Date Finger Balls
Delicious sweet balls combining dates, pecans, and coconut with a crispy rice crunch, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or as a sweet snack for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, butter or margarine, chopped dates, and vanilla in a medium heat-resistant bowl or saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the ingredients are well combined and the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add Rice Krispies, chopped pecans, salt, and coconut to the mixture, stirring until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls using your hands.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. You can substitute chopped walnuts for pecans if desired. If you want a touch of sweetness, try rolling the balls in powdered sugar mixed with cocoa powder. Ensure the dates are soft for easier mixing; if they are hard, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before use.
Serving Suggestions
These Date Finger Balls make a delightful dessert on their own but can also be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with Raspberry Creme Dessert for a more elaborate dessert table. For a festive presentation, serve them on a platter with fresh fruit or alongside other sweets like Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Date Finger Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their shelf life by a few days. If you prefer them cold, simply take them out of the fridge and enjoy without reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Finger Balls contains roughly 1400 calories, with 11g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2191mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
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 these Date Finger Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Date Finger Balls a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to enhance the flavors, allowing them to rest overnight will give them a more developed taste.
What can I use instead of coconut in this recipe?
If you're not a fan of coconut, you can leave it out entirely or replace it with extra chopped nuts or even mini chocolate chips for a different twist. This will still yield delicious results while catering to your taste preferences.
Are these Date Finger Balls suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Date Finger Balls are suitable for vegetarian diets since they contain no meat or animal-derived products aside from butter. If you want to make them vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
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).