Tahini almond date bites are an easy, uniquely flavored snack. With a short whole food ingredient list and a light, natural sweetness, these date bites will be your go to snack.
recipe originally published January 27, 2012
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Why everyone loves these tahini date bites
If you are looking for a satisfying snack that isn't too sweet, these tahini almond date bites are chewy with mildly sweet, nutty flavors.
The savory flavors of tahini pair well with the sweetness of dates. Medjool dates are my favorite to use with snack balls like this, their sweet flavor is like caramel. Whatever dates you have on hand will absolutely work, and the recipe has measurements to accommodate any size date.
I love to eat one of these before a workout if I need a little protein but don't want to eat before cardio activity. A few of these date balls make a great snack or even breakfast when paired with a smoothie.
Tips for making snack balls
- When using sticky, dried fruit like dates, soak the dried fruit in hot water for 10 minutes, to soften. This makes the dates easier to incorporate into the dough.
- When forming and rolling the snack bites with your hands, get your hands wet first to avoid the dough sticking to your hands.
- If the dough in this recipe is falling apart, it needs more moisture. Add tahini by the teaspoon until it holds together.
- If the dough is too sticky, add more almonds a tablespoon at a time.
Variations on this recipe / Ingredient substitutions
If you don't have or don't like the flavor of tahini, you can use any nut butter instead.
For a brighter, tart flavor instead of sweet dates, use dried apricots. Or make these vanilla apricot bites.
How long does this recipe last?
My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy these tahini date bites within a week.
Refrigerate in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.
Did you make these tahini almond bites?
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Tahini Almond Date Bites
This easy and uniquely flavored snack with a short ingredient list and natural sweetener will be your new favorite!
Ingredients
- 6 Medjool dates (½ cup)
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- pinch sea salt
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds to coat
- water by the tablespoon if needed
Instructions
- Remove pits from dates. Soak dates in hot water for 10 minutes, to soften. This makes the dates easier to incorporate into the dough.
- Add sesame seeds to a shallow bowl or plate. Set aside for rolling.
- Add almonds to the bowl of a food processor and pulse to a crumb.
- Drain the hot water from the dates.
- Add softened dates, tahini and salt to the food processor. Blend to combine with the almond crumb.
- Check the dough by squeezing it between your fingers; it should form a ball. If the texture is slightly crumbly, add water 1 tablespoon at a time and dough should quickly form.
- Use hands to roll dough into 1 inch balls.
- Roll balls in sesame seeds to coat, and roll ball in hands to flatten sesame seeds into the ball.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate to firm.
Notes
Tips for making snack balls
- When using sticky, dried fruit like dates, soak the dried fruit in hot water for 10 minutes, to soften. This makes the dates easier to incorporate into the dough.
- When forming and rolling the snack bites with your hands, get your hands wet first to avoid the dough sticking to your hands.
- If the dough in this recipe is falling apart, it needs more moisture. Add tahini by the teaspoon until it holds together.
- If the dough is too sticky, add more almonds a tablespoon at a time.
Variations on this recipe / Ingredient substitutions
If you don't have or don't like the flavor of tahini, you can use any nut butter instead.Â
For a brighter, tart flavor instead of sweet dates, use dried apricots. Or make these vanilla apricot bites.
How long does this recipe last?
My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy these tahini date bites within one week.
Refrigerate in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.Â
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 pieceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 30Total Fat: 2gSodium: 93mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 6gSugar: 5gProtein: 5g
nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
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Lisa B says
I like Yelp too 🙂
These balls are so pretty---I love the sesame seeds on the outside! The flavor combo sounds great too, with the contrast between the tahini and dates especially (I'm guessing that creates a nice balance!).
Happy Weekend Friend!
spabettie says
the flavors are good - I like a sweet and savory. I hope you have a great weekend too, Lisa B! (Basil wags hello!) 🙂
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) says
Mmmm, dates - nature's candy! Love 'em and can't get enough, seriously! (probably hard to believe coming from a candy/cookie fanatic)
The bites seem like they would end up sort of Larabar-like, which is definitely a good thing!
spabettie says
yes, I actually thought about making bars out of these. or longer strips, anyway... they do resemble a larabar...
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
Aww, these bites look perfect! The ground covering also fits perfectly. 🙂
spabettie says
YAY, someone noticed the decor! 😀 I thought it was a nice touch...
lindsay says
i'm a yelpaholic too! lets yelp together.
And dates are so cheap here. The good kind! i could make these. Not as pretty as your though.
😉
spabettie says
sure you could - and they would be pretty too. I'm thinking of a marmite ball next...
Wendy says
Totally making these this weekend. Going to sprout my almonds today. You should checkout anti gravity yoga. CRAZY. http://Www.gravitaspdx.com my new addiction/obsession. See ya soon.
spabettie says
hope you like them, Wendy! and WOW - Gravitas looks fun, I may work up the nerve to try it sometime 😉 see you soon!
curlsz says
I love dates - nature's carmel candy! Trying these tonight!!
spabettie says
hope you like them!
curlsz says
really yummy but holy $%# that was messy making them - I definitely need a better food processor too!
spabettie says
uh oh... dates can be messy, I guess... I use them so much I don't notice, maybe? was it worth it, did you like the flavor enough? 😀
curlsz says
they are good - a bit rich so i brought them to my office where I knew all the sweet tooth hounds would devour. i usually put dates in hot water and puree for baked goods - fantastic
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Oh these look gorgeous and delish and stunning photos!
spabettie says
thanks, Averie!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Oh YUM! I love dates! You know, I've never actually bought tahini? I think I need to change that now.
spabettie says
yes, you do! although I am making a marmite bite next... 😉
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Oh wow. Those are so elegant! Really need to remember these for a wine tasting party. As always, thank you for your inspiration!
spabettie says
you are welcome! hope these are a hit at wine tasting - I think they'd be perfect!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
These things are gorgeous! I've actually somehow avoided buying tahini forever. I really need to buck up though and grab some between these and all the hummus options out there with it.
spabettie says
I use tahini a lot... LOVE it! I hope you make these, I think you'll like them! happy weekend, Gina! <3