Christmas Casserole
A festive holiday treat featuring nuts, dates, coconut, and vanilla, these sweet balls are perfect for Christmas gatherings and loved by those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs and sugar gradually until fluffy.
- Stir in chopped nuts, chopped dates, coconut, and vanilla.
- Place the mixture in a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and stir with a wooden spoon.
- When cool, roll the mixture into balls and coat with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor, consider substituting walnuts for the chopped nuts or using dried cranberries instead of dates. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the sugar slightly. Be sure to beat the eggs thoroughly to achieve a fluffy texture. For added texture, try toasting the coconut before mixing it in. This dish is great for the holiday season and pairs beautifully with Mom's Christmas Jello.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Christmas Casserole as a delightful sweet treat during holiday gatherings. These coconut and nut balls can be placed on a festive platter alongside other holiday desserts like the Holiday Sheet Cake for a colorful dessert table. They also make a great addition to gift baskets or as a snack with coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Christmas Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place the balls in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warm. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Casserole contains roughly 917 calories, with 11g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (28% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just roll the balls and coat them in powdered sugar right before serving to ensure they stay fresh and maintain their texture.
Can I freeze the Christmas Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled balls before coating them in powdered sugar. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving and coat with powdered sugar just before enjoying.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the recipe suitable for vegetarian diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).