Fruit Nut Balls
Sweet and chewy fruit nut balls combine dried fruits and nuts for a wholesome snack. Perfect for energy boosts, parties, or healthy treats for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind raisins, pitted dates, pitted prunes, dried apricots, and nuts in a food processor until well combined.
- Mix the ground mixture thoroughly and roll into balls.
- Optionally, roll the balls in powdered sugar or chopped nuts.
- Alternatively, mix the ground mixture with 1 tablespoon orange juice, or 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (mixed and barely warmed), then roll in nuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier alternative, consider substituting some of the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. If you prefer a sweeter taste, use maple syrup instead of honey. Don't hesitate to experiment with different dried fruits like figs or coconut flakes to enhance the flavor. Ensure the mixture is not too dry; a little moisture helps in rolling them into smooth balls.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit nut balls make a fantastic snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them as a healthy energy-boosting option during picnics or hikes. For a delightful twist, try them with a drizzle of Celery Seed Dressing For Fruit Salad to add a fresh contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit nut balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, which can extend their freshness to two weeks. For serving later, simply take them out and let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Nut Balls contains roughly 770 calories, with 9g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value) and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 11g 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 use other nuts besides the ones listed?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Each type of nut will add a different flavor and texture, allowing for customization in your fruit nut balls.
Are these fruit nut balls vegan?
Yes, the basic recipe is vegan as it consists of fruits and nuts. If you opt for the honey alternative, use agave syrup or maple syrup to keep it vegan. Ensure all your ingredients are plant-based to maintain the vegan status.
How can I make these fruit nut balls more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture. Chopped citrus zest, like lemon or orange, can also elevate the taste profile. For an extra kick, consider mixing in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
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).