Tahini and Black Sesame Bliss Balls
These nutty, creamy, and naturally sweetened tahini and black sesame bliss balls are the perfect snacks! Simply blend the ingredients for a quick and satiating snack.
These tahini and black sesame bliss balls are the perfect healthy snack! The nuttiness from the sesame seeds and the natural, almost caramel-like, sweetness pair well to satisfy any sweet cravings. These quick and easy tahini energy balls come together in under 20 minutes using a food processor or blender.
Recipes similar to this are also called bliss balls or energy balls, as they are often nutrient-dense and naturally sweetened with dates. I formulated these tahini date balls using Minimalist Baker’s peanut butter cup ball recipe as a guide, swapping some of the ingredients out for a black sesame version!
This is definitely not one of my more traditional Chinese recipes! However, it can work well as an easy alternative to Tang Yuan (湯圓, glutinous rice balls). Tangyuan is traditionally served on the last day (15th day) of Chinese New Year celebrations and represents union.
Which Type of Date Should Be Used?
You can use any type of date that you would like for this recipe! Keep in mind that some dates are sweeter than others. So, if you prefer your food on the less sweet side, try using Deglet Noor dates which are less sweet, or use a little under one cup of dates if using a sweeter variety.
Some date varieties that you could try using include:
- Medjool dates
- Deglet Noor dates
- Barhi
- Halawi
- Khadrawi
Recipe Notes
- Hard Dates: If your dates are hard and/or dry, you can soak them in warm water for up to 10 minutes to soften. If you soak the dates, make sure to thoroughly drain the excess water from them before proceeding.
- Tahini: You can substitute black sesame paste/black tahini for a deeper, nuttier flavor. You could also experiment with other nut or seed butter, but the taste will change.
- Ground black sesame: If you don’t have ground black sesame seeds, you can quickly toast then grind whole black sesame seeds.
Tahini and Black Sesame Bliss Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pits removed 180g, *Notes 1 & 2
- 3 tbsp tahini 48 grams, *Note 3
- 1/4 cup ground black sesame seeds 30 grams, *Note 4
- 2/3 cup rolled oats 53 grams
- Pinch of salt
- Extra black and white sesame seeds to coat around 2 tbsp each
Instructions
- Blend the dates in a food processor or blender until they form a smooth paste or turn into one mass.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients, except for the extra black and white sesame seeds. Process or blend until just combined. You can blend more if you want the oats to be in smaller pieces/the bites to be smoother.
- Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture out and carefully roll into 1-inch balls. You should be able to make 14-15 bites total.
- Mix the extra black and white sesame seeds together. Roll each of the bliss balls in the sesame seed mixture to coat the outside. Roll in the palm of your hand to help the sesame seeds to adhere to the outside.
- Optional: Let the energy bites set in the fridge or freezer for 15 minutes to firm up before enjoying.
Notes
- Hard Dates: If your dates are tough and/or dry, you can soak them in warm water for up to 10 minutes to soften. If you do soak the dates, make sure to thoroughly drain the excess water from the dates before proceeding.
- Date Types: You can use any type of date that you would like for this recipe! Keep in mind that some dates are sweeter than others. So, if you like your food on the less sweet side, try using Deglet Noor dates which are less sweet or use a little under one cup of dates if using a sweeter variety.
- Tahini: You can substitute black sesame paste/black tahini for a deeper, nuttier flavor. You could also experiment with other nut or seed butters, but the taste will be different.
- Ground black sesame: If you don’t have ground black sesame seeds, you can quickly toast then grind whole black sesame seeds.
How to Make Tahini and Black Sesame Bliss Balls
Blend the dates in a food processor or blender until they form a smooth paste or turn into one mass.
Add all of the remaining ingredients, except for the extra black and white sesame seeds. Process or blend until just combined. You can blend more if you want the oats to be in smaller pieces/the bites to be smoother.
Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture out and carefully roll into 1-inch balls. You should be able to make 14-15 bites total.
Mix the extra black and white sesame seeds together. Roll each of the tahini balls in the sesame seed mixture to coat the outside. Roll in the palm of your hand to help the sesame seeds to adhere to the outside.
Optional: Let the tahini bliss balls set in the fridge or freezer for 15 minutes to firm up before enjoying.
