Indulge in Homemade No-Bake Black Licorice Balls: A Wholesome Snack & Rocky Mountain Adventure
For those with a deep affection for the distinctive taste of black licorice, prepare to be captivated by these incredibly healthy, homemade no-bake licorice balls. They are not only a delicious indulgence but also a remarkably quick and easy snack to prepare using just a food processor. And if black licorice isn’t quite your cup of tea, you’re still in for a treat, as this post also takes you on a breathtaking visual journey through a dog sledding adventure in the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains!
The rich, dark flavor of black licorice and the open road have always held a special place in my heart, delightfully intertwined with countless memories. Decades ago, when Raymond and I first started dating, every gas station stop during our road trips came with a sweet ritual. He would invariably emerge with one of those iconic dark black licorice cigars, complete with tiny candy bead ’embers’ at the tip. These nostalgic treats, often displayed in tempting boxes on gas station counters, were a simple pleasure, costing mere pennies and offering a delightful distraction as you paid for fuel. Today, our cars are equipped with card readers at the pump, making those charming licorice cigars a sweet relic of the past, relegated to cherished memories. Yet, my deep love for all things black licorice remains as strong as ever.
Growing up, among my four sisters and me, the black jelly beans or jujubes in any candy assortment were always the most coveted, often leading to playful squabbles. It’s a bittersweet truth that modern black candies often favor blackberry over traditional licorice flavor. Driven by a desire to keep the authentic black licorice experience alive for fellow enthusiasts, I embarked on a mission to craft the ultimate licorice ball recipe. My goal was to create a treat with an intensely dark licorice touch, balanced by a satisfying sweetness and a wonderfully creamy, crunchy texture. In my opinion, these healthy no-bake licorice balls are the perfect companion for any road trip, infused with a comforting dash of nostalgia.
Just a few weeks ago, we embarked on an unforgettable late-winter escape to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The snowy north provided a stunning backdrop for our much-needed getaway. Naturally, a trusty tin of these homemade Black Licorice Balls joined us on our journey. As we drove through the vast, rural prairie landscapes, gradually transitioning to the awe-inspiring sight of the majestic mountains, each nibble transported me back to those early road trips, reliving the simple joy of a licorice cigar in hand. These delicious energy balls provided the perfect boost for our scenic drive.
Our destination was Lake Louise, where we spent three nights immersed in a breathtaking winter wonderland. We were incredibly fortunate to arrive shortly after a magnificent snowfall the week prior, ensuring the mountains were absolutely resplendent, draped in their pristine, snowy beauty. The fresh powder transformed the landscape into a postcard-perfect scene, inviting us to explore and recharge our spirits.
During our stay, we were guests at the exquisite Post Hotel, sharing the experience with some cherished friends. Our days were filled with invigorating long walks through the deep snow, indulging in many amazing meals that delighted our palates, savoring fantastic wines, and embarking on a series of truly wonderful adventures. The hotel itself, a cozy and luxurious haven amidst the snowy peaks, offered the perfect base for our winter escapades.
One of the absolute highlights of our trip was experiencing dog sledding for the very first time! And what an absolute blast it was! Kingmik Dog Sled Tours provided us with an experience that will forever be etched in our memories. We had the incredible opportunity to spend time with their impressive team of friendly and incredibly affectionate Alaskan Huskies. These dogs, renowned for their use in the famous Iditarod Race, are lean, immensely strong, and brimming with an astounding amount of energy. Their excitement was palpable; they were practically vibrating with anticipation to be harnessed to the sleds and hit the trail! It was clear how exceptionally well-cared for they are, and how much they genuinely love their work, thriving on the attention and cuddles they receive.
Our dog sled journey took us to the breathtaking Great Divide, a significant geographical landmark where the continental watershed separates waters flowing towards the Pacific Ocean from those heading towards the Atlantic Ocean. This exhilarating round trip, each leg lasting approximately 45 minutes, was a mesmerizing experience, gliding silently through pristine snowscapes pulled by our powerful canine companions. The crisp mountain air and the rhythmic sound of paws on snow created an unforgettable sensory adventure, deeply connecting us with the raw beauty of the wilderness.
I genuinely fell in love with those magnificent dogs; their spirit and dedication were truly inspiring.
Beyond the sledding, we also embraced the winter landscape by bringing our snowshoes. This allowed us to enjoy some wonderfully scenic exercise, tromping through the deep, untouched snow in the serene forests surrounding the hotel. Each step was a quiet meditation, offering stunning views and a fantastic workout in the crisp mountain air. It was a perfect way to explore the quieter, more intimate corners of Lake Louise’s winter beauty.
Us girls, never ones to miss an opportunity for some lighthearted fun, had an absolute blast attempting to make snow angels. We quickly discovered that performing this childhood classic with bulky snowshoes still attached to your feet adds an unexpected layer of challenge – and hilarity! We had never laughed so hard in our lives, our clumsy attempts leaving us looking less like delicate angels and more like flattened Gumby dolls imprinted in the snow. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that perfectly encapsulated the lighthearted spirit of our trip.
All in all, it was an absolutely amazing and much-needed winter break, a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and hearty laughter.
Our evenings were spent enjoying the hotel’s amenities, from unwinding in the swimming pool and hot tub to engaging in spirited card games by the comforting crackle of the fireplace. We lingered for hours over truly fantastic meals in the elegant dining room, pairing them with a selection of exceptional wines. The Post Hotel proudly boasts one of the largest wine cellars in the country, housing over 22,000 bottles of premium wines. We were incredibly fortunate to receive a private, guided tour from the hotel’s knowledgeable sommelier, a fascinating experience that offered a glimpse into their impressive collection and the intricate world of winemaking and pairing.
On the morning of our departure from the mountains, as we prepared to head home, the hotel porter offered a perfect description of the day: a ‘Bluebird Day’. With its vibrant blue skies, crisp air, and brilliant sunshine illuminating the snow-capped peaks, there truly couldn’t have been a more fitting label for the absolutely perfect mountain day it was, a glorious farewell to an unforgettable winter escape.
And of course, we still had a delightful stash of our tasty homemade Black Licorice Balls, perfect for nibbling on during the picturesque drive home, extending the sweet memories of our mountain adventure just a little longer. These healthy black licorice energy balls proved to be the ideal road trip snack, providing sustained energy and a satisfying flavor.
Quick & Easy No-Bake Black Licorice Balls Recipe
This simple black licorice balls recipe brings that beloved, nostalgic flavor to a wholesome, no-bake snack. Packed with nutritious ingredients, these energy bites are perfect for satisfying cravings and fueling your day.
What you’ll need for these healthy licorice energy balls:
Preparing these delicious black licorice energy balls couldn’t be simpler. Just combine all the main ingredients in your food processor, give it a few quick pulses, and voilà – your rich, aromatic dough is ready in mere moments.
Next, simply squeeze the mixture into perfectly portioned balls and roll them in a fragrant, seasoned coconut sugar coating. This step not only adds a beautiful finish but also enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a delightful contrast with the rich licorice interior.
Licorice lovers, unite! That incredibly unique and addictive flavor truly shines through in these homemade energy balls, perfectly satisfying even the deepest cravings. These black licorice balls capture the essence of your childhood favorite, but with a significant healthy upgrade. Crafted with nutrient-dense walnuts, sweet dates, succulent prunes, wholesome oats, and unrefined sugars, they offer guilt-free indulgence. The authentic, sweet licorice punch comes from a blend of finely ground anise seeds, fragrant ground star anise, and the deep, complex notes of blackstrap molasses. A hint of cacao powder adds a layer of rich complexity, while cacao nibs (or chopped walnuts for an alternative) provide a delightful, satisfying crunch. Not only are these little powerhouses loaded with essential nutrients and beneficial fiber, but they also deliver an incredible flavor explosion in every bite, making them an ideal healthy snack or energizing treat.
More Delicious Energy Balls & Snack Bites
If you’re a fan of these easy-to-make, nutrient-packed black licorice balls, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic energy ball and tasty snack ball recipes. They offer a variety of flavors and ingredients, perfect for any craving or dietary need, from quick breakfasts to afternoon pick-me-ups:
- Apricot Orange Energy Balls: A bright and zesty option for a refreshing boost.
- Banana Oat Breakfast Balls: The perfect grab-and-go solution for busy mornings or a wholesome snack.
- Chocolate Walnut Cookie Dough Balls: Indulge in cookie dough flavor without the baking, packed with healthy fats.
- Easy No-Bake Protein Balls, Vanilla or Chocolate: Fuel your body post-workout or as a protein-rich snack, with classic flavor choices.
- Gingerbread Cookie Dough Balls: A festive and spicy treat perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave gingerbread.
- Maple Walnut Energy Balls: A naturally sweetened, nutty option with a comforting maple flavor.
- Green Goobers (Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls): A unique and energizing bite with the vibrant taste and benefits of matcha.
- Decadent Little Truffles: For those moments when only a rich, chocolatey, dairy-free treat will do.
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Guten Appetit!
No-Bake Licorice Balls
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) walnuts
- ¾ cup (75 g) rolled oats, gluten-free, if necessary
- ½ cup (100 g) medjool dates, pitted, about 6
- ½ cup (100 g) pitted prunes, lightly packed
- ¼ cup (25 g) raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) ground anise seeds
- 2 teaspoons ground star anise
- 3 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 tablespoons (30 g) cacao nibs or chopped walnuts
to roll the balls in:
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground star anise
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ (180℃). Spread the walnuts evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10 minutes. Watch them carefully until they turn lightly golden and release a wonderful aromatic fragrance. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding.
- First, process the rolled oats in a food processor until they form a coarse flour-like consistency. Next, add the cooled walnuts, pitted dates, pitted prunes, cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder), ground anise seeds, ground star anise, fine sea salt, and blackstrap molasses to the food processor. Blend everything together until you achieve a coarse, homogeneous mass. While the mixture should be well combined, it’s desirable to still see small bits of nuts for texture.
- Now, add the cacao nibs (or chopped walnuts, if using) to the mixture. Pulse the food processor just a few times to gently incorporate them. The mixture will likely still appear somewhat crumbly at this stage, which is perfectly normal.
- To form the black licorice balls, take a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon and firmly press the crumbly mixture into it. Then, scoop the measured mixture into your hands and compress it tightly to form a rough ball. Finish by rolling it smoothly between your palms until it’s perfectly round.
- In a small bowl, combine the coconut sugar, cacao powder, and ground star anise thoroughly. As you form each ball, roll it immediately in this aromatic powder mixture until evenly coated. This adds both flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Continue this process until all of the delicious mixture has been used up. You should yield approximately 32 individual black licorice balls, each perfectly portioned at 1 tablespoon.
- For storage, keep the finished licorice balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need them to last longer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For extended freshness, these healthy black licorice balls freeze beautifully for up to six months.