Welcome to the indulgent world of Swedish Chocolate Balls, also known as Chokladbollar. These deliciously inviting treats are a staple of Swedish fika (coffee break) and are sure to bring a touch of Scandinavian delight to your kitchen.
These Swedish sweet treats primarily include everyday pantry items. However, one ingredient you might need to look out for is unsweetened coconut, often available in the baking section of supermarkets. Another is rolled oats, which are whole grain oats that are flattened. They are different from quick oats or steel-cut oats, so make sure to select the right kind for the authentic texture.
Essential Ingredients for Swedish Chocolate Balls (Chokladbollar)
rolled oats: These oats are used as the base of the chocolate balls, adding a satisfying chewy texture.
white sugar: Adds sweetness to complement the rich cocoa flavour.
cocoa powder: Gives the chocolate balls their signature chocolatey taste.
kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavour.
cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the chocolate balls, but can be skipped if preferred.
unsalted butter: Helps to bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
coconut oil: Provides a slight coconut flavour and helps to firm up the balls.
vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavour with its sweet, creamy notes.
coffee: Deepens the chocolate flavour. Use a strong, good quality coffee for best results.
unsweetened coconut: Used for coating the balls for added texture and flavour.
One reader, Cornelia Quick says:
These Swedish chocolate balls are a delightful treat! The combination of cocoa, oats, and coconut creates a rich and indulgent flavor. The hint of cayenne adds a unique kick. They're easy to make and perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required
Toasting oats: Heat a pan over medium heat and add oats. Toss and shake for about 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted.
Mixing the dough: Combine sugar, cocoa powder, salt, cayenne, butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and coffee in a bowl. Add the toasted oats and mix until thoroughly combined.
Portioning the dough: Portion the dough into balls using a sorbet scoop.
Coating the balls: Roll the balls in grated coconut and transfer to a parchment-lined baking pan.
Chilling the balls: Let the balls firm up in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes.
How To Make Swedish Chocolate Balls (Chokladbollar)
Chokladbollar is a Swedish dessert of chocolate balls with oats and coffee. These no-bake goodies are then rolled in grated coconut.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupsrolled oats,quick cooking
- ½cupwhite sugar
- 3½tbspcocoa powder
- 1pinchkosher salt
- 1pinchcayenne pepper
- ¼cupunsalted butter,softened
- ¼cupcoconut oil,at room temperature
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 2tspcoffee,strong brewed
- ½cupunsweetened coconut,grated, or as needed
Instructions
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Heat a pan over medium heat and add oats. Toss and shake for about 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted.
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Combine sugar, cocoa powder, salt, cayenne, butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and coffee in a bowl. Add the oats and mix until thoroughly combined.
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Portion dough into balls using a sorbet scoop. Roll balls in grated coconut and transfer to a parchment-lined baking pan.
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Let them firm up in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 127.81kcal
- Fat: 8.68g
- Saturated Fat: 6.47g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.22g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.37g
- Carbohydrates: 12.71g
- Fiber: 1.58g
- Sugar: 6.60g
- Protein: 1.47g
- Cholesterol: 7.63mg
- Sodium: 9.30mg
- Calcium: 6.70mg
- Potassium: 61.08mg
- Iron: 0.61mg
- Vitamin A: 24.40µg
- Vitamin C: 0.05mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Swedish Chocolate Balls
To ensure your Swedish chocolate balls have a consistent size and shape, use a small ice cream or cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This will not only make the process quicker and easier, but it will also give your chocolate balls a professional, uniform appearance. Additionally, when toasting the oats, keep them moving in the pan to prevent them from burning. A gentle shake of the pan every few seconds should do the trick.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Chokladbollar
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly combine the ingredients and form the dough for the chocolate balls.
Chill the dough: Place the rolled balls in the freezer for a shorter amount of time to firm up the dough quickly.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to save time and minimize any potential mess.
Use a cookie scoop: Utilize a cookie scoop to portion the dough quickly and efficiently.
Substitute Ingredients For Swedish Chocolate Balls (Chokladbollar) Recipe
rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes have a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a suitable substitute for rolled oats in this recipe.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a 1:1 replacement for white sugar and adds a hint of caramel flavor to the chocolate balls.
cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder has a naturally sweet flavor and can be used as a cocoa powder alternative for those looking to reduce caffeine intake.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut butter: Coconut butter provides a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor, which complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
coconut oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a neutral-flavored oil that can be used as a substitute for coconut oil, providing a healthy fat alternative.
coffee - Substitute with espresso powder: Espresso powder can be used as a concentrated coffee flavoring in place of brewed coffee, adding a robust coffee taste to the chocolate balls.
unsweetened coconut - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, can provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor similar to unsweetened coconut in the recipe.
How to Beautifully Present Chokladbollar
Elevate the plating: Arrange the Swedish chocolate balls in a circular pattern on a pristine white plate, creating a visually appealing display that showcases the texture and shape of the treats.
Incorporate contrasting colors: Introduce a pop of color by garnishing the plate with a sprinkle of vibrant red raspberries, adding a striking contrast to the rich, dark chocolate balls.
Utilize edible flowers: Enhance the visual appeal by delicately placing a few edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, around the plate to introduce a touch of elegance and a subtle floral aroma.
Add a dusting of cocoa powder: Lightly dust the plate with a fine cocoa powder to create an artistic and sophisticated presentation, adding a hint of decadence to the overall visual composition.
Include a drizzle of chocolate sauce: Artfully drizzle a luscious chocolate sauce in a decorative pattern on the plate, complementing the Swedish chocolate balls with an additional layer of indulgent flavor and visual allure.
Incorporate gold leaf accents: For a touch of luxury, delicately place edible gold leaf accents around the plate, elevating the presentation with a touch of opulence and sophistication.
Serve with a side of whipped cream: Present the Swedish chocolate balls alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream, adding a creamy and luxurious element to the dish while enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Swedish Chocolate Balls
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, grinding, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It is ideal for making the dough for the Swedish chocolate balls and for blending the ingredients together.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry and wet ingredients for the Swedish chocolate balls. It allows for easy mixing and ensures that all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Pan: A pan is used for toasting the oats to enhance their flavor and aroma before incorporating them into the chocolate ball mixture.
- Sorbet scoop: A sorbet scoop is used to portion the chocolate ball dough into evenly sized balls, making the process more efficient and ensuring uniformity in size.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking pan, preventing the chocolate balls from sticking and making cleanup easier.
- Grater: A grater is used to grate the coconut, which is then used to coat the chocolate balls, adding texture and flavor to the finished product.
How To Store and Freeze Chokladbollar
Once the chocolate balls have firmed up in the fridge, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the chocolate balls for up to 3 months. To do this, place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
To thaw the frozen chocolate balls, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
For optimal taste and texture, it's best to consume the chocolate balls within a month of freezing. However, they will still be safe to eat for up to 3 months.
If you notice any signs of freezer burn or a significant change in texture after thawing, it's best to discard the affected chocolate balls.
Random Fact about Swedish Chocolate Balls
Swedish chocolate balls are a popular treat in Sweden and are often enjoyed during fika, a Swedish coffee break. They are traditionally made with oats, cocoa, and coconut, and are a no-bake dessert. These delicious treats are also known as chokladbollar in Swedish and are a favorite among both kids and adults. They are easy to make and can be customized with different coatings such as sprinkles, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts.
Is Making Chokladbollar at Home Cost-Effective?
The Swedish chocolate balls recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as rolled oats, sugar, and cocoa powder, are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The addition of coconut oil and unsweetened coconut may slightly increase the cost, but these ingredients are versatile and can be used in various other recipes. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful treat at a reasonable price. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15.
Are Swedish Chocolate Balls Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Swedish chocolate balls recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest treat. The main concerns lie in the high sugar content and the use of saturated fats like butter and coconut oil. These ingredients, when consumed in excess, can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other health issues. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, protein, or essential nutrients.
However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing too much on taste:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used or replace it with a natural sweetener like dates or honey
- Swap out some of the butter and coconut oil for healthier alternatives like almond butter or avocado
- Incorporate more nutritious ingredients such as chia seeds, flax seeds, or chopped nuts to boost the fiber and protein content
- Use raw cacao powder instead of regular cocoa powder for an added antioxidant boost
- Roll the balls in healthier coatings like crushed nuts, cacao nibs, or shredded unsweetened coconut
By making these simple adjustments, you can transform this indulgent treat into a more balanced snack that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier ingredients, these chocolate balls should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday staple.
Editor's Opinion on Swedish Chocolate Balls Recipe
This Swedish chocolate balls recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of cocoa, oats, and coconut creates a rich and satisfying treat. The addition of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, elevating the complexity of the flavors. The use of coffee and vanilla extract enhances the depth of the chocolatey taste. The process of toasting the oats adds a nutty aroma, further enhancing the overall experience. This recipe is a wonderful fusion of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements, making it a delightful indulgence for any occasion.
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Why trust this Swedish Chocolate Balls (Chokladbollar) Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, perfected over generations in Swedish kitchens. The combination of cocoa powder and coffee creates a rich, indulgent flavor, while the addition of cayenne pepper adds a subtle, unexpected kick. The use of rolled oats and coconut oil provides a wholesome, satisfying texture. The inclusion of vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste. These chocolate balls are a beloved treat in Sweden, and this recipe stays true to the traditional method, ensuring an authentic and delightful experience.
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