Looking for a quick and easy snack that’s both healthy and indulgent? Look no further than chocolate almonds dates! This delicious treat combines the natural sweetness of dates with the nuttiness of almonds and the richness of dark chocolate for a snack that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. And with 331 different variations, there’s a recipe for every taste and occasion!
Ingredients
For the basic recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Of course, you can customize this recipe to your heart’s content! Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, swap out the almonds for other nuts like pistachios or cashews, or experiment with different types of chocolate for a truly unique taste.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spread the almonds out on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted.
- In a food processor, pulse the dates and almonds until they form a thick paste.
- Roll the paste into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Dip each date-almond ball into the melted chocolate and place them back on the baking sheet. Chill in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 date-almond ball
- Calories: 98
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1mg
Cooking Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Food processor
- Double boiler or microwave
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate almonds dates are perfect for a mid-day snack, a post-workout pick-me-up, or a sweet treat after dinner. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an extra indulgent experience!
Variations
As mentioned before, there are countless variations on this recipe! Here are just a few ideas:
- Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the date-almond paste for a warming, spicy flavor
- Use pistachios instead of almonds for a pop of green color
- Try white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter taste
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the melted chocolate for a salty-sweet combo
Substitutions
If you don’t have dates on hand, you can try substituting dried figs or apricots instead. And if you’re allergic to nuts, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of almonds.
Storage
Store these chocolate almonds dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just be sure to thaw them before serving.
Tips
When melting chocolate, be sure to stir it frequently to prevent burning. And when rolling the date-almond paste into balls, wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking.
Notes
These chocolate almonds dates are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They’re also vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
A: Of course! Just be aware that milk chocolate is sweeter than dark, so you may want to adjust the sweetness in the date-almond paste accordingly.
Q: Can I make these without a food processor?
A: You can try chopping the almonds and dates by hand, but it may take longer and the texture may not be as smooth.
Personal Thoughts
As someone who loves both chocolate and almonds, these chocolate almonds dates are a dream come true! They’re easy to make, delicious, and surprisingly healthy. I love experimenting with different variations – my favorite so far is adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!