Rice Krispie Balls
Sweet and nutty Rice Krispie Balls combine crispy cereal with dates and pecans, coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for a quick, indulgent treat or party dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the pitted dates and pecans.
- In a pan, melt the oleo (butter) over medium heat.
- Add the sugar and chopped dates to the melted oleo, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in the Rice Krispies and chopped pecans until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool until a soft ball can be formed when pinched.
- Shape the mixture into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Store in a covered container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before shaping. Make sure to chop the dates finely to ensure they incorporate evenly. These Rice Krispie Balls can also be enhanced with a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
These Rice Krispie Balls make a delightful treat for parties or as a sweet snack. Serve them alongside a refreshing fruit salad or with a cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serving them as part of a dessert platter that includes Crispy Apple Dessert for added variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, which may slightly change the texture but will prolong their freshness. Avoid freezing, as this may affect the consistency of the balls.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Krispie Balls contains roughly 1238 calories, with 13g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 18g 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 Rice Krispie Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Rice Krispie Balls a few days in advance. Just shape them into balls, roll in powdered sugar, and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week, making them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes for pecans in this recipe. You could also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version, which is perfect for those with allergies. Just make sure to adjust any additional flavors to keep the balance.
Can I add chocolate to the recipe?
Yes, adding chocolate is a delicious option! Consider mixing in mini chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the finished Rice Krispie Balls for an added treat. Just ensure that the chocolate complements the sweetness of the dates without overpowering it.
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).