These Lemon and Coconut Bliss Balls (no added sugar) are a sweet and tangy, nutritious snack for the whole family. With no refined sugar and just four ingredients, they are an easy-to-make, no-bake snack that’s a healthier alternative to store-bought treats. Way more economical too! These bliss balls can be stored in the fridge or freezer, so you can always have them on hand for a healthy snack or to pop into lunchboxes.
These lemon coconut balls are a great finger food option for Baby Led Weaning (BLW) and for toddlers. The delicious blend of zesty lemon and naturally sweet dates makes such a tasty recipe for little people! Just roll them to an appropriate size or chop them before serving. Oats can be given to babies from 6 months old, and have a range of health benefits. Whilst rolled oats are technically not raw, be sure to practice safe food handling andstore them correctly [1].
Ingredients for Lemon and Coconut Bliss Balls
Just four simple ingredients are needed for this lemon energy balls recipe:
Fresh lemon – This recipe uses both the zest and juice from one large lemon.
Rolled oats – Oats are a nutritious whole grain, and a great base for these Lemon and Coconut Bliss Balls.
Dates – I use pitted dates, rather than Medjool dates, because I keep a stockpile in my pantry. You can substitute if you like, but you’ll need to adjust the water content.
Coconut – Desiccated coconut is easiest, because the balls are rolled in it to finish. You could use shredded coconut and chop it in your thermo cooker or food processor beforehand.
How to make lemon balls
You will need a thermo cooker or food processor for this recipe. After finely chopping the lemon zest, chop the dates to a paste before adding the remaining ingredients. Process until combined, and then for best results let the mixture sit for 20 minutes or so in the refrigerator. This allows the oats to soak up some moisture and will make the mixture much easier to roll, as it can be a bit sticky otherwise. Once chilled, roll into balls (with slightly damp hands if needed) and then roll balls in coconut.
See the detailed recipe card below for ingredient amounts and detailed steps for both thermo cooker and conventional cooking methods.
How to store and serve these yummy bites
In large quantities! 🤣 They’re very moreish! These Lemon and Coconut Bliss Balls (no added sugar) can be stored in the fridge or freezer. In the fridge, they’ll keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. In the freezer, keep up to 3 months.
I prefer my Lemon and Coconut Bliss Balls chilled, but I do live in a hot climate. You can remove them from the fridge and serve at room temperature if you like.
I also pack them into lunchboxes, either from the fridge or freezer – they defrost in about half an hour. Why not make a double batch of these lemon bliss balls and add some to your freezer stash? It’s so handy to have a yummy snack like this at the ready on a busy day!
If you’re looking for more bliss ball recipes, then check out these delicious Cacao Chocolate Bliss Balls (no added sugar) too.
If you try these Lemon and Coconut Bliss Balls, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more delicious treats and other kid-friendly recipes.
Happy snacking,
Chloe x
Lemon and Coconut Bliss Balls (no added sugar)
Category: SweetsTap or hover to scale
Ingredients
- 80 g / 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 80 g / 1/3 cup boiling water
- 15 g / 6-9 strips lemon zest (approximately 1 lemon)
- 200 g / 1 2/3 cups rolled oats
- 60 g / 2/3 cup desiccated coconut
- 45 g / 3 tbs lemon juice (approximately 1 lemon)
- 30 g / 1/3 cup extra desiccated coconut for rolling
Thermo Cooker Instructions
- In a small bowl, soak the dates in the boiling water for 15 minutes.
- Weigh out the extra coconut needed for rolling, and set aside in another small bowl.
- Add lemon zest to the mixing bowl. Chop for 5 seconds, speed 8, MC on. Scrape down the mixing bowl and repeat.
- Add the dates and soaking water. Chop for 20 seconds, speed 9, MC on. Scrape down the lid and mixing bowl.
- Add rolled oats, coconut for the mixture and lemon juice. Chop for 20 seconds, speed 9, MC on. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow oats to absorb some moisture.
- Use a tablespoon to scoop mixture and roll into balls, and then roll in the coconut. These are best eaten when chilled for an hour.
Conventional Instructions
- In a small bowl, soak the dates in the boiling water for 15 minutes.
- Measure out the coconut for rolling, and set aside in another small bowl.
- Using a food processor, blitz the zest until finely chopped.
- Add the dates and soaking water, and blitz again until dates are finely chopped.
- Add the rolled oats, coconut for the mixture and lemon juice, and blitz again until the mixture comes together. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow oats to absorb some moisture.
- Use a tablespoon to scoop mixture and roll into balls, and then roll in coconut. These are best eaten when chilled for an hour.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
[1] Oats, 2023, Solid Starts Inc.
5 Responses
Made these in the thermo and they were really tasty! In hindsight my pitted dates were probably drier than usual so could have added a bit more water. Will definitely be making them again!
I made these for the first time. I have a dodgy blender at best and still managed to put them together ok ✅.
Really yummy for both myself and the two kids!
What can I use instead of oats please?
I’m gluten & dairy intolerant can’t eat oats.
Hi Sarah,
I haven’t tested this recipe with any alternatives to oats, I’m very fortunate that my children can eat them and so I’m unsure what would work best. If you try an alternative, please let me know how it goes? All the best.
These were delicious! 5/5 from our 2 y/o 😁
Made with a small food processor and just needed to give it a few little mixes.