Date Pecan Rolls

Cuisine: American

Sweet, nutty date pecan rolls feature a rich caramel-like filling with chopped dates and pecans, perfect for dessert or indulgent snack times, appealing to those with a sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/3 cup corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 pound chopped dates
  • 4 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Cook sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and corn syrup to soft ball stage when dropped into cold water.
  2. Add chopped dates and heat until mixture thickens.
  3. Add chopped pecans to the mixture.
  4. Turn out onto a damp cloth and roll into a log shape.
  5. Chill the rolled log, then slice into individual servings.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the perfect soft ball stage, use a candy thermometer for accuracy, or drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water to test its consistency. If you can't find evaporated milk, whole milk can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly. For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These Date Pecan Rolls are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For an impressive dessert spread, include them alongside Peanut Butter Cup Brownies or Fudgy No Bake Cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Date Pecan Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm, slice and microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Date Pecan Rolls contains roughly 2751 calories, with 8g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 261g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

2751 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 261g 100% DV
Carbs 100.4g 37% DV
Fiber 8g 29% DV
Sugar 54.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 192.4mg 8% DV
Potassium 571.6mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 107.2mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 52.5mg 58% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 278.2mg 21% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 substitute the dates with another fruit?

Yes, while dates provide unique sweetness and texture, you can substitute them with dried apricots or figs. Keep in mind that each fruit has a different flavor profile, so adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly to maintain the desired sweetness.

How can I make these rolls vegan?

To make Date Pecan Rolls vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or coconut milk in place of evaporated milk. Additionally, ensure the corn syrup is suitable for vegan diets, as some brands may not be.

What can I do if the mixture doesn't thicken?

If the mixture doesn't thicken after adding the dates, continue to cook it over low heat, stirring frequently. If it's still too runny, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent, but be cautious not to overdo it, as it may alter the flavor.

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).

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