Decadent Date & Walnut Energy Bites
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Delicately Chewy Date & Walnut Energy Bites. Perfect for snacking, these candies blend the natural sweetness of chopped dates with the rich crunch of walnuts, all bound together with a buttery, vanilla-infused base. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a nutritious treat throughout the day, each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Quick to prepare, these energy bites are not just tasty; they are also a healthier alternative to traditional sweets, providing natural energy and wholesome ingredients.
60
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
3 cups (granulated)
Dates
1 cup (chopped)
Walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
Milk
1 cup (whole milk)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, chopped dates, butter, and milk. Stir well to blend the ingredients.
2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Continue cooking while stirring constantly for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
3
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
4
Prepare a clean dish towel (preferably cotton) by dampening it slightly with water – it should be just over damp, not soaking wet.
5
Carefully pour the mixture onto the center of the damp towel. Using the edges of the towel, roll it lengthwise to enclose the mixture, forming a log shape.
6
Place the rolled log into the refrigerator, allowing it to chill completely until firm, usually for about 1-2 hours.
7
Once cooled, unroll the towel and slice the chilled log into small bite-sized pieces or squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Date & Walnut Energy Bites?
They are a delicately chewy snack blending the natural sweetness of dates with the rich crunch of walnuts in a buttery, vanilla-infused base.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 60 bite-sized energy bites.
What is the primary cooking method for these bites?
This is a no-bake recipe that involves cooking the base mixture on a stovetop and then chilling it to set.
How long should I boil the date mixture?
The mixture should be brought to a gentle boil and cooked for about 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What kind of milk is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of whole milk.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it boils?
Yes, you should stir constantly while the mixture is boiling to ensure it blends well and does not burn.
When should I add the walnuts and vanilla extract?
Add the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract after the mixture has thickened and been removed from the heat.
How do I shape the energy bites into a log?
Pour the mixture onto a slightly damp cotton towel and use the edges of the towel to roll it lengthwise into a log shape.
Why is a damp towel used in the preparation?
A damp towel helps enclose the mixture and allows you to shape it into a log without the candy sticking to the fabric.
How long do the energy bites need to chill?
The log should be refrigerated for about 1 to 2 hours until it is completely firm.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cups of granulated sugar.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What kind of dates are best for this snack?
Any variety of dates works well, as long as they are chopped before being added to the saucepan.
How should I cut the finished energy bites?
Once the log is firm, unroll the towel and slice the log into small bite-sized pieces or squares.
How should I store these energy bites?
They should be stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh and maintain their texture.
Are these energy bites considered a healthy alternative to candy?
Yes, they provide natural energy from wholesome ingredients like dates and walnuts, making them a better alternative to traditional sweets.
What is the texture of these bites?
The texture is delicately chewy with a rich crunch provided by the chopped walnuts.
Can I use vanilla bean paste instead of extract?
Yes, pure vanilla bean paste can be used as a substitute for pure vanilla extract to achieve a similar flavor.
Is the dish towel used for rolling specifically supposed to be cotton?
Yes, a clean cotton dish towel is preferred for rolling the mixture into a log.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: sugar, dates, walnuts, milk, butter, and vanilla extract.
Are these energy bites suitable for parties?
Yes, they are ideal for sharing at gatherings and social events.
Can I use pre-chopped walnuts?
Yes, using pre-chopped walnuts can save time during the preparation process.
What should I do if the towel is too wet?
Wring it out thoroughly; it should be just damp, not soaking, to prevent the mixture from becoming watery.
Do I need to grease the saucepan?
No, the butter included in the recipe helps prevent excessive sticking in the saucepan.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (sugar, dates, walnuts, milk, butter, vanilla), the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, though you may need a larger saucepan and multiple towels for rolling.
What is the main flavor profile of these bites?
The flavor is dominated by natural fruit sweetness, rich nuttiness, and a creamy vanilla-butter finish.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
While the recipe calls for whole milk, you could experiment with non-dairy alternatives, though the thickening time and final texture may vary.
Can I add other spices like cinnamon?
Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during the boiling process can provide additional warmth to the flavor.
Should the mixture be cooled before pouring it onto the towel?
The recipe suggests pouring it onto the towel immediately after mixing in the walnuts and vanilla, while it is still warm and pliable.