New Date Balls
Posted: | Categories: Recipes | Tags:Dairy free date caramel dessert gluten-free vegan
New Date Balls
Melissa Ben-Ishay
These date balls were inspired by the ones I get at Pura Vida near my office. They’re so easy to make, and even easier to adapt to your own tastes. I made a plain version for Adi and a chocolate version for me. Roll it in coconut if you have it, or do what I did and pulse almonds into a powder to coat the outside of the balls. Add whatever nuts you have (it’s a great way to use up the last bits in your containers). Keep them in the fridge or freezer for when you just want a little bite of something sweet.
Ingredients
20 pitted medjool dates, plus more if needed
1 1/2 cup mixed nuts - cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries
1 cup walnuts
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla paste
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup almonds
Directions
- Add the dates to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until it forms a paste. Add in the mixed nuts and walnuts, then pulse again until it forms a dough-like consistency. If you need to add another date or two to reach that texture, do it.
- Pulse in the salt, cinnamon, and vanilla paste, and pulse again until everything forms a dough-like ball.
- If you want to make two versions: Divide the dough in half, keeping one half in the food processor, and add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the bowl. Pulse until the cocoa powder is evenly incorporated.
- Roll all of the mixture into 1” balls.
- Add the almonds to a blender and pulse until it becomes a sand-like powder. Toss each ball into the blender cup (one at a time) and swirl around to coat on all sides.
- Place all the balls on a plate and freeze to set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer (they’ll last longer in the freezer).
