Vegan Raw Balls

Vegan Raw Balls are the same thing as “Bliss Balls” as many people like to call them, but I just gotta say I love saying “Raw Balls.” Its just more fun! And these are indeed RAW! Sometimes I like to go on a raw food diet for a few days and cleanse my system, gain more energy, and really infuse my body with nutrients. When you do not cook your food, much more of the nutrients and enzymes are maintained and thus are absorbed into your body! Let me tell you, you can really feel the difference! It can really help with inflammation in the body, clearing your skin, and improved digestion! If you want to learn more about the raw food diet, I really like this article from Foreo.com , or if you want something a little more medical you can check out this article from WebMD.

One thing about incorporating raw foods into your diet is that it is good to be prepared! So whenever I go on a raw food diet, I always have Vegan Raw Balls on hand. They are amazing for breakfast, or snack, or even a little raw vegan dessert. Also, I make them even if I am not on a raw food diet, or I will sometimes make them as a treat for a friend. So good and so satisfying and SO healthy!

I have been making these raw balls for about seven years, and I initially got this recipe from a ex-friend. Things didn’t work out between us (yes even friendships have break ups too), but this was a wonderful blessing of a recipe to get! Since then, I have changed several ingredients and the method to which I make these, so I can securely call them my own! My own Vegan Raw Ball recipe!

My Vegan Raw Balls are made with a mix of walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, coconut shreds, dates, and a pinch of salt! They’re full of protein and good fats to give you lots of energy. I love to roll mine in Raspberry dust to give a tart little zing! These Vegan Raw Balls or Bliss Balls are sweet, nutty, crunchy, chewy, a touch salty, and a little tart! A wonderful blend. They are fantastic!

The most important thing I have discovered here is that soaking the dates first and making a date paste really helps later on when you’re trying to combine it with your nut and seed mixture. That extra moisture just makes your life a whole lot easier.

I use this large food processor to blitz up my nuts and seeds. If you only have a small one or a small blender type thing, that can work. Just do it all in batches. Sometimes we don’t need extra equipment, just a creative mind and a little enthusiasm!

Lastly, before I give you the recipe, just know that these are extremely customizable! If you are allergic to nuts or coconut you can omit and add something else! You could also roll these in Cacao or Matcha powder. I will say that this combo that I have right here are my absolute favorite of any I have ever had! They are super crunchy and chewy with that perfect little zing from the raspberries.

I hope that you enjoy these Vegan Raw Balls, or Bliss Balls, and please let me know if you end up making these! Onward with the recipe!

Vegan Raw Ball Ingredients:

• 8 dates pitted
• Water for soaking the dates
• 1 cup Raw Walnuts
• 1 cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds
• 1/2 cup Chia Seeds
• 1/2 cup Coconut Shreds
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup of Freeze Dried Raspberries (optional)

Vegan Raw Ball Method:

• First take your pitted dates and place them into a bowl. Cover with filtered water and let them soak for 15-30 minutes. Not too long, but long enough to soften them up and rehydrate them a bit.
• Take out a large food processor. Put in you walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, coconut shreds, and salt into the food processor and blitz! I like to pulse it so I can keep an eye on how they’re coming along. You do not want to over process them because they will begin to make a butter of sorts. You want a fine grain here.
• After your dates have soaked and softened, drain them and place them into a large mixing bowl! Then, use the back of a fork to mush them into a paste. This will take a little bit of mushing effort- you can do it!
• When you have a nice paste, pour in your nuts and seed mix into the large mixing bowl with the paste. Stir well! I usually start out with a spoon, and end up kneading it all together with my hands. It gets a little messy, but I love to lick my fingers (haha).
• By now you should have a large mass of date and nut mix! Kinda like a nutty seedy dough! Take a Tablespoon and scoop out a mix. Roll it into a ball. Continue until they are all rolled. I made about 16 here.
• Next part is optional, as these are already delicious on their own. I take food processor from earlier, give it a little dry wipe down, and place 1 cup of freeze dried raspberries in there. Blitz these into a fine powder. Pour your raspberry powder into a bowl, and roll your balls in there. Cover them nicely and shake off the excess.
• Eat alone or share if you’re feeling friendly! 🙂

Additional Notes:

• If my vegan raw balls or bliss balls have got you excited about a raw food diet, then I would like to note one thing! Being on a raw food diet is extremely healthy and wonderful if done in the right way. It can make you lose weight, but you need to make sure that you are eating PLENTY of food in a day. You do not need to count calories (I don’t really believe in that), but make sure that you are in touch with your body! Don’t get faint dear. Eat eat eat!
• Making these vegan raw balls and having salads and cold soups on hand can be very helpful when embarking on a raw food diet journey!
• I’m planning on adding more raw food diet recipes this summer, but in the meantime, if you would like to try some healthy recipes from my site you could try my Creamy Red Pepper Zucchini Noodles, my Chickpea and Broccoli Salad, or my Vegan Nicoise Salad. All healthy and delicious!
• I also have a Vegan Raw Gazpacho soup video on my instagram @taytaysvegan if you’d care to take a watch 🙂