Oatmeal and Date Balls Recipe

Looking for a healthy, indulgent snack or dessert that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare? Look no further than these Oatmeal and Date Balls! With natural sweetness from dates, a crunchy texture from walnuts, and a rich chocolate coating, these little bites are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Plus, they come together in just a few simple steps. Here’s the full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 150g (5 oz) dates (pitted)
• 80g (2.8 oz) rolled oats
• 90g (3 oz) walnuts (chopped, save a few for decoration)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for flavor)
• 1 pinch salt (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange (adds freshness and zest)
• 100g (3.5 oz) sugar-free chocolate (for coating)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (to melt with chocolate)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dates:
   • Begin by soaking the dates in warm water for about 15 minutes. This softens them and makes them easier to blend.
   • After soaking, remove the pits from the dates.
2. Prepare the Oats:
   • Grind the rolled oats into a fine consistency using a food processor or blender. This helps form a better texture for the balls.
3. Chop the Nuts:
   • Roughly chop the walnuts, saving a few pieces for decoration. The chopped nuts will provide crunch and healthy fats to the balls.
4. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a food processor, blend the softened dates into a smooth paste. Add the ground oats, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, salt (optional), and orange zest to the dates. Blend until everything is well-combined and has a dough-like consistency.
5. Form Balls:
   • Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls using your hands. This recipe typically makes around 12 balls, but you can make them bigger or smaller, depending on your preference.
   • Refrigerate the balls for about 15 minutes to help them set.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
   • While the balls are chilling, melt the sugar-free chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until fully melted and smooth.
7. Coat the Balls:
   • Once the balls are chilled, dip each one into the melted chocolate. You can roll the balls around to coat them completely or just dip one side for a lighter coating.
   • Decorate the tops of the chocolate-coated balls with the reserved chopped walnuts for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
8. Refrigerate Again:
   • Place the coated balls back in the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden and the balls to set completely.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the oatmeal and date balls chilled as a sweet snack or healthy dessert.
• You can also store them in paper molds for a decorative presentation at parties or gatherings.

Cooking Tips:

• For quicker preparation, use a food processor to blend all ingredients together. It will save you time and effort.
• Experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla, nutmeg, or a dash of ginger to enhance the taste.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, grind the walnuts more finely before adding them to the mixture.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Dates: Naturally sweet, dates are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
• Oats: Oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber, helping with digestion and providing steady energy.
• Walnuts: High in healthy fats (omega-3s), protein, and antioxidants, walnuts support heart health and brain function.
• Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Dietary Information:

• Vegan-Friendly: Completely plant-based with no animal products.
• No Added Sugar: Naturally sweetened with dates, so you can enjoy without the guilt of added sugars.
• Gluten-Free: Made with gluten-free oats, making it suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.

Nutritional Facts (per ball, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g

Storage:

• Store the oatmeal and date balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage, so you can keep them on hand for when you need a healthy snack or dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants for a nutritious treat.
• Naturally Sweet: Sweetened only with dates, there’s no added sugar, making them a guilt-free option.
• Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for those following a plant-based lifestyle, with no animal products.

These Oatmeal and Date Balls are perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying snack. They’re ideal for meal prepping, and the combination of oats, dates, walnuts, and dark chocolate makes them both delicious and nutritious. Try them today and enjoy a quick, wholesome treat!