No-Bake Orange Oatmeal Bliss Balls

Orange oatmeal bliss balls are a sweet and nutritious snack that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. The oatmeal adds a satisfying chewiness, while the dates and honey provide natural sweetness. The orange juice and zest bring a bright and refreshing citrus flavor that is perfectly complemented by the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon.

Made with a blend of wholesome ingredients, including oatmeal, dates, almond butter, fresh orange juice and zest, cinnamon, and honey, these no-bake orange oatmeal bliss balls, or energy balls, are a perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you need a quick snack to keep you going throughout the day, a healthy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, or a breakfast on the go, these orange oatmeal bliss balls are the perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious and nutritious treat.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Rolled oats: I use old-fashioned rolled oats because we have a ton in our pantry, but quick oats would work great. Because quick oats are finer and smaller than rolled oats you wouldn’t need to process them at first to break them down. Just toss them in at the same time as the rest of the ingredients.
• Almonds: They give these bliss balls an extra bit of crunch and texture. You can use a different type of nut or leave them out.
• Almond butter: This is part of the glue that holds these balls together. If you have a nut sensitivity, try using a seed butter or tahini.
• Orange juice and zest: I used the zest of one orange and the juice of half the orange. This will of course vary by the size and juice content of the orange, so it should take about 1-2 oranges to make this recipe.
• Dates: Medjool dates are my favorite, but any dates will work. In this recipe I used Deglet Noor dates that I got from Costco. Just remember to remove the seeds!
• Cinnamon: I love orange and cinnamon together. I’ve also made them with cardamom and they were delicious.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the balls. You can use a different sweetener or leave it out.

How to Make Orange Oatmeal Bliss Balls

• In a food processor, pulse the almonds and oats until they are broken down into small pieces, but not to where they’re powdered. You still want small pieces to give the bliss balls some texture.

• Add the pitted dates, coconut flakes, almond butter, cardamom, cinnamon, salt, and honey (if using) to the food processor.
• Process the mixture until it forms a sticky, cohesive dough.
• Scoop the mixture from the bowl using a 1-tablespoon sized cookie scoop or a large spoon. Gently roll the mixture in between the palms of your hands to shape it into balls.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm. Honestly, you don’t have to wait. You can eat them immediately as I usually do. Chilling them firms them up, makes them less sticky and may be ideal if you’re making them in a warm environment.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• If you’re dates are on the dry side, soak them in hot water for 5-10 minutes to soften them up.
• Scrape the sides of the food processor a few times throughout the blending process to ensure all the ingredients are blended together.
• Make them without a food processor by finely chopping the dates and almonds. Add all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix them together.
• Make a double batch. These will get eaten very quickly so double the recipe!

Variations

• Instead of cinnamon, try using a different spice. I’ve made these with cardamom and they were really delicious, or you can try other spices like ginger, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
• Use a different nut butter, like cashew butter, or use a seed butter if you’re sensitive to nuts.
• Swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave to make them vegan.
• Dip it in chocolate, or drizzle chocolate over the balls.

How to Store Orange Oatmeal Bliss Balls

Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Swedish Coconut Macaroons (Kokostoppar)
• Danish Raspberry Bars (Hindbærsnitter)
• Swedish Chocolate Mocha Squares (Kärleksmums)
• Glazed Lemon Cardamom Quick Bread