Velvety marzipan meets the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios in these elegant, no-bake bliss balls. Soft, fragrant, and delicately sweet, they make the perfect refined treat for gifting, tea-time, or a luxurious plant-based snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pistachio Marzipan Bliss Balls are incredibly easy to make, requiring no oven or complex techniques. Their naturally sweet flavor comes from wholesome ingredients, and they’re completely vegan-friendly. Enhanced with a touch of rose water for floral sophistication and topped with crushed pistachios, these treats are ideal for festive occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- almond flour
- finely ground pistachios (plus more for topping)
- powdered sugar
- sea salt
- maple syrup
- rose water (optional)
- plant-based milk (as needed for consistency)
Directions
- In a food processor, combine almond flour, finely ground pistachios, powdered sugar, and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Add maple syrup and rose water (if using), and pulse again until the dough begins to form clumps.
- If the dough appears too dry or crumbly, add plant-based milk one teaspoon at a time, pulsing between each addition, until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
- Scoop out small portions and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls.
- Roll each ball in extra crushed pistachios, or sprinkle on top for a decorative touch.
- Chill the bliss balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Once set, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 15–18 bliss balls, depending on size. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes of chilling required before serving. No cooking or baking is involved.
Variations
- Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut or roll the balls in coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Coated: Dip the chilled balls in melted dark chocolate for a rich outer shell.
- Citrus Infusion: Add a small amount of lemon or orange zest for a fresh citrus lift.
- Spiced Version: Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for a warm, aromatic profile.
- Nut Substitutes: Replace pistachios with hazelnuts or walnuts for a different nutty depth.
storage/reheating
Store bliss balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These treats do not require reheating and are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients in a bowl using a spatula or your hands, though the texture may not be as fine as with a processor.
Is rose water necessary?
No, it’s optional. Rose water adds a delicate floral note, but the recipe works wonderfully without it.
Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?
Yes, but almond meal may result in a coarser texture due to the inclusion of almond skins.
What kind of pistachios should I use?
Use unsalted, shelled pistachios for both the ground mix and topping. Roasted or raw varieties both work well.
How can I make the balls sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or increase the powdered sugar slightly to suit your taste.
Can I make these nut-free?
This recipe is primarily nut-based, but you could experiment with sunflower seed flour and omit pistachios, although the flavor and texture will differ.
Are these suitable for children?
Yes, they are free of refined oils and processed additives, making them a wholesome treat for kids. Avoid rose water if sensitive to floral flavors.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Absolutely. They store well and can be made several days ahead of time for convenience.
How can I make them more festive?
Roll them in edible glitter, cocoa powder, or gold leaf for a special occasion presentation.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
Conclusion
Pistachio Marzipan Bliss Balls are an effortless yet luxurious treat that delivers both visual elegance and irresistible flavor. With simple ingredients and no baking required, they are perfect for entertaining, gifting, or indulging in a moment of refined sweetness. Keep a batch in the fridge for when you need a little bite of bliss.
Print
Pistachio Marzipan Bliss Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bliss balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Velvety smooth marzipan blended with finely ground pistachios, hand-rolled into soft truffle-like bites and crowned with crushed nuts. These naturally sweet, no-bake treats are luxurious, vegan-friendly, and perfect for gifting or elegant snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 3/4 cup finely ground pistachios (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp rose water (optional, for a floral touch)
- 1–2 tbsp plant-based milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine almond flour, ground pistachios, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse until well mixed.
- Add maple syrup and rose water, and pulse again until the dough begins to clump.
- If the mixture is too dry, add plant-based milk a teaspoon at a time until it forms a smooth dough.
- Scoop out small portions and roll into smooth balls using your hands.
- Roll or sprinkle each ball with crushed pistachios for a decorative finish.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
- Use high-quality pistachios for best flavor.
- Rose water adds a unique floral note, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Great for gifting during holidays or special occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bliss ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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