Date Balls
By Sapir Dahan
- 5 ingredients
- 3 steps
- Makes: 10–12 balls
- Dairy: Dairy-free
Date balls made with Medjool dates, walnuts, cocoa and a little peanut butter, rolled in coconut. A just-sweet-enough snack made in the food processor, for about 10 to 12 balls.
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Small, delicious date balls, sweet in just the right amount, packed with nuts and cocoa, with a little peanut butter. A balanced energy snack for any occasion, and the big bonus: the kids will happily eat them too and think they're fancy chocolate balls.
Ingredients for about 10–12 date balls
- 7 Medjool dates.
- 100 g whole walnuts (1 cup).
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (you can swap it for maple syrup or tahini).
- For coating: 1 cup toasted or plain desiccated coconut.
Instructions
- Halve the dates and remove the pits. Put the dates in a bowl, pour over hot water to cover, and let them soak for about 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a food processor, combine the walnuts, dates, cocoa and peanut butter. Process in short pulses until the mixture is uniform. If the mixture is sticky, put it in the fridge for about 10 minutes and then shape the balls.
- Roll into small balls and coat them in coconut. Chill for about 30 minutes to firm up, and enjoy.
Good to know
- The date balls aren't too sweet. As I mentioned, you can swap the peanut butter for maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Questions and answers
What can I use instead of peanut butter in the date balls?
You can swap it for maple syrup, which adds sweetness, or for tahini.
Are the date balls very sweet?
No, they're not too sweet. If you'd like them sweeter, swap the peanut butter for maple syrup.
What do I do if the date mixture is sticky?
Put it in the fridge for about 10 minutes, then shape the balls.
Why do you soak the dates before processing them?
The recipe has you soak the dates in hot water for about 5 minutes and then drain them before processing.
