How to Make the Perfect Date Balls
American · Easy · 45 min · 16 servings
Date balls are a naturally sweet kid friendly snack made from wholesome ingredients with no refined sugar needed. These energy packed little bites are great for active kids and are easy enough for children to help make themselves.
Why this recipe works
This Date Balls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 95 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups Medjool dates pitted
- 0.75 cup raw cashews or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Blend Nuts
Place cashews or walnuts in a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground resembling coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over process or the nuts will turn into nut butter.
Step 2: Add Dates and Flavorings
Add pitted Medjool dates cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the food processor with the ground nuts. Process until the mixture comes together into a sticky ball that pulls away from the sides.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Transfer the mixture to a bowl cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling makes the sticky dough much easier to portion and roll without it sticking to your hands.
Step 4: Roll and Coat
Spread shredded coconut on a flat plate. Scoop tablespoon sized portions and roll between your palms into smooth balls then roll each in the coconut to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cashews or walnuts → sunflower seeds for a completely nut free version safe for school
- unsweetened cocoa powder → carob powder for a caffeine free chocolate like flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Over processing the nuts past the crumb stage which makes the dough oily and too soft to roll
- Using dry dates that have not been soaked causing the mixture to be crumbly and unable to bind together
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 95 calories, 2g protein, 15g carbs, 4g fat, 2g fiber.
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