Lemon Coconut Bliss Balls
Try this easy and delicious Lemon Coconut Bliss Balls recipe and treat yourself to a fantastic snack! These 7-ingredient bliss balls are vegan and gluten-free. They’re perfect for anyone looking to make a quick, healthy snack.
I love having quick, sweet, and healthy treats in the kitchen. That way, when the sweet tooth strikes (and it WILL strike), we’re ready.
I’ve found the key to eating healthier is making healthy options accessible. If the healthy treats are there and ready, that’s what we’ll eat.
That means we always have a variety of energy and bliss balls in the pantry. It’s our favorite go-to treat after lunch!
So, let’s talk about how to make these lemon coconut bliss balls!
Key Ingredients
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:
- Lemon — You’ll need one medium lemon to make these tasty treats. We’ll use both the zest and the juice from that lemon.
- Coconut Flakes — We’ll use one cup of coconut flakes. I buy unsweetened coconut flakes in the baking aisle of my local grocery store.
- Turmeric — We want bright yellow lemon balls and ground turmeric is the perfect spice to deliver that color. If you don’t want to use turmeric, add a drop of lemon food coloring.
- Oats — We’ll add some rolled oats. You can substitute instant oats.
- Protein — Let’s add a protein boost with a tablespoon of vanilla protein powder. If your protein powder is unsweetened, you may want to add a bit more maple syrup to your batter.
- Syrup — I use maple syrup or agave nectar to make this recipe. You can substitute your favorite syrup sweetener. The syrup part is important because it helps create tender lemon bites.
- Fat — Typically, I use nut butter in my energy balls, but I didn’t want the flavor or color that comes from nut butter. Instead, I used coconut oil. You can use refined coconut oil (less coconut flavor) or unrefined (more coconut flavor.
How to Make Lemon Coconut Bliss Balls
- Zest the lemon and add the zest to a food processor.
- Cut the zested lemon in half and juice it to achieve two tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Add the lemon juice to the food processor.
- Combine the remaining ingredients in the food processor.
- Pulse in short bursts to combine.
- Portion the batter and roll it into balls.
- Roll each ball in shredded coconut flakes for decoration.
Frequently-Asked Questions
What are bliss balls?
Bliss balls, also known as energy balls or protein balls, are round, no-bake snacks made from a blend of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and flavorings. They are rolled into bite-sized portions and can be a nutritious and convenient snack option.
Are bliss balls healthy?
Yes, bliss balls can be a healthy snack choice. You can make them from natural ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, which provide essential nutrients and energy. The overall healthiness depends on the specific ingredients used, so be mindful of the ingredients and portion size so they align with your dietary goals.
Balance of Sweet and Tart
One of the reasons why these lemon coconut bliss balls are so irresistible is their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The tangy zing of fresh lemon juice and the subtle sweetness of shredded coconut work together harmoniously, creating a delightful explosion of taste in every bite.
Lemons are nature’s little powerhouses of zest and tang. Their bright, citrusy flavor adds a refreshing kick to any dish, and when combined with the tropical sweetness of coconut, it’s a match made in flavor heaven. The lemon infuses the bliss balls with a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the coconut, resulting in a perfectly balanced combination of flavors.
Healthy Lemon Bliss Balls
While the taste of our lemon coconut bliss balls is undoubtedly the star of the show, here’s how we’ll give these delightful treats an extra healthful kick. By incorporating a healthy boost of protein and fiber, we can not only enhance the nutritional profile but also make these bliss balls even more satisfying and nourishing.
- Protein — Adding a tablespoon of vanilla protein powder enhances the flavor and adds a bit of protein to these treats.
- Fiber — Not only does fiber help maintain digestive health, but it also plays a role in managing weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting overall well-being [Source]. Coconut flakes are a good source of fiber, which is one reason I added them to these lemon balls.
- Minimal Sugar — We’re adding just enough maple syrup to make these treats sweet but not overly sweet. There are only 3 grams of sugar per serving!
Storage Tips
I love serving these chilled! And for longest-lasting freshness, I store lemon balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
More Energy Ball Recipes
If you love this lemon bliss ball recipe, here are more colorful and tasty energy balls to try:
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Lemon Bliss Balls
Ingredients
- 1 medium lemon
- 1 cup coconut flakes, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Zest the lemon and add the zest to a food processor. cut the zested lemon in half and juice it to achieve two tablespoons of lemon juice. Add the lemon juice to the food processor.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes for rolling. Combine the remaining coconut flakes, turmeric, protein powder, syrup, and coconut oil in a food processor. Pulse in short bursts to combine. Then scrape down the bowl and pulse again until mostly smooth. Pinch the batter between your fingers — it should stay together. If not, add another teaspoon or so of coconut oil.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in shredded coconut flakes.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Recommended Equipment
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The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.