Description
Chewy, sweet, and nutty no-bake date balls rolled in shredded coconut and studded with pistachios. A traditional, gluten-free Eid dessert that is easy to make ahead and requires no oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup (80g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted pistachios, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 pinch salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate for dipping
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon rose water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prep the dates: If dates are not pitted, remove pits. If dates are hard, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Blend the mixture: Add dates, crushed pistachios, butter (or ghee), vanilla, cardamom, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and clumping together. Scrape sides and pulse again until a thick, sticky paste forms.
- Roll the balls: Take about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into a ball between palms. If sticky, wet hands slightly with water. Place on a plate lined with parchment paper. Repeat to make 20-25 balls.
- Coat in coconut: Pour shredded coconut into a shallow bowl. Roll each date ball in the coconut, pressing gently to ensure full coverage. Place back on the lined plate.
- Chill: Refrigerate the balls for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Optional Chocolate Dip: Melt dark chocolate in microwave in 15-second bursts. Dip balls halfway into chocolate and return to parchment paper. Chill for 15 minutes to set.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra crushed pistachios if desired. Serve with tea or coffee.
Notes
Use soft Medjool dates for best texture. If dates are dry, soak them in warm water. Wet your hands with cold water before rolling to prevent sticking. These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months. For a vegan version, substitute butter/ghee with coconut oil.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 date ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Eid dessert, no-bake, coconut date balls, gluten-free, healthy dessert, Middle Eastern sweets, date paste, pistachio treats