Inspired by the Starbucks bliss bars these cranberry orange bliss balls are full of goodness like hemp hearts, almond butter, oats and fruit. The best 15 minute healthy snack to fuel your afternoons and beat the 3pm energy slump!
Bliss balls have been my go-to snack for years. Whether you call them bliss balls, energy bites or protein balls, these little bites have their well earned place in my snack meal prep.
I love them because they're so customizable, meaning I can make a new flavour variation for each season and holiday. Now that winter is here, I was inspired by the Starbucks cranberry bliss bars to create a healthier take on a seasonal favourite. Using flavours like cranberry, orange, coconut and almond these are the perfect balanced sweet treat to get you in the festive spirit!. All together, you have these delicious cranberry orange bliss balls that are the best 3pm energy booster!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Nutrition powerhouse. Bliss balls are incredible because you can throw in a ton of super nutritious ingredients. In this recipe we have whole grain oats, hemp hearts, almonds and protein.
- Balanced. I preach balanced snacks all day long because they truly make a difference in my energy levels. In this bliss balls we have protein from protein powder, fibre from oats and healthy fats from the almond butter and hemp hearts.
- 15 minutes of prep. Minimal prep time makes this recipe super easy to throw together at the start of the week.
Ingredients
Almond butter. Almonds compliments the cranberry and orange very nicely, however if you can use any nut or seed butter like cashew butter, sunflower butter or even peanut butter. Note that stronger tasting varieties like peanut butters will alter the taste slightly.
Maple syrup. For natural sweetness! I recommend using a 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavour, but you could also use honey.
Orange. Using a combination of orange juice and orange zest really helps the flavour shine.
Oats. Quick, minute or rolled oats will all work in this recipe. I typically use quick oats. I don't recommend using steel cut, as these need to be cooked.
Almonds. For a subtle crunch, we use chopped almonds. Any chopped nuts work.
Coconut flakes. To reduce added sugar, opt for unsweetened shredded coconut flakes.
Dried cranberries. Any dried cranberries will work. I recommend dicing them for a more cohesive mixture.
Seeds. I love adding a blend of seeds for a boost of fiber, healthy fats and some additional protein. Some great options include hemp seeds, ground flax seeds or chia seeds.
Protein powder. Vanilla protein powder helps add protein, while also adding a touch of added sweetness. Nuzest is my go-to protein powder.
Cinnamon. For a warm, cozy flavours.
White chocolate: Compltley optional, though highly recommended! To get the true Starbucks bliss bar experience, a little drizzle of white chocolate at the end adds the perfect hint of sweetness!
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, orange juice and orange zest.
Add oats, chopped almonds, shredded coconut, hemp seeds, cinnamon, protein powder and dried cranberries.
Stir to combine.
Roll into 13 equal sized bliss balls, about 2 tablespoon in each. Optional: drizzle with melted white chocolate and freeze until the chocolate has set.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
To make vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, however ensure your protein powder is vegan.
To make nut-free: Swap the almond butter for sunflower butter. Omit the almonds or swap for pumpkin seeds.
Missing ingredients? Try these:
- Almond butter: Swap for cashew butter, peanut butter sunflower seed butter etc.
- Protein powder: Swap for 2 tablespoon of additional oats, oat flour or almond flour. Unflavoured collagen or protein powder will also work.
- Hemp seeds: Swap for an additional ¼ cup of additional oats, chopped nuts or a blend of any seeds you have on hand. I like using hemp seeds, chia seeds and ground flax seeds.
- Coconut: Omit or substitute with additional oats or seeds!
- Maple syrup: Swap for honey. Please note honey is not considered vegan!
Equipment
Storage
Fridge: Bliss balls can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Freezer: You can also freeze these for longer term storage. I recommend layering the bliss balls in an airtight container, ensuring you place a sheet of parchment paper in between the layers. Place in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, place in the fridge overnight.
Top Tip
You may need to get your hands dirty to mix the bliss balls together! I find sometimes using your hands is the best way to ensure everything gets combined properly.
If your mixture is crumbly, this may be due to a lack of oil in your almond butter. Add 1 tablespoon of water to help add additional moisture.
If your mixture is too wet and the bliss balls aren't sticking together, add an additional 1 tablespoon of oats or protein powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bliss balls are also referred to as protein balls, energy balls or even power balls, They are a healthy, balanced snack made by combining a combination of nuts, seeds, oats etc. and they’re perfect for on the go.
It depends on how hungry I am but typically 1-2. I also love pairing them with some fruit or yogurt for a larger snack.
Yes! They have both carbs and protein, which is important for post-workout.
Each bliss ball has 6g of protein, which is the same as you'd find in 1 egg.
More Healthy Snack Recipes
If you loved these bliss balls, I have so many other amazing recipes:
- Pumpkin Protein Balls
- Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls
- 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
- Birthday Cake Protein Balls
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this cranberry orange bliss balls, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Cranberry Orange Bliss Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon orange juice ½ orange
- Zest of ½ an orange
- 1 cup oats
- ¼ cup almonds chopped
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup hemp seeds or blend of hemp seeds, chia seeds and ground flax seeds
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon vanilla protein powder
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries chopped
Optional
- 3 tbsp bakers white chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, orange juice and orange zest.
- Add oats, chopped almonds, shredded coconut, hemp seeds, cinnamon, protein powder and dried cranberries. Stir to combine.
- Roll into 13 equal sized bliss balls (about 2 tablespoon in each).
For the white chocolate drizzle
- Add white chocolate and coconut oil to a medium microwave safe bowl. Microwave in increments of 30 seconds, stirring between until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Drizzle chocolate over the tops of the bliss balls. Place in the freezer until the chocolate has set (about 5 minutes).
Carolyn Medina says
I absolutely LOVE these and have made them several times. I always use cashew butter and chop the white chocolate morsels and mix them in…so easy and delicious! The last two times I made them I had to double it, they go fast around here 😋
Jessica says
Such a tasty treat! Popped one or two in my lunchbox and looked forward to them every day!
Cattleya says
These were even more delicious than I expected! I used extra oats instead of protein powder simply because I can’t stand the taste of protein powder. The only negative is that my intention was for this to be for my kids, but I’m kind of afraid of the sticky mess they’ll undoubtedly make. I might add more oats next time to try to get them a little less sticky. Really delicious though!!!
Nicole Addison says
Hi Cattleya, I am so happy you enjoyed these!! As for your kids- adding more oats would 100% help make these a little less sticky- that's a great idea!
Rachaela says
I LOVE these! I double the batch and keep them in my freezer. These have been my favourite protein ball I have ever tried. The flavours come together so well. Highly recommend!
Justine says
These are absolutely delicious. The perfecy sweet afternoon snack. They will definitely be part of regular rotation!