Almonds are pulsed first until finely chopped, then Medjool dates, cocoa, salt and vanilla are processed in until the mixture clumps. It should hold together when pinched; a teaspoon of water helps if it does not.
Each of the sixteen portions is flattened, filled with a teaspoon of thick raspberry jam, pinched closed and rolled into a ball. Half an hour in the fridge firms them.
How to Make It
Almonds chopped
Pulse the almonds in a food processor until finely chopped.
Dough processed
Add the dates, cocoa, salt and vanilla and process until the mixture clumps; add water 1 tsp at a time only if needed.
Filled and rolled
Divide into 16 portions. Flatten each portion, place about 1 tsp raspberry jam in the centre, then pinch closed and roll into a ball.
Chilled
Place in mini paper cups and chill 30 minutes before serving.
Filling One Bite
The mixture is divided into sixteen before any jam goes in.
What goes into one bite
Date and almond mixture
One sixteenth, flattened into a disc.
Raspberry jam
About a teaspoon in the centre.
Seal and roll
Pinched closed, then rolled round.
Paper cup
Chilled 30 minutes.
Ingredient Notes
- Medjool dates
- A cup and a half, pitted; soft dates blend more easily.
- Raw almonds
- One cup, chopped fine but not ground to flour.
- Thick raspberry jam
- A third of a cup, about a teaspoon per bite.
Success Tips
- Soak very firm dates in warm water for ten minutes, then drain well.
- Keep your hands slightly damp when rolling so the mixture does not stick.
- Seal the jam completely before rolling each ball.
Why This Recipe Works
- Chopping the almonds first leaves visible nut pieces in the bites.
- Sticky dates bind everything without baking.
- Thick jam stays put in the centre instead of leaking.
- Chilling firms the outside so they hold their round shape.
Serving Ideas
Serve cold in their paper cups; cut one in half to show the raspberry centre.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Keep the bites in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these need baking?
No. They are blended, rolled and chilled for 30 minutes.
Do they contain nuts?
Yes. One cup of almonds, which are a tree-nut allergen.
