Let’s cut to the chase: Sometimes you just NEED something sweet. But the sugar crash, the guilt, and the processed junk? No, thank you.
Enter these Vegan Coconut Bliss Balls – your new best friend when those cravings hit.
Imagine bites of pure coconutty goodness, ready to fuel your pre-workout, perk up your afternoon, or satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Prepare these little orbs of bliss in advance by smushing the ingredients together, rolling them into perfect little balls, and storing them in the freezer. It’s a brilliant make-and-store solution, and because they’re keto-friendly, they’re low-carb, and you can ditch the guilt!
These vegan coconut bliss balls rely on a carefully chosen cast of ingredients. Flaked coconut and coconut flour work together to form the foundation of each ball. To sweeten them up and keep them keto, I’ve added a generous helping of sugar-free maple syrup. Vanilla extract provides the classic dessert profile. The subtle warmth comes from a touch of nutmeg. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly!
Ingredient Substitutions
Not a fan of one ingredient? The sugar-free maple syrup can be swapped for agave nectar or another liquid sweetener, adjusting the amount to taste. The sunflower seeds? Feel free to sub in pumpkin seeds, chopped almonds, or any nut or seed you have on hand. And if you’re out of coconut flour, you can replace each tablespoon of coconut flour with ¼ cup of almond flour.
How long do they keep?
However, a word of warning for the freezer: It’s a great way to store them long-term, but it can subtly change the texture. The taste remains the same, but be sure to give them a few minutes to thaw before enjoying! Before consuming frozen foods that have been around a little while, be sure to give them a sniff and look over the batch, watch for any signs of off odour, mold, or discoloration, if you see any of this, get rid of the food straight away.
Troubleshooting & Secret Tips for Perfect Vegan Coconut Bliss Balls
While they’re pretty simple, these coconut bliss balls don’t always play nice 😀 Here are some of the issues I’ve encountered and tips to make these bliss balls truly blissful.
- Mixture too dry/crumbly?
Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or melted coconut oil at a time until the mixture sticks together.
- Mixture too wet/sticky?
Coconut flour to the rescue! Add a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- Freezing Like a Pro:
To avoid the dreaded sticking situation, spread the bliss balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes before tossing them into a container.
Get Flavorful!
Plain coconut is my favorite, however you can and should make them your own! Try adding different ingredients to create special flavors. Here are some I’ve tried and enjoyed.
- Chocolate Obsession:
Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Need we say more?
- Nutty Goodness:
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter. Each adds its own unique character.
- Lemony Love:
Brighten things up with the zest of half a lemon or orange. Instant sunshine!
- Spice it Up:
A pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom adds a warm, cozy twist. Especially nice in the colder months.
Vegan Coconut Bliss Balls
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup coconut flour (approx. 60g)
- 0.25 cup flaked coconut (unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup sunflower seeds
- 0.5 tsp sea salt (skip this if using salted sunflower seeds)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds, soaked in 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut for rolling
Instructions
- The Whirlwind: Grab your food processor or blender. Dump in everything (except that 2 tbsp of shredded coconut, we need that for later). Process until a smooth, slightly sticky dough emerges. This typically takes around 30-60 seconds. Keep your eye on the texture, you are trying to find a sticky texture.
- The Roll: Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture. Use your palms to roll it into a perfect ball. Don't worry too much about being perfect; these are meant to be enjoyed, not judged.
- The Coat: Now, roll each ball in that reserved shredded coconut, making sure it's evenly coated. This gives them a lovely texture and a bit of extra coconut flavor.
- The Choice: At this point, you have a choice: Devour immediately, or pop them in the freezer for a longer-lasting treat. We won't judge you if you choose the former!
Notes
