Now here is a treat that you health nuts won’t be able to resist. Peanut butter is kind of like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. Some may be indifferent, others are obsessed. I for one am the latter. However, then there is the debate of smooth versus crunchy. I think both have their place in the world. Smooth for baking, drizzled on top of smoothies. Crunchy for your morning toast or stirred into your porridge in the morning for that extra touch of texture. Whichever side your are on, we can all agree that peanut butter is the sticky stuff that holds many sweet vegan recipes together. For example, many slices, bliss balls and vegan baking recipes will most likely contain some form of nut butter.
It naturally acts as a good substitute for butter in some situations, while it isn’t quite as liquid when warmed or solid when cold, the consistency often brings together several things in the same way. For example, bliss balls will generally contain a nut butter, combined with dates as the glue for the sweet treat. Certain slices will have a peanut butter centre that will melt in the mouth. Basically, what I am saying is that peanut butter is an essential for most vegan diets and to be honest it is surprisingly easy to sneak it into things unexpectedly.
Taking this idea, I have formulated a recipe that will pack a protein punch as well as a sneaky peanut butter and date caramel centre that will make you weak at the knees. The chickpeas make for a bliss ball that isn’t as sweet as the regular shop bought kind. In fact, this recipe contains close to no sugar at all, most of all no refined sugar, making this a super healthy and super energy-sustainable recipe. However, don’t expect it to taste like the others. It will taste more like chickpea cookie dough, for those who have made it.
Ingredients*
Bliss Balls
- 100g oat flour, rolled oats for coating
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 30g soaked dates
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
- 1 tsp your chosen liquid sweetener (I used vanilla essence)
- Several tablespoons plant milk of your choice
- Peanut butter for filling
- Date caramel (see below)
*Most of these measurements are estimates based on me adding more of less of ingredients based on my personal taste. Have a play around with what you add but follow my general instructions for guidance!
Quick & Easy Date Caramel
- 10 dates, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
- Blend until smooth.
Method
- Combine all bliss ball ingredients – except for the plant milk – in a blender. Add the milk so that the mixture reaches your preferred consistency. Note: The consistency shouldn’t be crumbly or too wet. You should be able to roll it with ease and it shouldn’t stick to your hands too much that you cannot roll it. Add more flour or protein powder in this instance.
- Take a tbsp full of the mixture, flatten it in your hand.
- Add a small amount of peanut butter and date caramel and fold the bliss ball mixture over the filling. Note: it will be slightly sticky but you will be covering them in oats, coconut or chia seeds anyway.
- Finally, roll your bliss balls in your chosen coating and store in a tupperware container.
Little City Window 