These healthy Nutella Bliss Balls are the ultimate quick, nourishing snack that feels like a treat. Made with just three simple ingredients and ready in minutes, they're perfect for lunchboxes, after-school munchies or that mid-afternoon "I need chocolate" moment. Easy, wholesome, no refined sugar - and best of all, the whole family loves them. Total win. 🍫🙌
If you love easy no-bake snacks, make sure you also try my Coconut, Chia and Apricot Bliss Balls or these kid-approved Peanut Butter Bliss Balls - both are reader favourites on Bake Play Smile.
Really quick & easy to make. Loved the flavour and texture of these Nutella bliss balls ❤️
- Angela
These Nutella Bliss Balls are inspired by those classic chocolate-hazelnut spread flavors we all love - just without the sugar overload and mystery ingredients. Instead, we're keeping things real with naturally sweet Medjool dates, protein-packed hazelnuts and a hit of cocoa powder to create a snack that tastes indulgent but is actually nourishing.
And unlike a lot of energy ball recipes, there's no nut butter, no oats and no protein powder in sight. That means less fuss, fewer ingredients and a naturally gluten-free snack that's soft, fudgy and perfectly rollable. One bite and you hit that chocolate-hazelnut sweet spot every single time - dangerously good, if I'm being honest. 😏🍫
If chocolate snacks are your weakness (same here!), you might also enjoy my Healthy Chocolate Protein Balls or these No-Bake Lamington Bliss Balls - both are great for meal prep and easy lunch box treats.
Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
- Just 3 ingredients - no fillers, no refined sugar, no mucking around
- Ready in 5 minutes - perfect for busy mums, guilt-free dessert and "oops, we need a snack" moments
- Naturally sweetened with dates - no honey, no maple syrup, no extras needed
- Lunchbox-friendly & freezer-friendly - make once, snack all week
- Tastes like Nutella - but way better for you! The ultimate treat for Nutella lovers!
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Bliss Ball Ingredients
These Nutella energy bites are made with just three simple ingredients, no extras! You still get that rich chocolate-hazelnut 'Nutella' flavour we all love, minus the refined sugar and additives.
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Medjool dates - These are soft, naturally sweet and help bind the mixture. If using regular dried dates, they'll need soaking first (see tips below).
- Hazelnuts - Skinless hazelnuts give the smoothest flavour. Lightly toasting them enhances the "Nutella-style" taste even more.
- Cocoa powder - Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavour without added sugar.
Variations
- Nut-Free (School-Friendly) - Replace the hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Extra Protein - Add 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla or chocolate protein powder.
- Chia or Flax Boost - Add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds, hemp seeds, or ground flaxseed for extra fibre and goodness.
- Dried Pitted Dates - Regular dried dates can be used; they'll just need soaking first (see tips below).
- Coconut Coated - Roll the energy balls in desiccated coconut or cacao powder for a different finish.
- Gluten-Free - This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Need To Substitute An Ingredient?
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How To Make Nutella Bliss Balls
A regular blender or a Thermomix will both do the job beautifully - no fancy gear required. The trick is to keep blitzing until the mixture is fine and sticky. Once it starts clumping together, you're good to roll. Easy as that. 👌
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Add the dates, hazelnuts and cocoa powder to a food processor or Thermomix.
- Blitz until the mixture is finely chopped and starts to clump together. If the mixture looks dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of water and blitz again.
- Scoop out heaped teaspoons of mixture and roll into small balls.
- Place in an airtight container and chill until firm.
Recipe Tips
- Use soft dates - Medjool dates work best as they blend smoothly and bind easily.
- If using dried pitted dates - Soak for 15 minutes in warm water before using.
- Toast the hazelnuts for a deeper, more authentic Nutella flavour.
- If the mixture won't roll easily, add water a teaspoon at a time and re-blend.
- For smoother balls, blitz longer so the nuts break down fully.
- Storage - Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing - Freeze for up to 2 months-perfect for meal prep or little bites!
- Serving tip - Let frozen balls sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating.
Nutella Bliss Balls FAQs
Yes! They're made with whole food ingredients, no refined sugar and healthy fats from hazelnuts.
They have that classic chocolate-hazelnut flavour, just not as sweet as store-bought Nutella!
A food processor or Thermomix works best. Without one, the nuts won't break down enough to bind properly.
Absolutely. Just check school nut policies, or use a nut-free variation.
Yes-this recipe doubles perfectly and freezes well too. Handy for last minute lunch box snacks - they'll be ready to eat by recess.
More Bliss Ball Recipes
Nutella protein balls are the ultimate non-naughty treat. They taste ridiculously good, feel totally indulgent, and still earn you a well-deserved high-five for whipping up such a delicious little snack. Try these versions too:
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Nutella Bliss Balls
Ingredients
- 200 g pitted medjool dates (see notes)
- 120 g skinless hazelnuts
- 2 tbs cocoa powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender or Thermomix. If using a blender, blitz until all ingredients are finely chopped and the mixture comes together.If using a Thermomix, press Turbo until the mixture is finely chopped and comes together.
- Take large teaspoonfuls of the mixture and roll into balls (see notes).
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Use soft dates - Medjool dates work best as they blend smoothly and bind easily. Often found in the fruit section of most supermarkets.
- If using dried pitted dates - Soak for 15 minutes in warm water before using.
- Toast the hazelnuts for a deeper, more authentic Nutella flavour.
- If the mixture won't roll easily, add water a teaspoon at a time and re-blend.
- For smoother balls, blitz longer so the nuts break down fully.
- Storage - Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing - Freeze for up to 2 months-perfect for meal prep.
- Serving tip - Let frozen balls sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating.
Deb says
Hi, could I use hazelnut meal instead of hazelnuts?
Lucy says
Hi Deb, doing so will not change the flavour but the texture will be quite different!