Vanilla Balls

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Sweet vanilla balls with raisin and nut fillings, coated in confectioners sugar, perfect for a quick, no-bake treat that appeals to all ages and sweet tooths.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box vanilla wafers, crushed
  • 2 cups raisins
  • 2 cups chopped nuts
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla flavoring
  • 1 can Dime brand milk
  • confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well.
  2. Shape the mixture into small balls and roll in confectioners sugar.
  3. No cooking required.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using chocolate-covered raisins or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture. If you have nut allergies, you can substitute seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for the chopped nuts. Make sure to crush the vanilla wafers finely for better binding. Refrigerating the mixture for about 30 minutes before rolling can make shaping easier.

Serving Suggestions

These vanilla balls can be served as a sweet treat for gatherings or as a dessert to accompany coffee or tea. They also pair beautifully with Easy Chess Bars for a delightful dessert platter. For an added touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the balls before serving for a decadent twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store the vanilla balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last for about two weeks. If you want to enjoy them chilled, simply take them out of the fridge and serve. They do not require reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Vanilla Balls contains roughly 1301 calories, with 10g protein, 286g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

1301 kcal 65% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.3g 21% DV
Total Fat 19.8g 25% DV
Carbs 286.2g 100% DV
Fiber 7.7g 27% DV
Sugar 221.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 502.8mg 22% DV
Potassium 1041.1mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 61.3mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 139.7mg 11% DV
Iron 5.2mg 29% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 a different type of dried fruit instead of raisins?

Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried apricots for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the dried fruit is chopped into small pieces for even distribution in the mixture.

How can I make these vanilla balls healthier?

To make these vanilla balls healthier, you can use whole grain vanilla wafers or even make your own using oats. Additionally, consider reducing the amount of confectioners' sugar rolled on the outside or using a sugar substitute to cut down on calories.

What can I use if I don’t have Dime brand milk?

If Dime brand milk is unavailable, you can substitute it with sweetened condensed milk from any brand. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version by simmering regular milk with sugar until it thickens, giving you a similar texture and 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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