Name: No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 21
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 pitted dates; ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup whole roasted unsalted almonds; 1 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp water; 3 tbsp confectioners' sugar

Indulge in the guilt-free delight of no-bake fudgy snowballs, a simple yet decadent dessert. These tempting treats bring together the sweet richness of dates, the depth of cocoa, and the crunch of almonds, coated in a dusting of snowy confectioners' sugar. No baking required, they're incredibly easy to put together and wonderfully satisfying.

Photos of No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found at home or any local supermarket. However, for those who aren't familiar, pitted dates are often located in the dried fruits aisle. They're sweet, sticky, and high in fiber, offering a natural sweetness to the recipe. Another ingredient to note is unsweetened cocoa powder. It's simply cocoa solids with most of its fat removed, providing a strong, bitter chocolate flavor. Always be sure to check the label to ensure you're getting unsweetened cocoa, not sweetened drinking chocolate.

No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs Essential Ingredients

Pitted dates: These are dried dates with the pit removed. They offer a natural sweetness and a sticky texture that helps to bind the other ingredients.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives a strong, bitter chocolate flavor to the snowballs.

Whole roasted unsalted almonds: These provide a crunchy texture and a nutty taste.

Honey: It's a natural sweetener that also helps in binding the ingredients.

Water: Used to adjust the texture of the mixture. Too little and it will be crumbly, too much and it will be sticky.

Confectioners' sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, it's used to dust the snowballs, giving them a sweet, snowy appearance.

One reader, Brenda Ortiz says:

The no-bake fudgy snowballs recipe is a game-changer! It's a delightful treat that's easy to make and tastes amazing. The combination of dates, cocoa, and almonds creates a rich, fudgy flavor that's simply irresistible. Plus, the addition of confectioners' sugar adds a perfect touch of sweetness. I highly recommend trying this recipe!

Brenda Ortiz

Techniques Required for Making No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs

How to process the almonds: Add the whole roasted unsalted almonds to a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground.

How to form the dough: Add the dates, cocoa powder, honey, and water to the food processor with the ground almonds. Mix until it forms a sticky mass. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

How to shape the snowballs: Using damp hands, measure 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball. Place the formed balls on a parchment paper-lined tray.

How to coat the snowballs: Place the confectioners' sugar in a bowl. Roll each ball in the sugar until evenly coated.

How To Make No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs

Fudgy snowballs are made out of almonds, dates, cocoa powder and honey pulsed in a food processor until ground, formed into a ball, and rolled in sugar!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

15pitted dates
⅔cupunsweetened cocoa powder
1cupwhole roasted unsalted almonds
1tbsphoney,agave if vegan
2tbspwater,or more if needed
3tbspconfectioners’ sugar

Instructions

Add almonds to your food processor and pulse until ground.
Add dates, cocoa powder, honey, and water. Mix until it forms a sticky mass. If it seems too dry, add a little water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Wash hands and using damp hands (keep sink running), measure 1 tablespoon and roll into a ball with the dough. Set balls on parchment paper.
Put confectioner’s sugar in a bowl. Roll balls in your hand and then roll in sugar.

Recipe Notes

Snowballs can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 100.49kcal
Fat: 3.85g
Saturated Fat: 0.49g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.30g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.86g
Carbohydrates: 17.78g
Fiber: 2.88g
Sugar: 13.70g
Protein: 2.23g
Sodium: 33.59mg
Calcium: 32.19mg
Potassium: 208.32mg
Iron: 0.78mg
Vitamin A: 1.20µg
Vitamin C: 0.01mg

Helpful Technique for Shaping Perfect Fudgy Snowballs

When making these no-bake fudgy snowballs, it's important to remember that the texture of the mixture can greatly affect the final result. If the mixture is too dry, the balls may crumble and not hold their shape well. If it's too wet, they may not firm up properly. Therefore, when adding water, do so gradually, checking the consistency after each addition. The mixture should be sticky but not overly wet. Also, when rolling the balls in confectioners' sugar, make sure to coat them evenly for a beautiful snowy effect and an extra sweet touch.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing No-Bake Desserts

Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients and measure them out before starting the recipe to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly grind the almonds and mix the ingredients for the fudgy snowballs.

Chill the dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for a short time to make it easier to handle and roll into balls.

Double the batch: Consider making a larger batch and storing the extra fudgy snowballs in the freezer for future use.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and equipment as you progress through the recipe to minimize cleanup time later.

Organize your workspace: Arrange your ingredients and tools in an organized manner to avoid wasting time searching for items during the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs Recipe

pitted dates - Substitute with dried figs: Dried figs have a similar sweet and chewy texture, making them a suitable replacement for dates in this recipe.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with cacao powder: Cacao powder has a rich, intense chocolate flavor similar to cocoa powder, making it a great alternative for this recipe.
whole roasted unsalted almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews have a creamy texture and mild flavor that can work well as a substitute for almonds in this recipe.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar level of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, making it a good substitute for honey in this recipe.
confectioners' sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a less refined alternative to confectioners' sugar, providing a similar level of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.

Presentation Tips for Serving Fudgy Snowballs

Elevate the plating: Arrange the fudgy snowballs in a circular pattern on a pristine white plate, creating a visually appealing display that showcases the rich, chocolatey texture of the snowballs.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a crunchy element by garnishing the plate with finely chopped roasted almonds, adding a delightful contrast to the smooth, fudgy snowballs.
Utilize a dusting technique: Lightly dust the plate with a fine cocoa powder using a sieve to create an elegant and refined finish, enhancing the overall presentation with a touch of sophistication.
Introduce a pop of color: Add a vibrant touch to the plate by incorporating a few fresh raspberries or strawberries as a garnish, providing a visually striking contrast against the dark chocolate snowballs.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the snowballs in a symmetrical formation, ensuring that each element on the plate is thoughtfully placed to create a harmonious and visually appealing composition.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making No-Bake Desserts

Food processor: A food processor is essential for grinding the almonds and mixing the ingredients to form a sticky mass for the snowballs.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine the ingredients and form the dough for the snowballs.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs

Once the fudgy snowballs are rolled in confectioners' sugar, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
After the snowballs have set, transfer them to an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator storage: The no-bake fudgy snowballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer storage: To freeze the snowballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
Once frozen, transfer the snowballs to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper.
The frozen fudgy snowballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw, remove the desired number of snowballs from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or until they reach the desired consistency.
If the confectioners' sugar coating has absorbed into the snowballs during storage, you can roll them in a fresh layer of confectioners' sugar before serving for a more attractive appearance.

Interesting Trivia About No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs

The no-bake fudgy snowballs recipe is a great source of energy due to the natural sugars from the dates and the protein from the almonds. This makes it a perfect snack for a quick energy boost during the day.

Is Making No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs Cost-Effective?

This no-bake fudgy snowballs recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as dates, cocoa powder, and almonds, are relatively affordable and can be used in various other recipes. The addition of honey and confectioners' sugar may slightly increase the cost, but they are used in small quantities. Overall, this recipe is budget-friendly and provides a delicious treat for the family. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, taste, and cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10.

Are No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs Healthy or Unhealthy?

This no-bake fudgy snowballs recipe has some healthy ingredients, but it also contains some elements that could be improved upon. Let's break it down:

Dates are a natural source of sweetness and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, they are also high in sugar.
Unsweetened cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and has potential health benefits.
Almonds are a nutritious choice, offering healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Honey is a natural sweetener but still contributes to the overall sugar content.
Confectioners' sugar is essentially pure sugar with no nutritional value.

While this treat does include some wholesome ingredients, the added sugars from the dates, honey, and confectioners' sugar make it more of an indulgence than a health food.

To make this recipe healthier, you could:

Reduce the amount of confectioners' sugar used for coating the balls or omit it altogether.
Experiment with using less honey or replacing it with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia.
Incorporate more nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to increase the nutrient density and provide more texture.
Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor without increasing calorie content.
Roll the balls in unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts instead of confectioners' sugar.

Editor's Opinion on the No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs Recipe

This no-bake fudgy snowballs recipe is a delightful and guilt-free treat. The combination of dates, almonds, and cocoa powder creates a rich and fudgy texture, while the confectioners' sugar adds a touch of sweetness. The use of honey as a natural sweetener enhances the overall flavor profile. The recipe's simplicity and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying dessert. The addition of the roasted unsalted almonds provides a delightful crunch, adding depth to the texture. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful option for those seeking a healthier indulgence without compromising on taste.

Enhance Your No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with a balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a honey-lime dressing

Tomato Soup: Rich and velvety tomato soup topped with a dollop of basil pesto

Chocolate Fondue: Smooth and decadent chocolate fondue served with an assortment of dippable treats

Similar No-Bake Dessert Recipes to Try

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and cream creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Grilled Lemon Garlic Salmon: Grilled lemon garlic salmon is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The tangy lemon and savory garlic complement the tender, flaky salmon for a delicious and healthy meal.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a tropical and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. The sweet mango and creamy coconut milk combine with the nutritious chia seeds for a satisfying and guilt-free treat.

Suggested Appetizers and Entrees to Accompany No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters for a light and tasty appetizer. Grate fresh zucchini, mix with herbs and spices, then pan-fry until golden brown. Serve with a side of creamy dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Serve it over fettuccine for a classic and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and delicious stir fry using thinly sliced beef and an assortment of colorful vegetables. The savory and slightly sweet sauce will perfectly coat the tender beef and crisp veggies for a delightful meal.

Why trust this No-Bake Fudgy Snowballs Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of natural and wholesome ingredients, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence. The use of dates and almonds provides a nutritious base, while the addition of cocoa powder and honey enhances the rich, fudgy flavor. The absence of refined sugars and the minimal processing of the ingredients underscore the recipe's commitment to wholesome eating. Furthermore, the incorporation of confectioners' sugar adds a delightful touch of sweetness. Trust in the simplicity and purity of these ingredients to deliver a delectable treat that's both satisfying and nourishing.

Want to share your experience making these no-bake fudgy snowballs or discuss variations on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Baking and Desserts forum section!

FAQ:

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes, you can definitely use other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or cashews for a different flavor and texture.

Can I substitute the dates with another ingredient?

If you prefer, you can use dried figs or prunes as a substitute for the dates. Just make sure they are pitted and adjust the quantity to your taste.

How long can I store the fudgy snowballs?

You can store the fudgy snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Can I skip rolling the snowballs in confectioners' sugar?

Absolutely! Rolling the snowballs in confectioners' sugar is optional. You can also roll them in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or leave them plain.

Can I make these snowballs nut-free?

Yes, you can make these nut-free by using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of the almonds. Just process the seeds in the same way as the almonds in the recipe.