This is a funny story because I didn’t expect these bites to taste as good as they do. I know that probably sounds a little bit loony, but let me explain.
I have been seeing these type of natural food balls all over Pinterest and the blog-o-sphere for a long, long, long time now and I have just not felt intrigued enough to make any. Not because I don’t think they look good but I just enjoy the raw flavor of dates and nuts so much, I didn’t want to mix them up and roll them into little balls.
Then I saw this post from My Darling Lemon Thyme and was like, “What a minute – those are similar to the ingredients in these little balls I keep seeing but I want to dive into that Rich Chocolate Slice.” O.M.G that thing looks good right?
I immediately ran to the pantry and found that I had a lot of toasted, slivered almonds left over from this and this, a ton of dried, Medjool dates {we almost always have these!} and some unsweetened, shredded coconut that was screaming to be toasted. Great ingredients, but not exactly what I would need to create the Rich Chocolate Slice I was drooling over.
Since I promised my chocoholics a sweet treat, I decided to move forward and experiment a bit.
These bites turned out AMAZING. Like my little 2.5 year old ate four-at-once amazing and then took my husband’s and said, “No more for Daddy. Mine.” Amazing.
The best part is that I didn’t feel bad about it because there is NO added sugar and absolutely no junk in there. They are naturally sweet with a hint of caramel from the dates, a bit crunchy from the almonds, have just a touch of cocoa and a luxuriousness from the toasted coconut. All for 1 Point Plus each. Doesn’t get much better!! There is no question these are going to be staple in our fridge.
NOTES:
- Here is a quick photo tutorial on How To Toast Coconut if you need it.
- I think these are best straight from the fridge so they have a nice firm texture but soft bite.
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Almond-Date Bites Rolled in Toasted Coconut
- 1 cup pitted dried Medjool dates (approximately 15)
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
- pinch sea salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil liquefied
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
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Begin by removing pits from dried dates and discard. If necessary, liquefy coconut oil by briefly microwaving or heating on the stove top.It is still warmish weather here (particularly in my kitchen) so my coconut oil was already liquid.
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Combine pitted dates, almonds, almond extract, salt, coconut oil and cocoa powder in bowl of food processor.
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Pulse until well combined and mostly chopped. Some pieces are OK.
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Lightly toast the coconut and set aside in a low bowl (for rolling) to cool.
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Use a teaspoon to scoop flat spoonfuls of the almond-date mixture into your hand and roll them into balls.
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Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
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Once you have all your balls forms, dip each one in the toasted coconut and roll around to coat.
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Place back on the baking sheet and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to set.
Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.
This would be a great way to get kids to eat dates. I’m not really a date fan… but I would totally eat these.
I have really come to love dates and their caramely flavor. I have been experimenting a lot with using them in baking and candies and am loving it!
Do share!!!
I will Amy – I am posting a Dark Chocolate Covered Date Cup next week – you will freak.
I’m making these for school lunches. They look great – and sturdy!
Great idea – they are very sturdy!
I make something similar to this as a quick snack, using dried cherries and dates and nuts. I love the toasted coconut! I’ll have to try this.
I bet that is fantastic – I love dried cherries!
Love, love, LOVE it, when you discover something that is healthy and delicious!
It always makes me feel less guilty for indulging for sure!
I have to admit, I am a MAJOR larabar fan but that just means I would absolutely adore these! The perfect stress eating snack. not that I do that or anything.
These are unfortunately the perfect stress snack b/c you can easily and quickly inhale 5 or 6.
Love these little healthy sweet bites – my kids hide their favorite foods from my husband too ;).
Poor Dads lol 😉
So up my alley!!!!!! xo
You are going to love them Amy!
I know! I only wish you were here to help me with all the things on my list to make, your freezer box cookies and now these toping the list!!
Seriously!!!!
What a great little snack! I could use one right now for an afternoon pick-me-up!
So could I, I wish they weren’t already all gone!
These are great! Naturally sweet and full of great flavors. And really easy – almost like truffles (not really, but same shape, similar method). Fun post – thanks.
I was playing around with calling them truffles – they really are similar!
Yum! Another healthy dessert recipe that I must try!
and super easy Haley!