Date Nut Balls (with Pecans)
These easy, no-bake Date Nut Balls can be drizzled with chocolate as a healthier "candy" during the holidays or as date energy balls all year round! Chewy and crunchy, they taste similar to pecan pie balls with just 3 ingredients: dates, pecans, and chocolate.
Servings: 2 dozen
Calories: 1ball
Ingredients
- 12 large dried pitted Medjool dates (6 to 8 ounces)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, plus more for garnish, if desired
- ½ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips (4 ounces)
Instructions
- Make sure all the dates are pitted and stem ends are removed. Add the dates and pecans to a food processor or heavy duty blender; pulse until dates are smooth and pecans finely chopped.
- Roll into balls, using 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each ball. I like to use a 1 tablespoon-size cookie scoop for this step.
- Place the balls on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds at a time on HIGH, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. I used a chocolate melting pot this time.
- Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the date balls.* If using a candy dipping tool, place the ball on the tool, drizzle or pour the chocolate over the ball, then slide the coated ball back onto the parchment paper.
- Immediately sprinkle a few finely chopped pecans on top, if desired.
- Chill until firm to the touch.Store in an airtight container or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in a cool room for 5 to 6 days.
Notes
*Pro Tip: A zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped out works great for drizzling chocolate.
Substitutions and Variations:
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- Nuts – Other nuts to try in place of pecans are almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews and even brazil nuts!
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- Coconut Bliss Balls - Add ¼ cup unsweetened grated coconut to the date-pecan mixture, then roll them in coconut to make the popular bliss balls snack.
