Sweet Nostalgic Date Balls Recipe: A Classic Treat

Sweet, nutty, and bursting with nostalgic date balls that transport you back to grandma’s kitchen.

These classic no-bake date balls capture the essence of traditional homemade treats.

Rolled in coconut or chopped nuts, they offer a delightful blend of chewy and crunchy textures.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a delectable snack that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Each bite delivers a rich, sweet flavor that connects generations through a timeless recipe.

So roll up your sleeves and dive into making these irresistible date balls that are sure to become a treasured favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 22

Old-Fashioned Date Balls – Ingredients Inside

• Dates: Soft, sticky foundation that provides natural sweetness and binding power; choose fresh, plump dates without crystalized sugar coating.
• Pecans: Crunchy nutty element adding rich texture and deep flavor; select fresh, crisp nuts without any rancid smell.
• Butter: Creamy component that helps melt ingredients together; use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

• Granulated Sugar: Delivers additional sweetness and helps create smooth consistency; opt for fine-grain sugar that dissolves easily.
• Powdered Sugar: Delicate finishing touch creating elegant exterior coating; choose pure white, clump-free variety.

• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic ingredient that deepens overall taste profile; select pure vanilla extract for authentic, rich flavor.
• Cereal: Provides delightful crunch and structural support; choose crisp, neutral-flavored cereal like Rice Krispies for best results.

Tools for Rolling Old-Fashioned Date Balls

• Food Processor: Perfect for finely chopping dates and pecans with consistent results.
• Medium Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and blending ingredients over low heat.
• Non-Stick Spatula: Helps mix ingredients smoothly without sticking.
• Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet: Provides a clean surface for cooling and setting date balls.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients for perfect proportions.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining ingredients and rolling date balls.

Instructions for Old-Fashioned Date Balls

• Date Sweet Cluster Preparation

Grab your food processor and transform whole dates and pecans into a fine, uniform texture. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating these delightful treats.

• Caramel-Like Base Creation

Gently melt butter and sugar with dates in a saucepan, stirring carefully until everything blends into a rich, smooth mixture that promises incredible flavor.

• Texture and Flavor Fusion

Remove the pan from heat and lovingly fold in vanilla, crunchy pecans, and your favorite crispy cereal. The combination creates a magical sensory experience.

• Cluster Shaping

Let the mixture cool just enough to handle, then playfully roll small clusters between your palms. Each ball is a unique, handcrafted delight.

• Sweet Finishing Touch

Dust these delectable clusters with a light snowfall of powdered sugar. Store in a sealed container to maintain their irresistible charm and enjoy whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Tips for Classic Date Ball Flavor

• Replace pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a unique flavor profile and crunchy texture.
• Roll finished date balls in melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder for an indulgent decadent treat.
• Substitute regular cereal with gluten-free or low-sugar options like granola or rice puffs for a more nutritious version.
• Mix in shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruit like cranberries to enhance the overall taste and texture of the date balls.
• Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before shaping to make rolling easier and prevent sticky hands during preparation.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Date Balls

• Sweet Dessert Platter: Create a stunning presentation by arranging these date balls alongside other bite-sized treats like chocolate truffles, mini brownies, and fruit tartlets for a diverse and elegant dessert spread.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap individual date balls in decorative cellophane or small gift boxes, tied with festive ribbons, making them perfect homemade edible presents for friends and family during special occasions.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these delightful date balls with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or smooth cappuccino, offering a delectable sweet bite that complements the warm beverage and enhances the relaxation experience.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Position the date balls on a beautiful ceramic platter surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves, creating an eye-catching centerpiece that doubles as a delicious morning treat for weekend gatherings.

Storage Tricks for Old-Fashioned Date Balls

• Snack Storage Secrets: Keep Date Balls Fresh and Delicious
• Cool Down Strategy: Let date balls cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their perfect texture.
• Container Selection: Choose an airtight glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid to protect the treats from air exposure and maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store date balls in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, which helps them retain their shape and prevents the butter from softening too quickly.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap date balls individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

Nostalgic Date Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Chocolate-drenched old-fashioned date balls elevate classic dessert nostalgia with pure comfort. Nutty sweetness and rich chocolate coating create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with delightful memories.

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Ingredients

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• ¾ cup (150 grams) white granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113 grams/1 stick) butter
• 8 oz (226 grams) pitted dates, finely chopped
• 1 cup (100 grams) pecans, finely chopped
• 2 cups (56 grams) crisped rice cereal
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting or rolling)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pulverize dates and pecans in a food processor until finely and uniformly chopped, creating an ideal foundational texture for the confection.
2. Caramelization: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over gentle heat, systematically blending sugar and chopped dates while stirring continuously to develop a smooth, rich mixture with a luxurious caramel-like essence.
3. Flavor Integration: Remove from heat and introduce vanilla extract, then fold in pecans and crisp cereal, ensuring comprehensive ingredient distribution throughout the warm, sticky base.
4. Forming: After allowing the mixture to slightly cool and firm, use immaculately clean hands to craft uniform spherical treats, each approximately one inch in diameter, positioning them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Finishing: Gracefully dust the formed date balls with a delicate layer of powdered sugar, creating an elegant, sweet exterior that elevates both visual appeal and gustatory experience.
6. Storage: Carefully transfer the completed confections to an airtight container, preserving their delectable texture and ensuring optimal freshness for future indulgence.

Notes

• Precision Chopping Matters: Use a food processor to finely chop dates and pecans, creating a uniform texture that helps ingredients bind perfectly.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Melt butter and mix ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, caramel-like consistency.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let the mixture cool slightly before shaping to make rolling easier and prevent burning your hands.
• Storage Tip: Keep date balls in an airtight container to maintain their fresh texture and prevent them from drying out quickly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg