The 3pm slump is a real thing — it’s all to do with your circadian rhythm and the fact it’s roughly been 12 hours since your deep sleep. Why does that have any impact? Well, your body is saying it’s tired, and your brain follows suit. What’s the best way to combat this? A little pick me up!
Unfortunately, it shouldn’t be something that delves too heavily into sugary territory — not because sugar is bad (it’s delicious), but because it could bring another slump, if not crash, a short time later.
This is why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite bliss balls (or energy balls) — delicious, small, packed full of flavour and of energy. True to the name, they’re a bliss to eat. And yes, they’ll help stave off the dreaded 3pm slump.
Bliss Ball Recipes
☆ PB&J Bliss Balls
A riff of a childhood favourite, these bliss balls from Faye James are packed full of healthy fats, fibre, vitamin C and magnesium.
Ingredients
- 200g strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup desiccated coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 3/4 cup almond meal
- 2 tbs coconut oil
- A large splash of maple syrup
- 1 tbs chia seeds
- 4 tbs of your favourite peanut butter
Method
- Place all the ingredients except the peanut butter into a food processor until the mixture comes together.
- Roll into balls, poke a small hole in each ball and place a little peanut butter in the middle
- Seal before rolling in more coconut.
☆ Salted Caramel Bliss Balls
Who doesn’t love the taste of salted caramel? These family-friendly balls from Bargain Mums will have kids and adults alike clamouring for them.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried pitted dates
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Extra desiccated coconut, for rolling
Method
- Soak the dates in a bowl of warm water for 20 minutes. Drain the water.
- Add the soaked dates to a food processor along with the almonds, desiccated coconut, vanilla extract and salt. Process until smooth and well combined.
- Roll tablespoons full of bliss ball mixture into balls. Roll in the extra desiccated coconut.
☆ Blueberry Bliss Balls
Another family-friendly option from Bargain Mums, these colourful blueberry bliss balls will keep everyone satisfied.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Extra desiccated coconut, for rolling
Method
- Place the rolled oats, frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut, maple syrup, chia seeds and coconut oil into a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Take tablespoons full of the bliss ball mixture and roll into balls. If the mixture is too cold because of the frozen blueberries at this point, place the mixture into the fridge for 1/2 hour to defrost.
- Roll the bliss balls in the desiccated coconut and place on a plate. Refrigerate for an hour.
☆ Banana Bread Bliss Balls
Banana bread might you flashbacks to your time in lockdown, but these bliss balls from Not Enough Cinnamon will make the memory worth it. Oh, and they’re gluten-free and vegan!
Ingredients
- 1 large banana broken into large pieces
- 4 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 cup toasted walnuts 4.2 oz
- 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 2 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 pinch sea salt
- More desiccated coconut to roll
Method
-
In a food processor, add banana and dates. Pulse until it’s a smooth paste, then add walnuts, coconut, coconut oil, cinnamon, maple and sea salt. Pulse until well combined and the mixture is thick (if the mixture is not thick enough to roll, place in the fridge for about 30 minutes).
-
Add desiccated coconut to a small bowl. Using about a heaping tablespoon for each bite, roll between your hands and add to the bowl to coat well with coconut. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue until you have about 16 banana bites.
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Chill in the freezer for 30 minutes (or 1 hour+ in the fridge) before serving.
☆ Pumpkin Pie Bliss Balls
You might see pumpkin pie as an American Thanksgiving tradition, but Eating Bird Food is here to tell you that pumpkin flavoured goods should be consumed year-round.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (about 10) Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of sea salt
Method
- In a food processor, place all ingredients in and process until the mixture is finely chopped and sticky
- Roll mixed ingredients into balls
- Enjoy!
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