Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pit the dates if they aren’t already pitted, then chop them into small pieces. Warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds if they feel dry—that helps them soften and become stickier.
- Add the chopped dates to a mixing bowl along with the toasted or raw chopped nuts, rolled oats, shredded coconut, and a pinch of sea salt. Use a sturdy spoon to combine everything thoroughly, breaking up the dates so they coat the mixture evenly.
- Drizzle the honey over the mixture, then stir well. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed—this may take a minute or two. If it’s too dry, add a little more honey; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more oats.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll each portion between your palms to form small, round balls about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Keep your hands damp to prevent sticking if needed.
- Place the formed balls onto a plate lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into balls. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them set and firm up.
- Once chilled, give the date balls a final gentle roll if needed to smooth out any cracks. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, enjoying their chewy, caramel-like texture whenever cravings strike.
Notes
For extra flavor, toss shredded coconut in a dry skillet until lightly toasted before adding. Feel free to customize with cacao nibs, vanilla, or different nuts for variety.
