Make these Candied Dates for your cookie tray this year without turning on the oven! These no bake treats have the sweetness of dates with the crunch of Rice Krispies. Coated with coconut or walnuts these treats will be guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Every year at the holidays one of many things I would look forward to were all the different goodies on the cookie tray. Candied Dates are one of the treats that my Great Aunt Helga would make. Every time I make them myself I think of my Nanny's sister.
Made on the stove-top, this recipe is very easy and quick to put together, and it really does taste like candy! My great aunt and I had a rocky relationship at times but I did love her and I am sure she knew this before she passed on. Its because of my love for her, that I remember her every time I think of these Candied Dates.
This is a six ingredient recipe. Don't go by the number of ingredients you count in the photo above. I forgot to put the sugar out when taking photos!
The dates, sugar and butter are simmered on the stove-top until the dates and sugar have melted together. I stir this mixture quite often to help incorporate the ingredients and to keep them from burning.
While the date mixture is simmering, I put the walnuts in the oven to toast. I am always sure to set the timer for every 2-3 minutes so I can toss them and keep them from burning also.
When the date mixture is ready, it is time to pour the Rice Krispies in and stir until the cereal is completely coated.
Set the pan aside to cool for a little bit and get your prep bowls ready as well as a parchment lined cutting board. The date balls are ready to shape once the mixture is cool enough to handle (not cold but still very warm).
Shape Tablespoon sized portions into balls and roll in coconut or chopped walnuts. Set on parchment paper to cool completely.
I don't talk about my Aunt Helga often, but I do think of her and what an influential part of my life she really was. I haven't forgotten her and over some of our Holiday Dinner conversations we have had some good laughs over stories of remembrance of her. She was a tough old bird, and I say that only with respect! My uncles would call her "Birdie" and I'm pretty sure that she didn't mind that any more than Grumpy minds me calling him Grumpy! We all still think of her to this day whenever we see a Maxine cartoon. She really resembled that cartoon to a T!
Aunt Helga's Candied Date recipe will continue on with me and will always be remembered as her recipe. Another family heirloom recipe memory for future generations.
I can see my Aunt in my mind, sitting at Nanny's table with a smile on her face. I'm pretty sure she'd be smiling right now to know she was the topic of conversation on my blog. 🙂
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📖 Recipe
Candied Dates
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Ingredients
- 1 pound dates pitted and chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 4 cups Rice Krispies
- ½ cup toasted chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Simmer butter, dates and sugar on medium heat 3-4 minutes or until soft and incorporated.
- Add 3-½ to 4 cups Rice Krispies. Cool slightly.
- Shape into balls. Roll in chopped walnuts or coconut.
- I like to use unsweetened coconut flakes. Regular coconut can be used here also.Store in airtight container.
Terri H says
THANK YOU for helping me “find” my grandmother and mom’s recipe we always had at the holidays. They always shaped the mixture in to a cone shape and a flat top, then rolled it into red sugar on cone and green sugar on top. Made Christmas strawberries! Such a great (and yummy) childhood memory!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Terri! What a cool way to make this recipe! Thank you for sharing and I'm happy you came across this recipe! ˜Shelby
Katrina says
Hey, I made those! 😉 They are good!
Gabrielle C says
How long are these good for?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
You can store these in the fridge up to 2 -3 weeks.
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
Awwwww... I just love family recipes like this! What a perfect way to remember your aunt during the holidays. And they look delicious- I just love dates! 🙂
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
OK, I'm trying this one! Also, I think she would secretly be thrilled to be the star of your blog today, although she might give you a frown on the outside. What a character!
Renee@Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
Yummy old fashioned goodness. I'll have to try your aunts recipe!