Christmas Chocolate Orange Balls

Chocolate Orange Balls via Nutritionist in the Kitch

Oh my, oh my! It’s only two days to Christmas!! (I count Christmas Eve + Christmas Day as “Christmas” because our family celebrates on Christmas eve too!)

So – do you remember Terry’s Chocolate Oranges… that you SMASH?! I think they are still around actually, but I haven’t had one in AGES! Well, those are what inspired me to make this recipe!

Chocolate Orange Balls via Nutritionist in the Kitch

I am a big fan of the chocolate + orange flavour combination. The rich, decadent, almost smoky flavour of dark chocolate cut with the sweet and tart citrus orange – it’s just divine! Unfortunately, Terry’s oranges areΒ far from healthy, and the flavour is pretty artificial. So, I thought I’d bring the delicious flavours together again in a real, whole food, healthy kind of way!

Chocolate Orange Balls via Nutritionist in the Kitch

Making chocolate-covered energy balls is becoming a little NITK Christmas tradition it seems! Last year I made these delicious gingerbread ones, and they were a big hit! This year it’s chocolate orange, and next year, well I’ve already got some yummy ideas in mind!

Chocolate Orange Balls via Nutritionist in the Kitch

I used simple, healthy ingredients to make these orange balls, and there isn’t one ingredient that is not nutritionist approved!

Chocolate Orange Balls via Nutritionist in the Kitch

Let’s see…in this recipe we’veΒ got:

raw cashews // a great source ofΒ healthy omega fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc!

pitted dates // a fantastic source of dietary fibre and a plethora of minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium!

coconut flour // another great source of dietary fibre and healthy fats!

navel oranges // a powerhouse of antioxidants like Vitamin C and A, potassium, and soluble fibre!

75% dark chocolate // more, more, more antioxidants!

coconut oil // full of healthy fatty acids!

…and that’s it!

Chocolate Orange Balls via Nutritionist in the Kitch
The best part is that they taste even better, in my humble opinion, than those “other guys” chocolate orange treats!! πŸ˜‰ No hard feelings Terry!

Christmas Chocolate Orange Balls
 
Serves: 15
Ingredients
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup pitted medjool dates
  • ¼ cup coconut flour
  • ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 100g 75% dark chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
  1. In a food processor add cashews, dates, coconut flour, orange juice, 2 tablespoons of the orange zest.
  2. Process for 2-3 minutes until well combined into a sticky "dough".
  3. With clean, wet hands, roll the dough using your palms into golf ball sized balls, and place on a baking pan.
  4. Place the balls in the freezer for 1 hour.
  5. After an hour, heat a small pan over low heat and add in the chocolate and coconut oil. Stir until melted together into a smooth sauce.
  6. Take a large plate and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of zest on the plate.
  7. Take the orange balls out of the freezer and roll each ball into the melted chocolate mixture to coat, then lightly over the orange zest. Place back on the baking pan.
  8. Once all balls are coated in chocolate and orange zest, place the pan back in the freezer for 1 hour longer to set.
  9. Enjoy!
Notes
Store in the fridge or freezer until just before serving!

Seeing as this will be the last time I post until after Christmas, I’d like to wish, from my family to yours…

AΒ very, very, very Merry + Blessed Christmas!

Christal

Nutrition in the Kitch

Author: Christal Sczebel

Christal is the creator of Nutrition in the Kitch. She's a Certified Nutritional Consultant, twice published author, gluten and dairy free recipe developer, food photographer, speaker, wife, and mama. Christal loves good food, all things wellness, and loves to travel. Her wellness philosophy is centred around balance and sustainable health, life's way too short for boring diets and restriction!

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