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These adaptogen reishi chocolate superfood bliss balls are the perfect treat for those moments when you crave something chocolatey yet want to avoid unhealthy options. Packed with natural ingredients like reishi mushroom extract and nuts, they offer a powerful boost for both your taste buds and your well being. Whether you are breaking a fast or just need a stress relieving snack, these bliss balls deliver on flavor and nutrition.
I first made these during a particularly stressful week, and they quickly became my go to snack to help keep me calm and energized. Now they are a staple in my pantry and perfect for anytime I want a little healthy indulgence.
Ingredients
- Walnuts: Whole and soaked to soften and enhance digestibility
- Cashews: Raw providing creaminess and natural sweetness
- Deglet Noor dates: Serve as the natural sweetener and binder select plump soft dates for best texture
- Raw cacao powder: Offers rich chocolate flavor and antioxidants choose organic if possible
- Reishi mushroom extract powder: Known for its stress relief and immune boosting properties ensure you get a pure trusted source
- Honey: Binds the ingredients and adds natural sweetness substitute with maple syrup for a vegan version
- Sea salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and intensify flavors
Instructions
- Saturate the Nuts:
- Soak the walnuts in water for at least 4 hours or overnight this softens them and improves texture. Drain well before use. Leave the cashews unsoaked for a contrasting bite.
- Blend the Dates and Nuts:
- In a food processor pulse the Deglet Noor dates until they form a sticky mass. Add the drained walnuts and raw cashews then pulse until combined but still chunky preserving some texture.
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Sprinkle in the raw cacao powder and reishi mushroom extract powder evenly. Pulse several times to mix thoroughly but avoid over processing into a paste.
- Sweeten and Season:
- Pour in the honey slowly while pulsing to combine. Add a pinch of sea salt to brighten the flavors. Check the consistency if too dry add a teaspoon of water or more honey.
- Form the Balls:
- Using your hands roll the mixture into small even balls about one inch in diameter. Press firmly to hold the shape.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the bliss balls on a lined tray or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
I have fallen in love with the way the reishi mushroom powder adds an earthy bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the dates and honey. One afternoon sharing these with friends after a long hike turned into stories about traditional medicines and nature's hidden treasures. It makes these balls taste even more special.
Storage Tips
Keep your bliss balls refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying. They stay good for up to one week. For longer storage freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm then transfer to a sealed freezer bag and thaw in the fridge before eating.
Ingredient Substitutions
If walnuts are unavailable or cause allergies try pecans or almonds instead soak similarly to soften. For the natural sweetener medjool dates can be substituted but adjust quantity as they may be sweeter. Maple syrup works well to replace honey for a vegan option. Cocoa nibs can be added for extra texture if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bliss balls as a midday snack with a cup of tea or coffee to melt away stress. They make excellent pre or post workout fuel and can also be crumbled over yogurt or smoothie bowls for a chocolatey superfood crunch.
These bliss balls are an easy nourishing snack that balances chocolatey flavor with adaptogenic benefits. Make a batch and keep them on hand for a healthy pick me up.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is reishi mushroom used for in these balls?
Reishi mushroom extract adds adaptogenic benefits that support stress resistance and promote relaxation without sedation.
- → Can I substitute the nuts for other types?
Yes, you can replace walnuts and cashews with other nuts like almonds or pecans, adapting texture and flavor to your preference.
- → How do soaking the nuts affect the texture?
Soaking nuts softens them, creating a smoother, creamier texture and makes them easier to digest.
- → Are these balls suitable for vegans?
They can be made vegan by replacing honey with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
- → What role do dates play in the mixture?
Dates provide natural sweetness and act as a binding ingredient to hold the balls together firmly.