Name: Date Balls with Pecans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz package chopped pitted dates; 1 cup white sugar; ½ cup margarine; 3 cups crispy rice cereal; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup confectioners' sugar

These delightful date balls with pecans are a sweet, nutty treat perfect for any occasion. The combination of chewy dates and crispy rice cereal creates a delightful texture, while the pecans add a rich, nutty flavor. Rolled in powdered sugar, these bite-sized snacks are not only delicious but also easy to make.

Photos of Date Balls with Pecans

If you don't usually have dates or pecans at home, make sure to pick them up from the supermarket. Dates are often found in the dried fruit section, while pecans can typically be found with other nuts and baking supplies. Confectioners' sugar is another key ingredient that you might need to grab if you don't have it stocked in your pantry.

Ingredients Needed For Date Balls With Pecans

Dates: These are the sweet base of the recipe, adding a chewy texture and natural sweetness.

White sugar: Used to sweeten the mixture further and help bind everything together.

Margarine: Adds richness and helps to meld the ingredients together.

Crispy rice cereal: Provides a crunchy texture to contrast the softness of the dates.

Pecans: Adds a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the balls.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.

Confectioners' sugar: Used to coat the date balls, giving them a sweet exterior and a slight crunch.

One reader, Dasha Seaton says:

These date balls with pecans are a delightful treat! The combination of sweet dates, crunchy pecans, and crispy rice cereal is perfect. Rolling them in confectioners' sugar adds a lovely touch. They are easy to make and absolutely delicious. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert!

Dasha Seaton

Techniques for Perfect Date Balls with Pecans

How to cook and stir dates, sugar, and margarine: Combine these ingredients in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. How to fold ingredients: Gently mix the crispy rice cereal, pecans, and vanilla extract into the date mixture until everything is evenly distributed. How to grease hands: Apply a small amount of margarine to your hands to prevent the date mixture from sticking while rolling it into balls. How to roll date mixture into balls: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into 1-inch balls using your greased hands. How to coat in confectioners' sugar: Spread the confectioners' sugar in a shallow dish and roll each date ball in the sugar until fully coated.

How To Make Date Balls With Pecans

Our date balls recipe makes two dozen that can serve a small gathering during the holidays. It mixes crispy rice cereals, dates, and chopped pecans.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozpackage chopped pitted dates
1cupwhite sugar
½cupmargarine
3cupscrispy rice cereal
1cupchopped pecans
1tspvanilla extract
½cupconfectioners’ sugaror as needed

Instructions

Cook and stir dates, sugar, and margarine in a large saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves; remove from heat.
Fold crispy rice cereal, pecans, and vanilla extract into the date mixture until evenly mixed.
Grease your hands with margarine. Roll date mixture into 1-inch balls.
Spread confectioners’ sugar into a shallow dish; roll date balls in confectioners’ sugar to coat.

Nutrition

Calories: 140.53kcal
Fat: 7.06g
Saturated Fat: 0.99g
Trans Fat: 0.69g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.67g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.12g
Carbohydrates: 20.17g
Fiber: 1.10g
Sugar: 17.25g
Protein: 0.71g
Sodium: 30.82mg
Calcium: 9.60mg
Potassium: 87.68mg
Iron: 0.77mg
Vitamin A: 0.80µg
Vitamin C: 0.05mg

Pro Tip for Mastering Date Balls with Pecans

When cooking the dates, sugar, and margarine over low heat, make sure to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning and to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly. This will create a smooth base for your date balls.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Date Balls with Pecans

Prepare ingredients ahead: Chop the dates and pecans in advance to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly blend the dates and pecans for a smoother mixture.

Measure ingredients: Pre-measure the sugar, margarine, and cereal to save time during cooking.

Grease hands efficiently: Use a small amount of margarine on your hands to prevent sticking while rolling the date balls.

Batch rolling: Roll multiple date balls at once to speed up the process.

Substitute Ingredients For Date Balls with Pecans

chopped pitted dates - Substitute with dried figs: Dried figs have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a good alternative to dates.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
margarine - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
crispy rice cereal - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a similar crunch and texture.
chopped pecans - Substitute with chopped walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a good replacement for pecans.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
confectioners' sugar - Substitute with powdered coconut sugar: Powdered coconut sugar offers a similar texture and sweetness with a slight caramel note.

Creative Ways to Present Date Balls

Use elegant serving dishes: Present the date balls on a sleek, white porcelain platter to highlight their rich color and texture.
Create a visual contrast: Place the date balls on a bed of finely crushed pecans to add a contrasting texture and color.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the platter with a few edible flowers like violets or pansies to add a touch of sophistication and color.
Add a drizzle of sauce: Lightly drizzle a thin line of dark chocolate sauce across the platter for an elegant touch and a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
Use microgreens for garnish: Sprinkle a few microgreens around the date balls to add a fresh, vibrant element to the presentation.
Serve with a side of dipping sauce: Provide a small bowl of vanilla-infused yogurt or coconut cream on the side for an additional layer of flavor and a creamy texture.
Add a touch of gold: Lightly dust the date balls with edible gold leaf for a luxurious and eye-catching finish.
Use a decorative element: Place a small, decorative element like a cinnamon stick or a star anise on the platter to enhance the visual appeal and hint at the flavors within.
Highlight the confectioners' sugar: Ensure the confectioners' sugar coating is even and pristine, creating a snowy, elegant look that contrasts beautifully with the rich interior.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the date balls with a small glass of spiced chai tea or espresso to enhance the overall dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Pecan Date Balls

Large saucepan: Used to cook and stir the dates, sugar, and margarine mixture over low heat.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the date mixture to ensure the sugar dissolves properly.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients like sugar, margarine, crispy rice cereal, and pecans.
Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the crispy rice cereal, pecans, and vanilla extract with the date mixture.
Rubber spatula: Useful for folding the ingredients together to ensure an even mix.
Shallow dish: Used to spread the confectioners' sugar for coating the date balls.
Baking sheet: Handy for placing the rolled date balls after coating them in confectioners' sugar.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the vanilla extract accurately.
Greaseproof paper: Useful for lining the baking sheet to prevent the date balls from sticking.
Hands: Greased with margarine to roll the date mixture into balls without it sticking.

Storing and Freezing Date Balls for Later

Let the date balls cool completely before storing or freezing. This will help prevent them from sticking together and maintain their shape.
To store the date balls at room temperature, place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Separate layers with additional paper to prevent sticking. They will keep for up to 1 week at room temperature.
For longer storage, refrigerate the date balls in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
To freeze the date balls, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the balls are firm.
Once frozen, transfer the date balls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen date balls will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove the desired number of balls from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
If the confectioners' sugar coating becomes sticky or dissolves during storage, simply roll the date balls in a fresh layer of confectioners' sugar before serving to restore their appearance and texture.

Interesting Trivia About Date Balls with Pecans

A fun fact about this recipe is that dates are a natural sweetener, making them a healthier alternative to refined sugar. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can add nutritional value to your date balls.

Are Homemade Date Balls Cost-Effective?

This date balls with pecans recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like dates, crispy rice cereal, and pecans are relatively affordable and can be bought in bulk. The use of margarine instead of butter also helps in reducing costs. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Date Balls with Pecans Healthy?

The date balls with pecans recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are the high sugar content and the use of margarine, which is a source of unhealthy trans fats. The recipe calls for a full cup of white sugar, and the dates themselves are naturally high in sugar. Additionally, the crispy rice cereal likely contains added sugars as well. The pecans do provide some healthy fats and nutrients, but they are overshadowed by the less nutritious ingredients.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of white sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use butter instead of margarine to avoid trans fats
Opt for a whole-grain crispy cereal or rolled oats for added fiber and nutrients
Increase the proportion of pecans for more healthy fats and protein
Add some unsweetened shredded coconut for flavor and texture
Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor without extra sugar
Roll the balls in cocoa powder instead of confectioners' sugar for a less sugary coating

Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Date Balls

This date balls with pecans recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The natural sweetness of the dates pairs beautifully with the crunch of the crispy rice cereal and chopped pecans. The margarine and sugar create a rich, cohesive mixture, while the vanilla extract adds a subtle depth. Rolling the balls in confectioners' sugar gives them a perfect, sweet finish. It's a simple yet elegant treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.

Enhance Your Date Balls with Pecans with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Imagine a velvety butternut squash soup, its rich, creamy texture perfectly contrasting the sweet, chewy date balls. The subtle hint of nutmeg and cinnamon in the soup will elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level of comfort and warmth.

Arugula and Pear Salad: A crisp arugula and pear salad, drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, offers a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the date balls. The peppery arugula and juicy pears create a delightful balance, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.

Spiced Apple Compote: Picture a warm apple compote, spiced with cinnamon and cloves, served alongside your date balls. The tender, caramelized apples and their aromatic spices will complement the nutty, sweet notes of the pecans and dates in your dessert.

Ginger Carrot Slaw: A vibrant ginger carrot slaw, with its zesty ginger kick and crunchy carrots, provides a refreshing and invigorating contrast to the rich, sweet date balls. The slaw's bright flavors and crisp texture will cleanse your palate and enhance the overall dining experience.

Coconut Rice Pudding: Envision a creamy coconut rice pudding, its luscious texture and subtle coconut flavor pairing beautifully with the chewy, nutty date balls. The pudding's smoothness and tropical notes will create a delightful interplay of flavors and textures, making your dessert truly unforgettable.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Date Balls

Pecan Pie Bars: Imagine the classic pecan pie transformed into a portable, bite-sized treat. These bars feature a buttery crust, a gooey pecan filling, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for any dessert table!

Coconut Date Rolls: For a tropical twist, try these coconut date rolls. The natural sweetness of dates pairs beautifully with shredded coconut. A delightful treat that's both chewy and crunchy.

Chocolate Almond Clusters: Indulge in these decadent chocolate almond clusters. Roasted almonds are enveloped in rich, melted chocolate and sprinkled with a touch of sea salt. A perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Apricot Nut Bites: These apricot nut bites are a delightful combination of dried apricots, mixed nuts, and a hint of honey. A healthy and satisfying snack that’s easy to make and even easier to eat.

Peanut Butter Oat Balls: Whip up these no-bake peanut butter oat balls for a quick and nutritious snack. Peanut butter, oats, and a touch of honey come together to create a delicious, energy-boosting treat.

Appetizers and Mains to Serve with Date Balls

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these Stuffed Mushrooms. Imagine succulent mushroom caps filled with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are baked to perfection, creating a delightful contrast between the creamy filling and the tender mushroom exterior. Perfect for any gathering, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress your guests.

Bruschetta: Transport your taste buds to Italy with this classic Bruschetta. Crisp toasted baguette slices are topped with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt bring out the flavors, making each bite a burst of freshness. This simple yet elegant appetizer is perfect for any occasion.

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with aromatic herbs. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and a blend of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Grilling the chicken imparts a smoky flavor, while the marinade ensures the meat remains juicy and flavorful. Serve this dish with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that is both healthy and satisfying.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful and nutritious option that can be customized to suit any palate. The bell peppers are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and vegetables. The filling is seasoned with garlic, onions, and a variety of spices to create a rich and flavorful stuffing. After baking, the peppers become tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. Top with cheese and bake until melted and bubbly for an extra layer of indulgence. Pair with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Why trust this Date Balls with Pecans:

This recipe for date balls with pecans is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the satisfying crunch of crispy rice cereal and pecans. The use of margarine ensures a rich, buttery flavor, while the vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth. Rolling the balls in confectioners' sugar gives them a perfect finishing touch. This recipe is simple to follow and guarantees a delicious result every time.

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FAQ:

How long does it take to make date balls with pecans?

It usually takes about 20-30 minutes from start to finish, including the time to roll the balls and coat them in confectioners' sugar.

Can I use butter instead of margarine?

Yes, you can definitely use butter instead of margarine. It might even add a richer flavor to the date balls.

Are there any substitutes for crispy rice cereal?

If you don't have crispy rice cereal, you can use crushed cornflakes or even rolled oats for a different texture.

How should I store the date balls?

You can store the date balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge.

Can I add other nuts or ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also add shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips for extra flavor.