Pistachio Date Balls

Pistachio Date Balls are a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth. They are so easy and quick to make that you will be sworn off buying healthy snacks ever again. All you need to do is blitz a few key ingredients in a food processor, stir in the chopped pistachios, roll into balls and pop them in the fridge.

I am a huge fan of dates, mostly because I love sugar. Somehow their sweetness is able to trick my brain into thinking I have had chocolate. I really wanted to incorporate dates into a healthy and satisfying snack that would combat my mid-afternoon energy slumps. I decided to mix them with pistachios, one of my favourite nuts, and a little peanut butter to add some protein and crunchiness.

If you are like me and you often find yourself reaching for chocolate and biscuits to sustain your energy levels these Pistachio Date Balls are an excellent alternative. They also freeze well, so are perfect for weekend batching.

Key ingredients and alternatives

• Dates - I use Medjool dates because they are soft and mix well with the other ingredients. They are also the most widely available variety of dates. Other types of dates should also work well in this recipe.
• Pistachios - roughly chopped pistachios add protein and crunch. You could substitute them for another type of nut if you keep the volume the same.
• Peanut butter - helps to bind the balls together and adds an additional nutty flavour. You can use another nut butter if you prefer.
• Cinnamon - for additional flavour.
• Honey or maple syrup - binds the balls together.
• Salt - this is optional, sometimes the peanut butter will provide enough saltiness but you may also want to add a small pinch of salt to taste.

How to make Pistachio Date Balls

1. Combine the ingredients in a food processor

Place all of the ingredients except for the pistachios into a food processor and blitz until combined. Do not put the pistachios in at this point unless you want them to be ground into a fine consistency. If your dates are a little dry, as older dates sometimes are, you can place them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute to soften them before you mix them with the other ingredients.

2. Mix in the pistachios

Transfer the blended date mixture into a bowl and mix in the chopped pistachios. I use my hands to do this.

3. Form the balls

Roll the mixture into even-sized balls, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge or freeze for later.

FAQs

More sweet treats:

• Ginger Spiced Apple Crumble
• Easy Banana Caramel Muffins
• Spiced Christmas Star Biscuits Recipe
• Cherry Bakewell Flapjack (with yoghurt white chocolate topping)

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