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These adaptogen reishi chocolate superfood bliss balls are the perfect guilt free treat when you need something chocolatey that also supports your health and helps manage stress. Made with natural ingredients and infused with reishi mushroom extract, these bliss balls combine rich flavor with powerful wellness benefits to keep you energized and calm.
I first experimented with these during a busy week when I needed a stress relieving snack, and now they have become my go to whenever life gets hectic. My family also loves them, and they rarely last more than a day in our kitchen.
Ingredients
- Walnuts: fresh and crunchy walnuts add healthy fats and texture, choose ones that are plump and smell nutty
- Cashews: creamy cashews bring softness and richness, look for raw and unsalted for best flavor
- Deglet Noor dates: naturally sweet and sticky, these dates help bind the mixture while contributing mild caramel notes
- Raw cacao powder: for that deep chocolate flavor and plenty of antioxidants, select high quality unsweetened cacao
- Reishi mushroom extract powder: this is the star, offering adaptogenic benefits to calm and support your body, buy from trusted brands for purity
- Honey: to sweeten and bind the balls, can be swapped for maple syrup for a vegan option
- Sea salt: a pinch enriches the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness
- Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth to the taste, opt for pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sauté the Nuts and Dates:
- Place the walnuts and cashews in a food processor and process for about one minute until finely chopped but not turned into butter. Add in chopped chopped Deglet Noor dates and continue pulsing in short bursts until the mixture starts to stick together slightly.
- Mix in the Superfoods and Flavors:
- Add raw cacao powder, reishi mushroom extract powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract into the food processor. Pulse again to combine everything evenly. At this stage, the mixture should be crumbly but cohesive.
- Add the Binding Sweetener:
- Pour the honey slowly through the food processor feed tube while pulsing until the mixture holds together when pinched between your fingers. You may need to scrape down the sides to mix thoroughly.
- Form the Bliss Balls:
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll between your palms to create balls approximately one inch in diameter. Try to keep them evenly sized for consistent texture.
- Set and Chill:
- Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
- After chilling:
- Store these bliss balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep wonderfully for up to two weeks and freeze well for longer storage.
Reishi mushroom is my favorite ingredient here because its earthy, slightly bitter taste contrasts beautifully with the sweet dates and rich cacao. A memorable moment with this recipe was sharing these bliss balls with my sister after a long, stressful day. We loved how the comforting flavors seemed to melt away tension.
Storage Tips
Keep these bliss balls chilled in a sealed container to maintain freshness and texture. If you want to make a big batch, freeze some individually wrapped and thaw them quickly in the fridge before eating. They hold up well even after freezing, making them perfect for meal prep.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap walnuts and cashews with other nuts like almonds or pecans based on preference or allergies. If you do not have reishi mushroom extract powder, other adaptogen powders like ashwagandha or maca can be used but will alter the flavor profile. For a vegan option, replace honey with pure maple syrup or agave nectar.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bliss balls as a quick afternoon pick me up, a pre or post workout snack, or paired with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. They also work great as a portable snack on hikes or long drives. Sprinkle some shredded coconut, sesame seeds, or cacao nibs on top for extra texture and flair.
These bliss balls are a quick adaptable snack that balances wellness and flavor. Try adding warming spices in colder months or rolling them in freeze dried berries for a seasonal twist.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What is reishi used for in these balls?
Reishi is known for its adaptogenic properties, supporting stress relief and immune health, which enhances the nutritional value of these balls.
- → Can these balls be made vegan?
Yes, you can replace honey with maple syrup to make the balls fully vegan while maintaining sweetness and binding.
- → Why soak some nuts before blending?
Soaking nuts softens them, creating a creamier texture and improving digestibility in the finished balls.
- → What natural sweeteners are used?
Deglet Noor dates provide natural sweetness along with fiber and nutrients to keep the balls wholesome.
- → How long do these treats last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these superfood balls stay fresh for up to one week.
- → Are these balls suitable for fasting periods?
They make a satisfying option to break fasts as they combine energy-rich ingredients that support sustained fullness.