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.
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- 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.
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Sara
Wow! What a nutritious and easy snack to keep on hand! I love the natural sweetness of dates .. and mixed with zesty lemon would be delicious, I'm sure! Great combo for a healthy snack!
Amanda Mason
Thanks, Sara! Yes these are an amazing snack! The dates and lemon provide a great flavor combination!
Alisha Rodrigues
These are something I'd love to try. Easy to make and a handy snack to carry around.. Loving the lemon zest addition
Amanda Mason
They are the tastiest little snack!!! Enjoy!
Jenni LeBaron
These look easy, healthy, and delicious! I love the flavors you used in these lemon bliss balls and really appreciate the extra ideas for toppings to roll them in, because mixing it up can be fun!
Amanda Mason
Jenni - you're going to love this recipe!! Let me know how you like it!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks
Lemon is my favorite flavor right now - I need a quick energy boost after I leave the gym. These would be perfect for munching on the way, or the way home!
Amanda Mason
Yes - this is a great after workout snack! The natural carbs are great post workout!
Tammy
These look and sounds delicious! Perfect snack for the midafternoon and such a great option to have on hand when craving something sweet!
Amanda Mason
Thanks, Tammy!! Yes - they are the perfect snack!!! Enjoy!
Nicolas Hortense
Nice! I have been getting so many sweet cravings lately. So something like this would be perfect!! (:
Amanda Mason
Enjoy them, Nicolas!
Aleta
Whoa, I am sooo pumped about these lemon bliss balls! Not only am I obsessed with all things lemon but I also loooove cashews and almonds. It's such a great idea to sweeten these treats with pitted dates, I love the flavour and texture it brings. Thanks for sharing, can't wait to dive into these lovelies!
Amanda Mason
Aleta - yes! You'll love them!! I can't wait to hear how you like them!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
I love protein no bake balls as a snack and even dessert! Dates are such an under utilized product and I am LOVING the fact that they are the focus in this recipe! The lemon in these just make it so summery!
Amanda Mason
Yes! The lemon really brings out the flavor and I couldn't agree more about the dates!
Paula - Vintage Kitchen
I never thought of adding lemon to date bites, but it just makes perfect sense! I think I might have a new favorite quick recipe on my horizon! I'm loving this recipe, Sarah.
Rebecca Blackwell
I love a recipe with only three ingredients and these are some of my favorites! Especially the combination of almonds and dates. I could make myself sick on them. (Ok. Maybe that's actually happened and maybe it was worth it.) I'm going to make these this week and then try and restrain myself from eating them all in one sitting. 🙂