Fried Fruit Balls
These delightful fried fruit balls combine sweet dates, cherries, nuts, and a hint of vanilla, coated in coconut—perfect as a tasty snack or dessert for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set an electric frypan to 220°F or use medium heat on the stove.
- Melt the butter and add the chopped dates, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick, shiny, and clear.
- Cream the eggs and sugar together; then add this mixture to the date mixture and cook until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Add the remaining ingredients (except coconut) to the cooled mixture and mix well.
- Form the mixture into small golf ball-sized portions.
- Roll each ball in coconut to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate the coated fruit balls before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the nuts before adding them to the mixture. If you don't have cherries, dried cranberries can serve as a great substitute. Ensure the butter and dates are well combined to prevent the balls from falling apart. If you want a different texture, swap half of the Rice Krispies with crushed graham crackers.
Serving Suggestions
These fried fruit balls are delightful as a snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie (Simple To Make, Rich And Delicious.) or can be served alongside a warm beverage like coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or serving them on a platter with seasonal fruits.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fried fruit balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy them cold or at room temperature. They can also be warmed slightly in a microwave, but avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Fruit Balls contains roughly 289 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
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 use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit in this recipe?
Fresh fruit typically contains more moisture, which can alter the consistency of the balls. If you want to use fresh fruit, consider drying it out slightly in the oven or using it as a topping instead of mixing it into the batter.
What can I do if my mixture is too sticky to form balls?
If your mixture is sticky, you can lightly grease your hands with butter or oil to help shape the balls. Alternatively, you can chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which may make it easier to handle.
Are there any nut-free alternatives for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the nuts with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. Additionally, you can increase the amount of Rice Krispies to maintain the texture while avoiding nuts.
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).