Making a desert ball is a fun project that allows you to create a tasty treat with simple ingredients. The desert ball is a type of no-bake energy bite made from dates, nuts, seeds, and other wholesome ingredients. The preparation is easy and requires no baking. With some basic steps, you can make delicious homemade desert balls to enjoy as a snack or dessert.
What are the ingredients needed to make desert balls?
The main ingredients used to make desert balls are:
- Dates – These provide natural sweetness and bind the ingredients together when processed. Medjool dates work best.
- Nuts – Such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans. Nuts add protein, healthy fats, and crunch.
- Seeds – Like chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds. Seeds boost nutrition.
- Dried fruit – Dried cranberries, raisins, apricots, etc. add chewiness and flavor.
- Cocoa or cacao powder – For chocolatey desert balls.
- Shredded coconut – Provides texture and coconut flavor.
- Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla extract. These add warmth and extra flavor.
You can use a single type of nut and seed or mix varieties. Get creative with add-ins like cocoa nibs, citrus zest, peanut butter, and extracts. The possibilities are endless for making gourmet desert balls!
What equipment is needed to make desert balls?
You don’t need any special equipment to make desert balls. The main things you’ll need are:
- Food processor – This makes it easy to finely chop dates and nuts into a sticky paste for shaping.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for mixing
- Rolling pin or your hands for shaping
- Parchment paper
- Plate or container for storing
If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender or chop ingredients finely by hand. The food processor just speeds up the prep work.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these simple steps for making perfect dessert balls at home:
- Chop the dates into small pieces and add to a food processor. Process until a sticky paste forms, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the nuts and seeds to the food processor. Pulse to finely chop them.
- Add any dried fruits, spices, or extracts. Pulse briefly to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in any extras like coconut, cacao nibs, or zest.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out tablespoon sized portions of the mixture.
- Roll between your palms to shape into balls. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- If coating in coconut, cocoa, or chopped nuts, roll the balls gently in the coating.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Then transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 1 week.
Tips for making the best desert balls
Follow these tips for picture-perfect, delicious dessert balls:
- Use very soft, moist dates. If needed, soak dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften before processing.
- Chop nuts finely and don’t over process them into a butter.
- Add liquid ingredients like maple syrup or almond butter to help bind if needed.
- Refrigerate shaped balls for at least 30 minutes before enjoying so they firm up.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen.
- Customize flavors with cocoa powder, citrus, herbs, peanut butter, etc.
- Coat in shredded coconut, sesame seeds, crushed nuts, cacao nibs or powders.
Healthy desert ball recipes
The basic combination of dates, nuts and seeds makes for a healthy dessert ball. But you can also tailor recipes to suit your taste and dietary needs. Here are some tasty dessert ball ideas:
Chocolate coconut balls
- Dates
- Almonds
- Dark cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Shredded coconut (for coating)
Matcha bliss balls
- Dates
- Cashews
- Matcha powder
- Lemon zest
- Pistachios (for coating)
Peanut butter protein balls
- Dates
- Peanut butter
- Vanilla protein powder
- Rolled oats
- Mini chocolate chips
Carrot cake balls
- Dates
- Walnuts
- Grated carrots
- Cinnamon
- Raisins or currants
Let your creativity run wild coming up with your own flavor combinations! The options for naturally sweet and satisfying desert balls are endless.
Storing and serving desert balls
Properly storing your desert balls will keep them fresh for enjoying all week long:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if refrigerated.
- Enjoy desert balls as is or top with nut butter, chocolate sauce, honey or fruit.
- Bring them along for a healthy on-the-go snack.
- Make a big batch for healthy homemade gifts.
Desert balls are commonly around 1 inch in diameter or tablespoon sized. You can make them smaller for bite-sized snacks or bigger if you’d like. Serve them up on their own or partnered with fruit, yogurt, granola, etc. for a mini dessert platter.
Conclusion
Crafting your own desert balls at home is simple, customizable and fun. With just a handful of ingredients like dates, nuts, seeds and spices, you can make a healthy sweet snack without refined sugar. Experiment with different flavor combinations and coatings until you find your favorites. Making a big batch allows you to have ready-to-eat dessert balls on hand for a quick snack any time. So roll up your sleeves and start crafting these tasty, wholesome treats to enjoy!