GF/Vegan Dutch Chocolate Rocky Road Bliss Balls

I've been making "bliss balls" for the past couple of years and they are my go-to when I'm craving something sweet and easy but want to keep things a little more healthy. Traditionally a combination of nuts, dates, dried fruit, and any other mix-ins I find in the cupboard, this recipe might be my best yet! Inspired by Rocky Road Ice Cream, this bliss ball recipe is one that I've had multiple people taste test and, I quote, their reactions were all along the lines of "Oh yeah...that's good." You're going to want to put aside a few just for your own stash they're that delicious.

• Tips: This recipe is sticky! Don't fret. It's totally normal to have hands covered in sticky mixture by the end.

• Because it is so sticky, don't try to overwork your food processor. If after rough mixing/chopping the almonds and dates you opt to hand mix, by all means, go for it!

• I do condone taste-testing, so make sure to test the consistency, texture, and flavor as you go.

• I use a small cookie dough scoop to make sure my balls are uniform, then I roll them and refrigerate to set and store.

For this recipe you will need: A food processor, cutting board and knife, measuring cups and spoons, small cookie dough scoop, mixing bowl, and two hands for rolling your balls.

INGREDIENTS: Makes approximately 18-20 balls

*Use organic whenever possible

• 10 dates

• 1 cup raw almonds

• 1/4 cup creamy organic almond butter

• 4 Tbsps maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Dash of salt

• 4 Tbsps Guittard Dutch Rouge Cocoa Powder

• 2 Tbsps water

• 4 Tbsps almond flour

• 2-3 Tbsps cacao nibs

• 1 cup vegan marshmallows, rough chopped. I used Dandies brand Mini Vegan Marshmallows.

LET'S MAKE BLISS BALLS

1. In your food processer, rough chop dates and raw almonds until chunky.

2. Add almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and cocoa powder and pulse until combined.

3. Add water by tablespoon (1-2), mixing and pushing mixture down sides of food processor. It will be thick, so alternate with running processor and pushing down with a spoon and mixing manually.

4. Add almond flour and pulse/mix, repeating above steps.

5. *NOTE: you can add more almond flour/water to thicken or thin mixture. You want it to be sticky but malleable.

6. Once you are satisfied with the texture, transfer to mixing bowl and stir in cacao nibs.

7. Gently add in marshmallows, making sure to distribute evenly but not over mix. You want those marshmallow chunks to be the star!

8. Scoop mixture with cookie dough scoop into your hand and roll into balls. Set on a plate or cutting board and refrigerate 1-2 hours to set dough.

9. Serve from the fridge and enjoy!

SERVING TIPS: These are so good eaten fresh but can be kept in the freezer for up to two weeks and defrosted if you can't eat them all. Pro Tip: you probably will, especially if you have help.

I love the fact that these are no-bake and use really simple ingredients. While the marshmallows do have added sugar, you can make your own if you're a purist. I love the fact that these bliss balls taste so indulgent without having a wide variety of less-than-ideal ingredients. If you're feeling adventurous, you can always try your hand at any combo of nuts, fruits, nut butters, coconut oil, and nut flours. It really is fun to try new combos and some of my favorite bliss ball "recipes" I discovered by accident when I wanted to clean out my pantry.

As always, follow me on Instagram @foodieandthebeets and at @erin_allday for more tips on social media marketing, culinary marketing, yummy foodspo, and so much more!

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