Name: Pecans Fruit Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup currants; 1 cup dates; 1 cup sunflower seeds; ⅔ cup pecans; ½ cup golden raisins; 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ cup honey; 1 cup Confectioner sugar

One dessert that surely stands out in the crowd is the Pecan Fruit Balls. This recipe combines a rich mix of fruits and nuts, wrapped in a sweet layer of confectioner sugar for some added sweetness. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a dessert option for parties and gatherings.

Photos of Pecans Fruit Balls Recipe

The pecan fruit balls recipe calls for some ingredients that might not be commonly found in your household pantry. While dates, sunflower seeds, and golden raisins might be familiar to many, currants might be a bit less common. These tiny dried fruits can be found in the dried fruit aisle in most supermarkets. If you can't find currants specifically, sultanas or raisins make a suitable substitute.

Ingredients for Pecan Fruit Balls

Currants: Small dried fruits that add a touch of sweetness.

Dates: A type of dried fruit that adds natural sweetness.

Sunflower seeds: Healthy seeds that add a nice crunch.

Pecans: A type of nut that adds a rich, buttery flavor.

Golden raisins: Sweeter and plumper than regular raisins.

Cocoa powder: Adds a deep, chocolate flavor.

Honey: Natural sweetener.

Confectioner sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, used for coating.

One reader, Joceline Denham says:

These pecan fruit balls are a delightful treat! The combination of pecans, dates, and cocoa creates a rich, indulgent flavor. The sweetness from the honey and raisins adds a perfect touch. Plus, they're so easy to make! I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delicious and healthy snack.

Joceline Denham

Techniques Required for Making Pecan Fruit Balls

How to prepare the pecan fruit balls: This involves combining the dates, sunflower seeds, pecans, raisins, and cocoa powder in a food processor or blender until they form a sticky mixture. Then, the mixture is shaped into 1-inch balls and rolled in confectioners' sugar.

How to store the pecan fruit balls: After preparing the pecan fruit balls, they should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

How To Make Pecans Fruit Balls

Sink your teeth into these sweet fruit balls packed with fruity currants, dates, and crunchy pecans; honey blended together for a delectable candy treat!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupcurrants
1cupdates,pitted, chopped
1cupsunflower seeds
⅔cuppecans,chopped
½cupgolden raisins
3tbspunsweetened cocoa powder
¼cuphoney
1cupconfectioner sugar,for dusting

Instructions

In the container of a food processor or blender, combine the dates, sunflower seeds, pecans, raisins, and cocoa powder.
Transfer to a bowl, and stir in honey. Press into 1-inch balls, and them roll in the confectioners’ sugar.
Serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 113.99kcal
Fat: 3.10g
Saturated Fat: 0.32g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.51g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.06g
Carbohydrates: 22.93g
Fiber: 1.84g
Sugar: 20.02g
Protein: 1.31g
Sodium: 1.49mg
Calcium: 17.31mg
Potassium: 177.17mg
Iron: 0.62mg
Vitamin A: 1.04µg
Vitamin C: 0.45mg

Helpful Technique for Pecan Fruit Balls Recipe

When making these pecan fruit balls, it's important to ensure that the dates, sunflower seeds, pecans, and raisins are processed until they are finely chopped but not pureed. This will give your fruit balls a nice texture. Also, when rolling the mixture into balls, dampen your hands slightly. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and make the process easier. Lastly, for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation, you can roll the balls in additional confectioners' sugar just before serving.

Time-Saving Tips for Pecan Fruit Balls Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients in advance, such as chopping nuts and measuring out dry ingredients, to streamline the cooking process.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and efficiently chop and blend ingredients, saving time and effort.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to minimize time spent searching for tools and ingredients.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to ensure efficient and effective cooking, avoiding mistakes that can waste time.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to maintain a clean and organized kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Pecans Fruit Balls Recipe

currants - Substitute with raisins: Raisins have a similar sweet and tangy flavor to currants and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
dates - Substitute with dried figs: Dried figs have a similar sweet and chewy texture to dates and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
sunflower seeds - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds have a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to sunflower seeds and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar rich and buttery flavor to pecans and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
golden raisins - Substitute with dried apricots: Dried apricots have a similar sweet and tangy flavor to golden raisins and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder has a similar chocolatey flavor to cocoa powder and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup has a similar sweet and sticky texture to honey and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
confectioner sugar - Substitute with powdered coconut sugar: Powdered coconut sugar has a similar sweetening and thickening effect to confectioner sugar and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.

Presentation Ideas for Pecan Fruit Balls

Elevate the plating: When presenting the pecan fruit balls, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white plate as the backdrop to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the fruit balls.
Incorporate garnishes: Add a touch of sophistication by incorporating edible garnishes such as delicate microgreens or edible flowers to add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to allow the pecan fruit balls to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and instead, strategically position the fruit balls to create a visually striking arrangement.
Consider symmetry and balance: Arrange the pecan fruit balls in a symmetrical pattern to create a sense of balance and harmony on the plate. This attention to detail will impress the discerning palates of the culinary professionals.
Highlight texture and contrast: Showcase the contrast in textures by pairing the smooth, round fruit balls with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of cocoa powder. This will add visual interest and elevate the overall presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Pecan Fruit Balls

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, grinding, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It is perfect for blending the dates, sunflower seeds, pecans, raisins, and cocoa powder in this recipe.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the processed ingredients with honey to form the mixture for the pecan fruit balls.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are necessary for accurately measuring the currants, dates, sunflower seeds, pecans, golden raisins, unsweetened cocoa powder, honey, and confectioner's sugar.
Spatula: A spatula will be useful for scraping down the sides of the food processor and mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet will be used for placing the formed pecan fruit balls before serving.

Storing and Freezing Pecan Fruit Balls

Once the pecan fruit balls are rolled in confectioners' sugar, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature will help preserve their freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft or sticky.
If you want to keep the pecan fruit balls for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Arrange the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour or until the balls are firm. This initial freezing step prevents the balls from sticking together when stored.
After the initial freezing, transfer the pecan fruit balls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date of freezing for easy reference.
When stored properly in the freezer, the pecan fruit balls can last for up to 3 months. Whenever you crave a sweet treat, simply remove the desired number of balls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
If the confectioners' sugar coating on the pecan fruit balls becomes less prominent after freezing and thawing, you can roll them in a fresh layer of sugar to restore their appearance and add an extra touch of sweetness.

Interesting Fact About Pecan Fruit Balls

Pecan fruit balls are a delicious and healthy snack option that is packed with natural sweetness and nutrients. They are a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a satisfying treat. These fruit balls are also a convenient grab-and-go snack, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while providing a nutritional boost. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a midday snack or a post-workout energy boost, these pecan fruit balls are a delightful addition to any diet.

Is Making Pecan Fruit Balls at Home Cost-Effective?

This pecan fruit balls recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as currants, dates, sunflower seeds, and pecans, are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The recipe yields a good quantity of fruit balls, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $10-$15, depending on the quality of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Pecan Fruit Balls Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for pecan fruit balls contains a mix of healthy and unhealthy ingredients. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-dense foods like:

Dates and raisins, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Sunflower seeds and pecans, which offer healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants

However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components:

A significant amount of added sugars from the honey and confectioners' sugar
Cocoa powder, which may be processed and lacks the beneficial nutrients found in dark chocolate

While the recipe does incorporate some wholesome ingredients, the high sugar content may outweigh the nutritional benefits.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of honey and confectioners' sugar, or replace them with natural sweeteners like mashed bananas or applesauce
Use raw, unsweetened cocoa powder instead of processed cocoa powder
Incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients, such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, or unsweetened shredded coconut
Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor without increasing the sugar content
Roll the balls in finely chopped nuts or seeds instead of confectioners' sugar to boost the nutritional value and reduce added sugars

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nourishing snack that still satisfies your sweet tooth.

Editor's Opinion on Pecan Fruit Balls

The recipe for pecan fruit balls is a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors. The use of dates, currants, and golden raisins adds natural sweetness, while the pecans and sunflower seeds provide a satisfying crunch. The addition of cocoa powder brings a rich, chocolatey undertone to the mix. However, the use of confectioner's sugar may make the balls overly sweet. Consider reducing the amount of sugar for a more balanced flavor. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and enjoyable treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Enhance Your Pecans Fruit Balls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the pecan fruit balls with a side of colorful roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will complement each other perfectly.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: For a heartier option, consider serving the pecan fruit balls alongside some delicious grilled chicken skewers. The juicy, tender chicken will be a great contrast to the sweet and nutty flavors of the dessert.

Fruit Salad: Balance out the sweetness of the pecan fruit balls with a refreshing and vibrant fruit salad. The combination of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi will provide a light and healthy accompaniment to the dessert.

Similar Recipes to Pecan Fruit Balls

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Combine ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices to create a delicious filling for bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until golden brown.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds, coconut milk, and diced mango for a refreshing and healthy dessert option. Let it sit in the fridge to thicken before serving.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto: Sauté chicken and mushrooms with arborio rice, white wine, and chicken broth for a rich and creamy risotto. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Pecan Fruit Balls

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites are filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a perfect appetizer.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy and flavorful dip is made with a blend of spinach, artichokes, and a variety of cheeses, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with crispy tortilla chips or bread for dipping.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken with rich alfredo sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine. This classic Italian favorite is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of a beef stir fry, featuring tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, and is guaranteed to impress your taste buds with its delicious combination of textures and tastes.

Why trust this Pecans Fruit Balls Recipe:

This recipe is a trusted choice for your healthy snacking needs. The combination of dates, pecans, and sunflower seeds provides a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants. The addition of cocoa powder offers a delightful chocolatey flavor, while honey adds natural sweetness. With a simple preparation process and the use of wholesome ingredients, these pecan fruit balls are a delicious and nutritious option for any occasion.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Pecans Fruit Balls Recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Join the discussion and let us know if you have any tips or variations to share!

FAQ:

What is the best way to store these pecan fruit balls?

The best way to store these pecan fruit balls is to place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can last for up to two weeks when stored properly.

Can I substitute the pecans with a different type of nut?

Yes, you can definitely substitute the pecans with another type of nut such as almonds or walnuts. Feel free to use your favorite nut or a combination of different nuts for a unique flavor.

Are there any alternatives to using confectioners' sugar for coating the balls?

If you prefer not to use confectioners' sugar, you can roll the pecan fruit balls in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts for a different coating.

Can I make these pecan fruit balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These pecan fruit balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them. This makes them a convenient and delicious make-ahead treat for any occasion.

Are these pecan fruit balls suitable for individuals with nut allergies?

Unfortunately, these pecan fruit balls contain nuts and may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies. However, you can explore nut-free alternatives such as using seeds or other ingredients that are safe for those with nut allergies.