Deliciously addicting, these No Bake Lemon Bliss Balls are a healthy and poppable snack. Made with all wholesome ingredients, you'll love that these protein bites are kid-friendly, vegan, paleo, gluten, and dairy-free.
These lemon protein balls are the perfect afternoon bite, post-workout snack, or refined sugar-free dessert. Thanks to the natural sweetness of the dates, they have just the right amount of citrus kick without feeling like your mouth will be permanently puckered.
I have a thing for making bliss balls of all flavors and variety. Banana Chocolate Chip Energy Bites have been the reigning favorite for years, but these lemon bites have swooped into first place!
What Ingredients Are in Lemon Bliss Balls?
You're going to love how simple these are! This recipe only has three ingredients!
- Dates
- Nuts (use your favorite)
- Lemon zest
I use a mix of almonds and cashews because I love the creaminess of the cashews but appreciate the protein content of the almonds. If you love macadamia nuts or pecans, feel free to use those! I have not had good luck using walnuts in homemade bliss balls because they release so much oil in the food processor.
If you have a nut allergy, you can sub in sunflower seeds or use old-fashioned rolled oats. You may need to add additional dates if using oats due to the dry texture.
What Are The Best Dates for Bliss Balls?
Let's talk about dates, shall we? These nutritional powerhouses are packed full of fiber, potassium, and a decent amount of calcium. They're nature's candy.
There are two main kinds of dates sold in conventional grocery stores - Medjool and Deglet Noor. Medjool is larger and darker and deglet noor is small with a light honey taste. Typically Medjool are sold with pits and deglet have had the pits removed.
This recipe uses deglet noor dates so if you use Medjool, make sure you a) pit them! b) reduce the number of dates used in these lemon bliss balls. Start with 15 Medjool and slowly add additional dates one at a time until the mixture has come together.
Why You'll Love These Lemon Date Balls
When you're craving something sweet but are trying to stay off of refined sugar, these date balls are a snack you can feel good about.
- They're intensely flavored in the best possible way. The lemon flavor is bright without being overwhelming.
- They taste like a fresh sunny day.
- You can whip up a batch in only 5 minutes. Five minutes to bliss town!
How to Make Lemon Bliss Balls
You're going to be tickled pink at how easy these are to make. There are really only three steps and no cooking involved!
Start by pulsing the nuts in a food processor until they're mostly small pieces. You'll notice some larger chunks will remain and that's ok!
Add in the dates and lemon zest. Process until the mixture is starting to stick together.
Pinch off pieces of the mixture and roll into balls.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Have fun with creative toppings for these bliss balls. Roll the balls in shredded unsweetened coconut, cocoa powder, chia seeds, or more crushed nuts.
- Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you'd like to make a lot, store any in the freezer that won't be consumed within two weeks.
- Add a splash of vanilla to compliment the flavor of the lemon. With the price of vanilla these days, consider making your own! Learn how to make homemade vanilla extract with a traditional steeping method or in the Instant Pot.
More Recipes Like These Healthy Protein Balls
If you loved these No Bake Lemon Balls, give this recipe a star review! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #sustainablecooks and tagging me @sustainablecooks and @recipesworthrepeating.
No Bake Lemon Bliss Balls
Instructions
- Pulse nuts in the food processor until there are mostly small pieces.
- Add lemon zest and 18 dates to the food processor and process until the mixture just starts to come together. If the mixture is too dry, add in dates one by one until the mixture is sticking together.
- Pinch off pieces of the mixture and roll into balls.
Notes
- If using Medjool dates, start with 15 and slowly add additional dates one at a time if needed.
- Have fun with creative toppings for these bliss balls. Roll the balls in shredded unsweetened coconut, cocoa powder, chia seeds, or more crushed nuts.
- Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Russ
I will admit that when I read this recipe, I was skeptical since I am not a big fan of dates. I put it all together with a little of the vanilla as suggested and what do you know, delicious. Thanks for another tasty recipe that I will be making over and over.
Amanda Mason
Ha HA!!! Thanks Russ! I know....when you first look at it you're like...ummmm, maybe but OMG these little bites are so good and really easy to make! The perfect snack or healthy dessert! Thanks for letting me know how they turned out for you!!
Dr T
Amanda, these lemon bliss balls are delicious. ...and they are literally too easy to make. We usually are not big on dates but the lemon shines through and the dates provide the perfect medium to hold everything together that is not too sweet. The mix of cashews & almonds is also perfect. It took us less than ten minutes to make these and one day later we need to make another batch. Nice recipe; thanks!
Amanda Mason
So glad to hear you love them! They are an amazingly healthy snack! And they are gone FAST in my house, as well!!
Amanda
These couldn't be easier to make, and that bright burst of citrus makes them the perfect snack for the summer! I'll definitely be snacking on these all summer long. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Mason
Thanks, Amanda! You'll love these sweet little snacks!
Anne Lawton
I love all of the flavors in these, I'm sure that lemon just takes and energy all to the next level!
Amanda Mason
Yes - they are delish and provide a burst of energy! The perfect snack!!