Homemade hemp candies – healthy treats

Homemade hemp candies are one of the simplest no-bake recipes that provide real nutritional value in the form of a sweet snack. Peanut butter, cocoa, coconut oil, and hulled hemp seeds – four ingredients create a thick mixture that hardens into the consistency of classic candy once cooled. Each serving provides complete plant protein from hemp seeds, healthy fats, and magnesium. I will show you step by step how to make it and why choosing coconut oil is crucial.

KEY INFORMATION
• Hulled hemp seeds contain about 31 g of protein per 100 g and all 9 essential amino acids (House et al., Food Chemistry, 2010).
• 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds (30 g) provide about 166 kcal, 9 g of protein, 14 g of fat, and 1.2 g of carbohydrates (USDA FoodData Central, 2023).
• The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in hemp seeds is about 3:1 – optimal for humans (Callaway, Euphytica, 2004).
• One candy (about 20 g): approximately 95 kcal, 3 g of protein, 7 g of fat, 5 g of carbohydrates.

Why do hemp seeds fit into homemade candies?

Homemade candies are one of those desserts that exist at the intersection of sweet pleasure and mindful eating. Hemp seeds fit perfectly into this space. They don’t gel like chia, nor do they grind down like flaxseeds – they remain whole and crunchy in the thick mixture of peanut butter and cocoa. The contrasting texture – a soft, creamy base with crunchy seeds – is something no other substitute can provide.

Nutritional values are equally compelling. Three tablespoons of hemp seeds (30 g) contribute about 9 g of protein with a complete amino acid profile, 14 g of fat (most of which are omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs in a 3:1 ratio), and about 210 mg of magnesium per 100 g (USDA FoodData Central, 2023). Peanut butter adds more protein and monounsaturated fatty acids, while cocoa provides flavonoids with antioxidant properties. Together, they create a snack that offers much more than just flavor.

The key structural ingredient is coconut oil. It contains saturated fatty acids with a high melting point – at room temperature below 24°C, it becomes solid, and above this temperature, it is liquid. In the refrigerator, it solidifies into a white, hard mass that binds the other ingredients together. Without coconut oil (or another solid fat like cocoa butter), the candies will not harden regardless of the cooling time.

Nutritional values – what does one candy provide?

One candy (about 20 g) provides approximately 90–100 kcal, 3 g of protein, 7 g of fat, and 5 g of carbohydrates. A serving of 3 candies (snack, about 60 g) amounts to about 285 kcal and 9 g of protein. The hemp seeds in the recipe (50 g for 20–24 candies) contribute about 0.75 g of protein and about 1.1 g of omega acids per piece. House et al. (Food Chemistry, 2010) confirm that hemp seeds have a complete amino acid profile with all 9 essential amino acids – even with a small portion, all necessary protein building blocks enter the body.

Ingredients – what do you need?

• 150 g of peanut, almond, or cashew butter (without sugar and palm oil)
• 50 g of hulled hemp seeds
• 2 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons (about 30 g) of raw cacao
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• a pinch of sea salt
• optional: 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes, 30 g of chopped dark chocolate, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

How to prepare homemade hemp balms – step by step?

You don't need an oven or special equipment – just a pot, a bowl, and a mold. Active work: about 15 minutes, cooling for at least 2 hours.

Step 1. Heat the base. In a small saucepan over low heat or in a water bath, combine peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Stir constantly until uniform – about 3 minutes. The mixture should be liquid and homogeneous. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes – if too hot, it will destroy the cocoa aroma.

Step 2. Add cocoa and seeds. To the cooled mixture, add cocoa, hemp seeds, salt, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. The mixture will be thick and dark brown. Check the consistency: a spoonful of the mixture in the fridge for 2 minutes – it should harden to a play-dough consistency. If too runny – add a spoonful of cocoa.

Step 3. Pour and chill. Line the mold (15×20 cm) with paper. Pour the mixture in, leveling it with a spoon to about 1.5 cm thick. Sprinkle with a spoonful of hemp seeds. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or freeze for 45 minutes.

Step 4. Cut. Remove the mixture from the mold along with the paper. Using a sharp knife, cut into squares of 3×3 cm. The balms are ready when they hold their shape in your hand for 30 seconds without softening. Store in the fridge in an airtight container – at room temperature above 22°C, they will soften.

Tips and variations

We noticed in tests that hemp balms cut much better after 3 hours in the fridge than after 2. Coconut oil needs time to fully crystallize – after 2 hours, the mixture is hard at the edges, but the center may still be pliable. After 3 hours, the consistency is uniform, and the knife glides cleanly without crushing the balms.

Version with dates. Replace honey with 80 g of blended dates into a paste. Dates provide a more caramel flavor than honey and a more pronounced sweetness. Date paste is thicker – it may be necessary to heat the mixture a bit longer to combine well with the peanut butter.

Version with chocolate. Instead of cocoa, use 60 g of melted dark chocolate (min. 70% cocoa) added to the mixture after removing from heat. Chocolate gives a creamier texture and deeper flavor than cocoa alone. Reduce the coconut oil by a tablespoon – chocolate contains its own cocoa butter.

A similar no-bake idea is realized in our Hemp Seed Pralines in Chocolate Coating – a different shape, similar idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories do homemade hemp balms have?

One balm (about 20 g) provides about 90–100 kcal, 3 g of protein, and 7 g of fat. Three tablespoons of hemp seeds (30 g) in the recipe provide about 166 kcal and 9 g of protein (USDA FoodData Central, 2023). A serving of 3 balms is about 285 kcal.

Why don't hemp balms harden?

The most common reason is the lack of coconut oil or the use of rapeseed oil, which does not solidify in the fridge. Coconut oil solidifies below 24°C. Hemp seeds contain about 14 g of fat/30 g (USDA, 2023) – they are not enough on their own to solidify the mixture.

How long to store homemade hemp balms?

In the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, in the freezer for up to 3 months. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in hemp seeds is 3:1 (Callaway, Euphytica, 2004). At room temperature above 22°C, the balms soften – always keep them cool.

Can hemp balms be made without cocoa?

Yes – white version: 2 tablespoons of coconut flour or hemp protein instead of cocoa. The flavor is milder, more nutty. The version with turmeric and ginger creates golden balms with a spicy profile. Hemp seeds contain complete protein with all 9 amino acids (House et al., 2010).

Which peanut butter to choose for balms?

Almond – milder flavor, creamy texture. Peanut – more intense flavor, classic profile. Cashew – sweeter, least intense. Tahini pairs well with cocoa and hemp seeds, which have an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 3:1 (Callaway, 2004).

This article is for informational and educational purposes and does not replace consultation with a doctor. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have chronic conditions, consult the use of supplements or herbs with a specialist.

Author: Michał Waluk · Published: 2026-05-04 · Updated: 2026-05-04