You know, there are days when you just crave something sweet but don’t want to feel guilty about it later. That’s where these coconut date balls come in. They’re like little bites of heaven, packed with natural sweetness and a chewy texture that just feels right.
I remember stumbling upon this recipe during one of those late-night Pinterest scrolls when I was supposed to be sleeping. It’s funny how you can get sucked into the world of food photos, right? Anyway, these are perfect for a quick snack or a dessert that doesn’t leave you feeling like you need to run a marathon afterward.
Plus, coconut and dates—what a match made in snack heaven! It’s like they were destined to be together, like Romeo and Juliet, but without the tragic ending. So, why not give them a try?
You might just find a new favorite treat that your taste buds and your waistline will both love.
Steps
- Begin by removing the pits from 10-12 dates and soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften. This step can be skipped if the dates are already soft.
- In a food processor, combine the pitted dates with pecans and a pinch of salt. Blend the mixture on high until it forms a thick, sticky dough-like consistency.
- Take 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll it into a ball using your hands. If desired, refrigerate the balls for 5 minutes to help them set.
- Coat each ball by rolling it in shredded coconut, pressing lightly to ensure the coconut sticks. This recipe will yield approximately 12-14 energy bites.
- Store the prepared date balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days. For longer storage, freeze the balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Ingredients
- 10-12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup raw or toasted pecans
- A pinch of salt
- Desiccated or shredded coconut for coating
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1740kcal | Carbohydrates: 168g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 2076mg | Fiber: 36g | Sugar: 132g | Vitamin A: 372IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- How long do coconut date balls last?
- Once prepared, store the coconut date balls in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. You can also freeze them, and when ready to eat, let them defrost in the fridge overnight.
- Can I make coconut date balls without a blender?
- While using a blender is recommended for finely chopping and combining the ingredients, you can make these without one. Simply chop the ingredients as finely as possible and mix them thoroughly by hand.
- What can I do if the mixture is too dry or too wet?
- If the mixture is too dry to form balls, add more sticky ingredients like additional dates, nut butter, or a small amount of honey or maple syrup. If it’s too wet, incorporate dry ingredients such as oats, almond meal, or protein powder to help it set properly.
- Can I customize the coconut date balls with other ingredients?
- Absolutely! You can add oats, seeds, different nuts or nut butters, dried fruits, spices, or even chocolate chips to create your desired flavor and texture. Adjust the mixture by adding more sticky or dry ingredients as needed.
- Is it necessary to soak the dates before blending?
- Soaking the dates in warm water softens them, making it easier to blend with the pecans. If the dates are already very soft and fresh, you might be able to skip this step.
Tips
- If the mixture is too dry and isn’t forming into balls easily, add more sticky ingredients like dates, nut butters, or a little honey or maple syrup. You can also incorporate a few tablespoons of water to help bind the mixture.
- If the mixture is too wet and gooey, incorporate dry ingredients such as oats, almond meal, or protein powder. Process these in the food processor to help the mixture achieve a better consistency.
- Soak the dates before blending them. This will soften the dates and make it easier to combine them with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother mixture.
- Allow the mixture to chill for 30 minutes. This chilling period will make it easier to roll the mixture into balls and will also allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Equipment
- Food Processor: Essential for blending the dates and pecans into a sticky dough-like mixture.
- Blender: An alternative to the food processor if you prefer or need to finely chop the ingredients in a different way.
