Spiced Berry Bliss Balls are a delightful bite-sized snack both kids and adults will enjoy. Made with nuts and sweetened with dates, they get a special pop of color and flavor from unsweetened freeze-dried strawberries, turning them into a unique pink treat.
Originally published February 8th, 2018. Content and recipe updated for clarity and republished on February 10th, 2021.
Recipe Overview
Total Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Method: No Heat
Prep: Make-Ahead Friendly
Watch how to make the Spiced Berry Bliss Balls (1 min):
Ingredients in these Spiced Berry Bliss Balls:
- Deglet Noor or Medjool dates – Use juicy, pitted dates. If they are dry, soak briefly in hot water to soften.
- Freeze-dried strawberries – Unsweetened. When blended they turn into a pink powder that adds color and strawberry flavor.
- Dried cranberries – Unsweetened or reduced-sugar cranberries work well; dried cherries are an alternative.
- Nuts – A mix of walnuts and cashews is used here, but any favorite nuts will do.
- Spices – Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give a warm, spiced note.
- Water – A little cold water (or a touch of coconut oil) helps the mixture bind.
This recipe follows the same simple no-bake concept as many date-and-nut energy bites, but the freeze-dried strawberry powder gives these bliss balls an especially attractive color and strawberry flavor. I prefer the ball shape over bars for convenience and presentation.
- Easier to eat in one or two bites
- Smaller, portion-controlled servings
- Simple to store and grab on the go
- Can be rolled in coatings like strawberry dust or crushed pistachios
PS: These are great any time of year, not just for Valentine’s Day.
If you like these…
If you enjoy these Spiced Berry Bliss Balls, try other date-based bites such as pistachio or pecan date energy balls for more snack ideas and flavor variations.
What kind of dates should I use?
Deglet Noor or Medjool dates both work. Choose plump, juicy dates; if they are dry, soak in hot water 10–15 minutes, drain, and then use to soften them up.
More recipes with dates
Dates add a natural caramel-like sweetness that pairs well with nuts and warming spices. If you like these bliss balls, explore other date-based treats such as pumpkin pie date balls, peanut butter cookie balls, or pecan pie date balls for more no-bake options.
How to Store & Freeze these Spiced Berry Bliss Balls:
Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days.
Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for 3–6 months. Thaw on the counter for an hour or two before serving.
Spiced Berry Bliss Balls
Recipe by Danielle
Spiced Berry Bliss Balls are a perfect bite-sized snack: nutty, naturally sweetened with dates, and brightened with freeze-dried strawberries for a pretty pink finish.
- Total Time15 minutes
- Yield16–18 balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened freeze-dried strawberries (about one standard bag)
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1/3 cup unsalted cashews
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 18–19 dates)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
- 2–4 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Blend the strawberries: In an 8-cup food processor, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries for 20–30 seconds until no large pieces remain and they form a fine powder. Let the dust settle before opening.
- Reserve dust: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the finest strawberry powder into a small bowl and set aside for rolling the balls. Avoid larger pieces that won’t adhere well.
- Process the base: Add the walnuts, cashews, dates, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and most of the strawberry powder to the food processor (reserve the dust you set aside). Pulse and blend for at least 1 minute until the mixture is finely ground. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time and pulse until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together.
- Mix in cranberries: Add the dried cranberries and pulse a few times to incorporate them without fully breaking them down.
- Form balls: With clean hands, squeeze the mixture tightly and roll into 16–18 balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat in strawberry powder: Roll each ball in the reserved freeze-dried strawberry powder for a bright pink finish and extra flavor.
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 5–7 days or freeze for longer storage.
Equipment
8-cup food processor (or similar capacity) and measuring spoons. A food processor gives the best texture and ease when blending the nuts, dates, and freeze-dried strawberries.
Notes
If your dates are dry or not sticky, soak them in hot water for 10–20 minutes, then drain before using. This will make them much easier to process and help the mixture hold together. Nutrition estimates were calculated using typical values and may vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No Bake
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 2g