Swedish Fruit Balls
Sweet and chewy Swedish Fruit Balls combine dates, candied cherries, nuts, and coconut for a delicious treat perfect for snacking or special occasions, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt oleo in a frypan and add the chopped dates.
- In a separate bowl, cream together eggs and sugar.
- Add the creamed mixture to the oleo and dates in the frypan.
- Cook the mixture until thick, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and cool the mixture.
- Add the remaining ingredients: chopped cherries, nuts, vanilla, almond flavoring, and rice Krispies.
- Form the mixture into small balls and roll them in coconut.
- Store the fruit balls in a tin in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. If you don’t have oleo, unsalted butter works as a great alternative. Make sure to chop the dates finely to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with additional dried fruit.
Serving Suggestions
These Swedish Fruit Balls make a delightful snack or dessert. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with Fruit Ice Cream Soda for a festive gathering. Consider arranging them on a platter for parties, as they are both delicious and visually appealing.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cool treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Fruit Balls contains roughly 175 calories, with 2g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 3g 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 make these fruit balls vegan?
Yes, to make vegan Swedish Fruit Balls, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace oleo with a plant-based butter. Adjust other ingredients accordingly to ensure they are vegan-friendly.
What types of nuts can I use in this recipe?
You can use any type of nuts you enjoy, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. For a different flavor, try adding pistachios. Just make sure to chop them finely so they incorporate well into the mixture.
Can I add other dried fruits besides cherries?
Absolutely! You can mix in other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries for added flavor and texture. Just chop them up to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients. This flexibility allows you to customize the fruit balls to your taste.
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).