These lemon protein balls are the perfect afternoon bite, post-workout snack, or refined sugar-free dessert. Thanks to the natural sweetness of the dates, they have just the right amount of citrus kick without feeling like your mouth will be permanently puckered. I have a thing for making bliss balls of all flavors and variety. Banana Chocolate Chip Energy Bites have been the reigning favorite for years, but these lemon bites have swooped into first place!
What Ingredients Are in Lemon Bliss Balls?
You’re going to love how simple these are! This recipe only has three ingredients!
Dates Nuts (use your favorite) Lemon zest
I use a mix of almonds and cashews because I love the creaminess of the cashews but appreciate the protein content of the almonds. If you love macadamia nuts or pecans, feel free to use those! I have not had good luck using walnuts in homemade bliss balls because they release so much oil in the food processor. If you have a nut allergy, you can sub in sunflower seeds or use old-fashioned rolled oats. You may need to add additional dates if using oats due to the dry texture.
What Are The Best Dates for Bliss Balls?
Let’s talk about dates, shall we? These nutritional powerhouses are packed full of fiber, potassium, and a decent amount of calcium. They’re nature’s candy. There are two main kinds of dates sold in conventional grocery stores - Medjool and Deglet Noor. Medjool is larger and darker and deglet noor is small with a light honey taste. Typically Medjool are sold with pits and deglet have had the pits removed. This recipe uses deglet noor dates so if you use Medjool, make sure you a) pit them! b) reduce the number of dates used in these lemon bliss balls. Start with 15 Medjool and slowly add additional dates one at a time until the mixture has come together.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Date Balls
When you’re craving something sweet but are trying to stay off of refined sugar, these date balls are a snack you can feel good about.
They’re intensely flavored in the best possible way. The lemon flavor is bright without being overwhelming. They taste like a fresh sunny day. You can whip up a batch in only 5 minutes. Five minutes to bliss town!
How to Make Lemon Bliss Balls
You’re going to be tickled pink at how easy these are to make. There are really only three steps and no cooking involved! Start by pulsing the nuts in a food processor until they’re mostly small pieces. You’ll notice some larger chunks will remain and that’s ok!
Add in the dates and lemon zest. Process until the mixture is starting to stick together.
Pinch off pieces of the mixture and roll into balls.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Have fun with creative toppings for these bliss balls. Roll the balls in shredded unsweetened coconut, cocoa powder, chia seeds, or more crushed nuts. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you’d like to make a lot, store any in the freezer that won’t be consumed within two weeks. Add a splash of vanilla to compliment the flavor of the lemon. With the price of vanilla these days, consider making your own! Learn how to make homemade vanilla extract with a traditional steeping method or in the Instant Pot.
More Recipes Like These Healthy Protein Balls
Mexican Hot Chocolate Lara Bars Quinoa Protein Bites Asian Teriyaki Meatballs
If you loved these No Bake Lemon Balls, give this recipe a star review! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #sustainablecooks and tagging me @sustainablecooks and @recipesworthrepeating.
