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These date balls are ready in 15 minutes and use a handful of ingredients. They’re naturally sweetened and so easy to make.
Growing up in Iran, dates were always around for us to enjoy as a treat. We used them in different recipes such as tahini date cookies, ranginak (Persian date walnut dessert) or stuffed dates. Years later, I developed the recipe for these date balls as an easy way to make a large batch of naturally sweetened snacks that keep well in the fridge and I’m excited to share it with you.
Table of Contents
Benefits Of Dates
Dates are a good source of fiber which improves digestion. They’re also rich in antioxidants and minerals such as potassium. Additionally, dates can boost your energy, which is one of the reasons that Muslims break their fast at Iftar with a date during the month of Ramadan.
Ingredients To Make Date Balls
- Dates: I use medjool date for this recipe because they’re large, tender and chewy. Usually, there is no need for you to soak these in hot water.
- Walnuts: Date and walnut is a classic combination that we use in different ways such as date walnut cheesecake bites or date walnut babka.
- Oats: Both old fashioned or quick oats work for this recipe.
- Nut butter: Use any kind of nut butter that you have on hand. My favorite is almond butter but peanut butter works, too.
- Toppings: You can roll the date balls in ground pistachios, desiccated coconut or sesame seeds.
How To Make Date Balls
- Cut open all the dates and discard the seeds.
- Place the dates, old fashioned oatmeal, nut butter and walnuts in the bow of a food processor. Blitz until the mixture comes together, pausing midway to scrape the sides using a spatula. If the mixture looks dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water and blitz again. Repeat until the date and walnut mixture comes together.
- Rub some olive oil on your palms and spoon out about a tablespoon of the date mixture. Roll it into a ball and set it aside, repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Roll the balls in ground pistachios, sesame seeds or desiccated coconut.
Variations
What I love the most about these date energy balls is that they are so versatile and you can modify them to your liking. Here are a few suggestions:
- Add chia seeds or flax seeds to the mixture.
- Use spices such as cinnamon or cardamom.
- Get creative with the nuts: use cashews, almonds or pecans instead of walnuts.
- Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to have chocolate date balls.
Storage
These no-bake date balls last very long. Store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. You can enjoy them any time with a cup of tea.
To freeze date balls, place them in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the dates are too dry, the mixture might not come together. In that case, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot water to the mixture and blend again. Repeat until the mixture comes together and you can shape the balls.
If you’re using medjool dates, which I strongly recommend, there is no need to soak them before making the date balls.
Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans, almonds or cashews.
More Date Recipes
Persian Recipes
Persian Banana Date Shake (Majoon)
Mediterranean recipes
Stuffed Dates Recipe (4 Ways)
Persian Recipes
Ranginak (Persian Date Walnut Dessert)
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!
15-Minute Date Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 medjool dates
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal, or quick oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup nut butter, such as almond butter or peanut butter
To Roll The Balls
- Ground Pistachios
- Desiccated coconut
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Using a knife, cut open the dates and discard the seeds.
- Place the dates, oatmeal, walnuts and nut butter in the bowl of a food processor. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated. If the mixture looks dry and not together, add 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water and mix again. You might need more hot water, but add gradually and carefully so the mixture doesn't get to soft.
- Once the mixture comes together and is ready to roll, rub some olive oil on your hands and palms and scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Roll it into a ball and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Roll each date ball in ground pistachios, sesame seeds or desiccated coconut. Arrange them on a platter and serve.
Video
Notes
- Store the date balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months. Make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving them.
- You can jazz up the flavors by adding other ingredients such as cinnamon, cardamom, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, chia seeds or flax seeds.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Very easy to make for when you’re hungry. I would warn that the peanut butter (I’m out of almond butter) overpowers the flavor of the dates. If you like peanut butter this is a great recipe, just don’t expect a lot of date flavor. It’s not too sweet and overall pretty good
This is definitely a healthy treat. LOve the combination of ingredients and the topping for the roll out too. Best for snack box or after every meal dessert.
I am always looking for healthier dessert ideas. I want something sweet, but I don’t want to go overboard. This recipe was perfect! Slightly sweet and beautiful. I pack a few in my lunch box for a quick snack during the day.
These were so tasty and perfectly poppable! The kids and I will be enjoying these healthy snacks all week.
So tasty and so quick to come together! Definitely a winning snack.
So healthy and so delicious, too! I love when that combination comes together!