Coconut Bliss Balls ~ Veggie Inspired

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With just 6 ingredients and no cooking or baking required, these tasty Coconut Bliss Balls are the perfect quick and easy snack or dessert. Gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan!

Bliss balls, also known as energy balls, energy bites, power balls or vegan truffles, are delicious little bite size snacks that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Table of Contents hide

1 Ingredients you need

2 How to make the recipe

3 Variations

4 Storage and freezing

5 Pro tips and tricks

6 FAQs

7 More vegan truffles and energy balls

8 Coconut Bliss Balls

Ingredients you need

Recipe ingredients arrayed in individual bowls. — *Coconut Bliss Balls ingredients: desiccated coconut, puffed rice cereal, pure maple syrup, coconut cream, melted coconut oil, and pure vanilla extract.*

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Coconut ~ Desiccated coconut, which is finely ground coconut, is the best choice for this recipe.

You can make your own desiccated coconut by pulsing shredded coconut in a food processor until it resembles coarse sand. Do not over mix! You don’t want to end up with coconut butter.

Love coconut? You’ll love my Pineapple Coconut Muffins, Coconut Chia Seed Granola, Strawberry Coconut Milk Popsicles and these 4-ingredient Vegan Coconut Macaroons!

Cereal ~ Puffed rice cereal adds a nice crunch in an otherwise smooth texture. You can substitute crisp brown rice cereal, if you prefer, which will be even crunchier.

If you don’t have this, you can just use extra coconut.

Sweetener ~ My liquid sweetener of choice is always pure maple syrup. You can also use agave or brown rice syrup, if you prefer.

Cream ~ You can find coconut cream in a can which is creamy and thick and has a bit more fat content that coconut milk. However, if your store doesn’t carry it, refrigerate a can of full fat coconut milk overnight and then scoop out the solid thick cream that rises to the top. Save the coconut water, which will be underneath the cream, for another use, like in a smoothie or juice!

Oil ~ A bit of coconut oil helps to stabilize these bliss balls once cold.

Vanilla ~ Pure vanilla extract adds sweetness and warmth.

How to make the recipe

Puffed rice cereal and desiccated coconut in a bowl.

Pouring maple syrup into the mixing bowl from a measuring spoon.

Add all the puffed rice cereal, desiccated coconut, pure maple syrup, and melted coconut oil to a large mixing bowl.

Stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon.

Add the coconut cream and mix well until fully combined.

Form bite size balls by gently pressing the mixture into shape in your clean hands and place them onto a large plate or baking dish.

Two bliss balls in a dish of coconut for coating.

Roll each ball into extra coconut to coat the outside. Eat immediately or store in the fridge for later.

Variations

*Add a tablespoon or two of citrus zest to the mixture before forming the balls. Lemon, lime, or orange would all be delicious.

*Use almond extract instead of vanilla. Or use coconut extract to really enhance the coconut flavor.

*Use chocolate flavored crisp brown rice cereal instead of the puffed rice for a chocolate coconut flavor.

*Coat the bliss balls in melted chocolate instead of shredded coconut. Or coat them in powdered sugar for a sweeter treat.

Storage and freezing

Fridge: Store the coconut bliss balls in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week. Place sheets of parchment paper between layers if you must stack them.

Freezer: You can also freeze them. Place them on a large plate or baking sheet and lay flat in the freezer until frozen. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe plastic bag or container. They should keep well up to 6 months.

Thaw: Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter until softened.

Kitchen counter with mixing bowl, measuring cup, and bowl of bite size dessert balls.

Pro tips and tricks

~ Use unsweetened desiccated coconut. If you can’t find desiccated coconut, make your own by pulsing shredded coconut in a food processor until it resembles the texture of coarse sand. Do not over-process or it will turn into coconut butter!

~ If you can’t find canned coconut cream, place a can of full fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight and use just the solid thick cream that rises to the top of the can.

~ To ensure uniform sizing among all the bliss balls, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the mixture out before forming into balls.

~ The mixture is delicate, so be gentle when forming the balls. Press the dough into ball shapes rather than rolling.

~ If the dough is too crumbly, add a bit more coconut cream or maple syrup.

~ Place the coconut bliss balls in the fridge to firm up.

~ To make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to choose rice cereal that is certified gluten-free.

Two coconut bliss balls in front of a bowl of more.

FAQs

What are bliss balls?

Bliss balls are bite size snacks meant to provide energy between meals. They can be made in a variety of different flavors.

What is the difference between desiccated coconut and shredded coconut?

Desiccated coconut is finely ground dried coconut, whereas shredded coconut is small thin strips of coconut.

Is coconut good for you?

Coconut is rich in fiber and healthy fats, plus vitamins and minerals like copper, iron selenium, and manganese. It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties and may aid in blood sugar control [source]. However, it is high in calories and fat, so should be consumed in moderation.

More vegan truffles and energy balls

I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment below with your feedback.

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For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!