Description
Wholesome, energizing sweet snacks with dates and almonds. These easy, natural treats are perfect for a healthy gluten-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool Dates, pitted, approximately 200g
- 1 cup Almonds, raw or lightly toasted, approximately 120g
- Pinch Salt, e.g., sea salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1–2 tbsp Optional Liquid, water or nut milk
- 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder (Optional Add-in)
- 1/4 cup Shredded Coconut (Optional Add-in)
- 1 tbsp Chia Seeds or Ground Flaxseed (Optional Add-in)
- 1/4 cup Rolled Oats (Optional Add-in)
- Other Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans) (Optional Swap)
- 1 tbsp Nut Butter, e.g., almond butter (Optional Add-in)
- Dried Fruit (Dried cranberries, apricots) (Optional Add-in)
Instructions
- Prep Dates: First, ensure your dates are soft. If they feel hard, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain them really well. After that, carefully pit all the dates thoroughly. This is crucial for a smooth mix!
- Blend Dry Ingredients: In your food processor, pulse the almonds until they are finely chopped, but make sure not to turn them into butter. You want some texture. If you’re adding rolled oats or seeds from the optional add-ins, toss them in now and pulse briefly to combine.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Now, add the pitted dates, salt, and vanilla extract to the food processor with your almond mixture. Process until a sticky dough forms. You’ll know it’s ready when a small piece holds together firmly when pressed between your fingers. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add water or nut milk one teaspoon at a time while processing until it just comes together. If, by chance, it seems too wet, add a tablespoon of extra ground almonds or rolled oats to absorb excess moisture.
- Form Snacks: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into uniform bite-sized balls, about 1-inch in diameter. For varied snacks, roll some in a little cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or even finely chopped nuts for different finishes.
- Chill: Arrange your formed snacks on a plate or in an airtight container and pop them into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This chilling time is important; it helps them firm up, become less sticky, and hold their shape beautifully. If they seem to be falling apart, simply chill them longer. Sometimes, a tiny bit more nut butter or liquid can help if you re-roll them after a quick chill.
Notes
Quality Tips: Use fresh, plump Medjool dates for the best texture. Unblanched, unroasted almonds are preferred for maximum flexibility, but lightly toasted works well. Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut to control sugar content, and a good quality sea salt makes a difference in balancing sweetness.
Substitutions & Variations: Feel free to swap almonds for other nuts like walnuts or pecans. Experiment with optional add-ins like cocoa powder, shredded coconut, chia seeds, flaxseed, rolled oats, nut butter, or other dried fruits for different flavors and textures.
Troubleshooting: If the mixture is too dry, add water or nut milk one teaspoon at a time. If too wet, add a tablespoon of extra ground almonds or rolled oats. If formed snacks seem to be falling apart, chill them longer; sometimes, a tiny bit more nut butter or liquid can help if you re-roll them after a quick chill.
Storage: Store these healthy sweet snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness and firmness.
Nutritional Estimate: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and typical portion sizes, as exact data was not provided in the original article.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Healthy Sweet Snacks with Dates and Almonds