I love Ferrero Rocher chocolates. In fact, I love anything hazelnut with chocolate. Sadly, for me and many other people with food sensitivities the traditional chocolate is full of gluten and dairy. To top it off, they are a sugar bomb so if you are easily impacted by a high sugar or carbohydrate meal, then a yummy alternative is really the best option.
Welcome to the Raw Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Bliss Ball! Taste wise they are sweet but not crazy sweet with a chocolatey, chewy consistency thanks to the coconut oil and the chocolate hazelnut nut butter made with cocao. Adding a touch of salt also matches the sweet so beautifully.
These little balls are so easy to make and really taste like a close relative of the classic Ferrero Rocher that are so easy to love. They are wonderful for kids too when you want to give them something yummy but not with the high sugar hyperactivity that often follows.
I make mine with 6 simple ingredients and I pop a hazelnut in the centre to add that extra crunch. You don’t need a food processor either, just one big mixing bowl, a tablespoon, simply roll into balls and you are pretty much done.
Hazelnuts: Let’s talk briefly about this little nutrient powerhouse that is high in healthy fats and protein, manganese and Vitamin E to name a few. I use activated nuts in this recipe which are nuts that have been soaked to stimulate sprouting which reduces phytic acid. Many people experience gastrointestinal issues when they eat foods high in phytic acid and activating nuts helps reduce these symptoms and increases the nutrient absorption. Phytates bind minerals in the plant which makes then more difficult to absorb. The beauty of activated nuts is that they also taste as if they have been baked but they are still raw which is why I am a huge fan.
But sometimes looking for activated nuts can be a challenge and if you don’t have an issue with nuts, then roasted hazelnuts are an easy option that are still very healthy.
Cacao: I use a cacao rich nut butter for this recipe just because it is easy. Melrose have a lovely product and Pana has one also. In most health food shops you will find a wonderful variety of options. Not only is cacao one of the most antioxidant rich foods on the planet but it is full of magnesium and potassium and is a wonderful, healthy chocolate substitute.
Unlike most bliss balls or protein balls I do not use dates as they are high in fructose and whilst I love them on occasion, a recipe without them is much less of a sugar bomb and for this reason energy levels are positively impacted for the day.
So, to wrap it all up these super nutritious bliss balls are high in healthy fats, fibre and important nutrients whilst also being gluten & dairy free, 100% vegan and sweetened naturally with coconut and a little maple syrup. So, let’s get cracking with this recipe!
This recipe makes around 16 bliss balls so double the recipe if you need more as they keep really well in the freezer however give them a chance to thaw just a little so they become more chewy before eating.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of hazelnut flour (if tough to find almond flour is nice also but not as Ferrero!)
- 16 activated or roasted hazelnuts
- ⅔ cup of chocolate hazelnut butter (made with cacao)
- 1 tablespoon of organic maple syrup
- ¼ cup of coconut oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Melt your coconut oil
In a large mixing bowl, mix together all the ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula
Once your mixture is nicely combined, use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll with your fingers into a ball. Mid way through, pop a whole hazelnut in the middle and mould the ball around it
Place 16 balls or close to it on a tray or container and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden
Once hardened and chewy, eat immediately or keep them stored in the freezer in an air-tight container and eat as desired
I find they are much chewier if not left out the freezer for too long.
Enjoy!
