Goji Berry Bliss Balls (vegan, refined sugar & gluten-free)
Energy balls are all the rage now. Look in any self-respecting modern “healthy” cookbook and you’ll find at least one recipe for them. There’s a good reason for this. They are easy to make and utterly delicious. I’ve made quite a few over the last few years and these goji berry bliss balls are the latest.
When I need a sugar hit, I find one, or possibly two, energy balls gives me just what I need. They stop me dashing off to the shops for a far less healthy sugar fix. I like to call them bliss balls, as that really is the effect they have – on me at least. But as well as being delicious, both in taste and texture, they usually contain all sorts of beneficial nutrients. Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. They contain all sorts of phytonutrients, vitamins and trace minerals, including Vitamin A and Iron and are said to be good for boosting the immune system, supporting healthy circulation and preventing fatigue.
Indigo Herbs sell a whole range of high quality and mostly organic super foods via their online shop. I used two versions of goji berries in my recipe. I’ve been buying and eating dried goji berries for many years now, but I’d never come across goji berry powder before. I was quite excited at the prospect and immediately fancied making goji berry bliss balls and rolling the balls in the goji berry powder. I was expecting it to be red, but it’s actually more amber in colour. Once I got used to the idea, I decided it looked rather fetching. Unlike some powders I’ve tried, it tastes good. It’s slightly sweeter than I was expecting, but has a subtle bitter tone which is typical of goji berries.
In these goji berry bliss balls I’ve included oats to help balance any sugar spikes from the dates and maple syrup. Normally, I use cashew nuts when I make energy balls, but I substituted some of them with macadamia nuts this time as I had some lying around that needed using up. Macadamia nuts are particularly oily, so although I added a little coconut oil to the mix, it wasn’t really necessary.
Like all of the energy balls I’ve made, these goji berry bliss balls are super simple to make. I chuck all of the ingredients into a blender, my G2.3 Optimum Induction Blender to be precise and blitz for 20 seconds. If you don’t have a power blender these can be made just as well in a food processor, though the texture will probably be less smooth. All that’s needed after this, is to roll the mixture into balls and coat with the goji berry powder. The bliss balls will keep in a cool place for a week, assuming you can hang onto them that long. No chance of that happening here. CT’s verdict was “lush”. He particularly liked the their chewy, fudgy personality.
Next Sunday, 26th March is Mothering Sunday. Why not whip her up a batch of these goji berry bliss balls for a delicious and healthy treat. Put them in a pretty box or on an attractive plate and they are good to go. I’ve given bliss balls to my mother now on a few occasions and she’s become a big fan.
- 75 g cashew nuts
- 50 g macadamia nuts
- 50 g gluten free rolled oats
- 75 g dates
- 25 g goji berries
- pinch of Himalayan pink rock salt
- 1 tbsp lacuma powder
- 2 tsp melted coconut oil or 1 heaped tsp if unmelted
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 4 tsp goji berry powder
- Place all ingredients except the goji berry powder into a power blender or food processor and blitz until a smooth dough has formed. I used the mini jug of my Optimum G2.3
- Take walnut size pieces and roll into balls.
- Spoon the goji berry powder into a shallow bowl, then roll the balls in it until coated.
Makes 18-20 balls depending on size.
Store in an air tight container. Will keep in a cool place for a week.
I’m sharing these goji berry bliss balls with Cakeyboi and The Baking Explorer for Treat Petite.
Other recipes for energy balls you might like
- 5-ingredient peanut butter energy bites via Oat & Sesame
- Chilli chocolate chip cookie dough energy balls via Tin and Thyme
- Christmas bliss balls via Tin and Thyme
- Coconut bliss balls via Tin and Thyme
- Energy bites via United Cakedom
- Mint chocolate sunflower bites via Strength and Sunshine
- No bake energy balls via Simple Food
- Pumpkin spice bliss balls via Rough Measures
- Superfood energy balls (vegan) via Little Sunny Kitchen
- Walnut fudge energy balls via Celery and Cupcakes
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Indigo Herbs. I was not expected to write a positive review and all opinions are, as always, my own. Thanks to my readers for supporting the brands and organisations that help to keep Tin and Thyme blythe and blogging. The post contains affiliate links. Buying through a link will not cost you any more, but I will get a small commission.
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It’s arrived. The much anticipated recipe book from Karen Burns-Booth @lavenderandlovage. Full of stories from Karen’s well travelled and eclectic life as well as the fabulous recipes I’ve come to expect from following her blog, this will keep me happy for many nights of bedtime reading and days cooking in the kitchen.
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Pigs at pannage in the Forest. Hoovering up nuts and acorns this morning.
So much magnificent autumn colour this year. Despite being mega busy, we managed a walk in the Forest yesterday. The dappled light and warmth from the sun made it a perfect autumnal day.
Chocolate Recipes Galore
Angie@Angie's Recipes
19th March 2017
These energy balls are loaded with great stuff, Choclette.
Choclette
20th March 2017
Thanks Angie and they have the benefit of being super tasty too.
Diana
19th March 2017
Goji berries are one of my favourite ingredients at the moment, these energy look amazing I need to try your recipe!
Choclette
20th March 2017
Thanks Diana. I normally only use goji berries in smoothies and in porridge, so it’s nice to give them their own spot in the sun for a change.
Janice
19th March 2017
They sound just amazing, I love the slight sharpness that goji berries give to recipes.
Choclette
20th March 2017
Goji berries certainly have a distinct flavour and these are delicious, but I think it’s the thought of the energy boost that really appeals to me 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
20th March 2017
You can never go wrong with an energy bite! Always have to have them stocked!
Choclette
20th March 2017
I really should make them more often. They work so well and stop me craving sugar.
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet
20th March 2017
I don’t think cashews and macadamia nuts feature nearly enough in recipes. Maybe one day they’ll have their day. Will have to google what lacuma powder is. These balls look like the perfect-pick-me-up when the mid-afternoon slump hits.
Choclette
20th March 2017
Thanks Michelle. Macadamia nuts especially don’t get featured much. I do like to spread the word a bit, so I’m glad you’ve now been introduced to lacuma 🙂
Jacqueline Meldrum
20th March 2017
Those look so good Choclette and I love the flavours. I’ve not tried energy balls in my small jug yet. Shared : )
Choclette
20th March 2017
Thanks Jac. The small jug worked brilliantly and the dough was so much easier to get out than in the big jug.
Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs
20th March 2017
I need to start using my blender for more than just smoothies! These bliss balls look delicious. I could snaffle a couple right now!
Choclette
20th March 2017
Thanks Emma. The blender gives bliss balls in minutes – it’s fantastic.
Elinor Kugler
20th March 2017
Ooh, these look SO healthy! YUM! I too eat a bliss ball or 2 whenever I need a sugar fix! They’re ready in no time and taste divine! 🙂
Choclette
20th March 2017
Absolutely Elinor. I’m so very glad I discovered them 🙂
Stuart Vettese
29th March 2017
These look so healthy and delicious in equal amounts Choclette. Thanks for linking in with #TreatPetite
Choclette
29th March 2017
Thanks Stuart. Time I made another batch methinks 😉
Cathy @ Planet Veggie
30th March 2017
I love energy balls but haven’t made any for ages – I’m not sure why! Yours are a beautiful colour.
Choclette
30th March 2017
I go through phases of making them too. The colour is from the goji berry powder, which I was expecting to be red, but actually quite like as is.
Kat (The Baking Explorer)
1st April 2017
I’ve always wanted to make energy balls and this looks like the perfect recipe! I am definitely in need of healthy treats to keep me away from naughtier options! Thanks for linking up to #TreatPetite
Choclette
3rd April 2017
When I’m desperate for something sweet and yummy, I tend to turn to energy balls these days. Delicious and sort of healthy too – win win!
Kate | Veggie Desserts
3rd April 2017
They look delicious. I have some goji berries so I’ll give them a try!
Choclette
3rd April 2017
Thanks Kate. I’ve become rather a fan of energy balls 🙂