the balls in shredded coconut or sea salt if desired. Enjoy and store extras in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

Toppings:

Shredded coconut (optional)

Sea salt (optional)

Keyword afterschool snack, antioxidant-rich, bliss balls, chili, beans, barley, dairy-free, cocoa, cranberries, cranberry, dates, energy balls, gluten-free, high-fiber, postworkout snack, vegan