Description
Nostalgic date balls bring Mediterranean sweetness to classic dessert traditions. Nutty pecans and honey-kissed dates create a delightful no-bake treat you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pitted dates, finely chopped
- 1 cup (100 grams) pecans, finely chopped
- 2 cups (56 grams) crisped rice cereal
Binding Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 grams/1 stick) butter
- ¾ cup (150 grams) white granulated sugar
Flavoring and Finishing:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting or rolling
Instructions
- Utilize a food processor to meticulously chop dates and pecans into uniform, fine pieces, ensuring optimal texture and binding potential.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat, gradually incorporating sugar and chopped dates while stirring consistently to create a smooth, cohesive mixture.
- Continue cooking until sugar completely dissolves and ingredients meld together, creating a rich, caramel-like consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from heat source and gently fold in vanilla extract, adding depth of flavor to the warm mixture.
- Incorporate chopped pecans and crisp cereal, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the sticky base.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, permitting it to thicken and become more manageable for shaping.
- With clean hands, delicately roll the mixture into bite-sized spheres, approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size and shape.
- Place formed balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, providing a non-stick surface for cooling and setting.
- Elegantly dust the date balls with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet exterior that enhances both appearance and taste.
- Transfer the completed treats to an airtight container, preserving their freshness and texture for future enjoyment.
Notes
- Precise chopping of dates and pecans is crucial, using a food processor ensures even texture and better binding.
- Avoid pre-chopped dates with sugar coatings, as they prevent proper mixture cohesion.
- Low and slow heating helps dissolve sugar completely and prevents burning or scorching of ingredients.
- Cooling the mixture slightly before forming balls makes shaping easier and prevents burning your hands.
- Rolling in powdered sugar creates a delightful sweet exterior and adds an elegant finishing touch.
- Storing in an airtight container maintains freshness and preserves the soft, chewy texture of these delectable treats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 24 servings.
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg