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You are here: Home / Recipes / Appetizers & Snacks / Healthy Snacks / Chocolate Pecan Pie Bliss Balls

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bliss Balls

By Traci · Jump to Recipe ·
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my affiliate policy.

Little treats made with wholesome ingredients, these bliss balls with dates are easy to make with only seven ingredients. Make them naughty, with a hint of bourbon, or nice, without. This bliss ball recipe is vegan, vegetarian and easily gluten free. 

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bliss Balls on a plate.

Table of Contents

  • Easy to Make Bliss Balls
  • Ingredients for Energy Bites with Dates
  • A Few Recipe Notes
  • More Date Recipes to Love
  • Chocolate Pecan Pie Bliss Balls Recipe

Easy to Make Bliss Balls

Easy to make and so satisfying, these energy bites with dates are a delicious way to enjoy an alternative when your sweet tooth is calling. What I love about these Pecan Pie Bliss Balls is that they’re filled with clean ingredients. Well, unless you add a glug of bourbon.

Inspired by my Bourbon and Vegan Pecan Pies, I whip these little bliss bites up to extend the holiday season when I want more pecan pie, but my hips say no! I also make em’ up for the loves in my life who appreciate a naturally sweetened treat. Too, they make fabulous treats anytime when the schnecken‘ beckons!

Oats and Pecans in a Food Processor    Chopped oats and pecans in a food processor. Softened dates, molasses, vanilla and salt In a Food Processor   Date puree in a food processor.

Ingredients for Energy Bites with Dates

Easy and so delicious, these bliss bites rely on dates for a naturally sweetened treat. Here’s what you’ll need to make em’ (see recipe card for details):

  • Whole Rolled Oats – not quick
  • Pecans
  • Medjool Dates
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Sea Salt
  • Molasses
  • Mini Chocolate Chips – I like Enjoy Life Foods. 
  • Bourbon – optional
  • Raw Cacao for Rolling – optional

Processed oats and pecans are added to the date paste with chocolate chips.     Healthy Bliss Balls being scooped out from the food processor. Rolling Bliss Balls in nuts.

Quick Guide How to Make Pecan Pie Date Bites

After toasting the oats and nuts, the food processor does all the mixing. Here’s how to pull these energy bites with dates together (see recipe card for details):

  • First, toast the oats and pecans. Scoop out a portion of pecans and set aside. Then process the remaining pecans and oats in a food processor until a ground. Remove from work bowl and set aside in a small bowl. Grind the remaining pecans fine, then transfer to separate small bowl. This portion will be used to roll the bliss balls in later!
  • Second, meanwhile, pit the dates. Then, squeeze the excess water out, as much as possible. In the work bowl of the food processor, add the dates, salt, molasses, vanilla and bourbon if using. Process the dates mixture until a paste forms.
  • Third, transfer the processed oats and pecans over the date paste, and add the chocolate chips. Process until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Next, portion the dough into bite size pieces and roll into balls.
  • Last, roll the bliss balls in pecan pieces set aside earlier and/or raw cacao powder. 

These bliss balls with dates last several weeks in the fridge, so they’re make ahead easy! 

Bliss Balls stacked up on a plate.

A Few Recipe Notes

  • To portion these little vegan bliss balls, I like to use a #50 ice cream scoop. It makes portioning a snap! It’s perfect for small cookies too.
  • Gluten Free? Yes please! Simply use gluten free oats and omit the bourbon (when in doubt, leave it out!). Conflicting information remains regarding distilled spirits being okay to consume for some gluten free individuals, but may not be okay for all. 
  • Sugar Free? Yes please! Instead of using cane sugar sweetened mini chocolate chips, leave them out and sub in a few tablespoons of raw cacao powder.

More Date Recipes to Love

  • Chocolate Coconut Date Balls
  • Double Chocolate Date Squares
  • No Bake Chocolate Almond Coconut Bars
  • Pumpkin Kasha Energy Bites
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bliss Balls on a plate.
Print Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bliss Balls Recipe

Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Servings:28 Balls
Calories:159kcal
Author:Traci York | Vanilla And Bean
Little treats made with wholesome ingredients, these bliss balls are easy to make with only seven ingredients! Make them naughty, with a hint of bourbon (see notes), or nice, without! These Pecan Pie Bliss Balls are vegan, vegetarian and easily gluten free. 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups (120 grams) Rolled Oats not quick, gluten free if needed
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) Pecans divided, halves or pieces
  • 20 (335 grams) Medjool Dates
  • 3 tablespoons Molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Bourbon optional
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/2 cup (95 grams) Mini Chocolate Chips See note for a sugar free chocolatey option
  • Raw Cacao Powder or Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, optional, for rolling the bites in

Instructions

Prepare the Oats and Pecans:

  • Preheat the oven to 325F (163C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Toast the oats and pecans for about 15-20 minutes OR until toasty-golden and fragrant. Scoop out 1/2 cup (50 grams) of pecans and set aside (this will be processed separately and used later as a coating to roll the balls in).
    Add the toasted oats and remaining pecans to a work bowl of a food processor fitted with the S blade. Pulse the oats and pecans until a fineish meal is formed, about 11-15 times. Chunks are okay. Transfer to a small bowl. Set aside.
    Pulse the remaining 1/2 cups (50 grams) of pecans set aside earlier until fine. Transfer to a separate small bowl. Set aside. (these pecans will be used later as a coating to roll the balls in). You'll use the work bowl again. There's no need to clean it out.

Prepare the Dates:

  • Meanwhile while the oven is heating and oats/pecans are toasting, prepare the dates. If your dates are dry and tough, soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes to soften. Drain, then remove the pits. Squeeze the excess water out, as much as possible and blot with a tea towel.
    Transfer the dates to the work bowl of a food processor, add salt, molasses, vanilla and bourbon if using. Process the dates mixture until a paste forms, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl if needed.

Add the Oats and Pecans:

  • Pour the processed oats and pecans over the date paste, and add the chocolate chips. Process about 15 seconds until the ingredients are evenly distributed stopping to scrape down the bowl if needed.

Scoop and Roll:

  • Using a number 50 scoop, small ice cream scoop or about 1 1/2 tablespoons each, portion the dough and set on a parchment lined sheet pan. Once all the balls are scooped, roll into balls. Then, roll the balls into the pecan bits set aside earlier. If using, you can roll the balls in unsweetened cocoa powder instead of pecans or some of each if desired.
  • Store the balls in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They're best shared at room temperature, so if you have time, pull them from the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to sharing.

Notes

A Sugar Free Chocolatey Option: try subbing 3 Tbs of raw cacao powder for the chocolate chips.  Add a splash of water if needed to add a bit more moisture to the dates. The mixture should hold together after a squeeze in your fist. 
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Serving: 1ball | Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!
Pinterest pin for chocolate pecan pie bliss balls with two images: 1. bliss balls overhead. 2. bliss balls stacked tall.

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  1. Avatar for Geraldine | Green Valley KitchenGeraldine | Green Valley Kitchen

    January 20, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    5 stars
    I’m always looking for easy and delicious treats that I can make for my co-workers – these are perfect. Love that there are two toppings to roll them in!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Mary Ann | The Beach House KitchenMary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

    December 25, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    You know how much I love pecans Traci, so I’ll have to give your recipe a try! These are the perfect little treat for New Years!

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 26, 2019 at 2:09 pm

      Oh Yeah, Mare! You and me both! These are a nice treat sans cookies. I hope you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply
  3. Avatar for JeanJean

    December 23, 2019 at 9:42 am

    Such beautiful little treats for gifting! Love all the flavors here and could even see using pistachios for a little festive flair. Best holiday wishes to you, Traci, and thanks so much for procreating such thoughtful and delicious inspiration all year.

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 23, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Hi Jean! Thank you for your lovely note an kind words. Wishing you and yours a delightful holiday season as well!

      Reply

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