No-Bake Fig and Walnut Balls
No-Bake Walnut Fig Bites are a quick, nutritious, and allergy-friendly sweet treat made from whole, natural ingredients. Ready in just 10 minutes, they combine fiber-rich figs and dates with protein-packed walnuts, creating a satisfying snack without any processed sugars or oils.
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
- 1 Measuring Cup Set
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Freezer-Safe Container
Ingredients
- ¾ cup raw walnuts
- ½ cup dried Turkish figs stems removed (about 7 to 9 figs)
- ½ cup soft pitted dates
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut optional
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon natural maple flavoring
- ½ cup raw walnuts finely chopped (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare Walnut Coating (Optional): If you’d like a crunchy coating, begin by finely chopping ½ cup of raw walnuts. Pulse them in a food processor until they form small, crumbly pieces. Transfer these chopped walnuts into a separate bowl and set aside for later use.
- Blend the Main Mixture: Add the remaining ¾ cup walnuts, dried figs, pitted dates, shredded coconut (if using), vanilla extract, and maple flavor into your food processor. Pulse continuously until the ingredients break down and begin to clump together, forming a sticky, cohesive dough. This process usually takes about a minute depending on your machine.
- Shape the Bites: Remove the mixture from the processor and scoop out small portions roughly the size of a tablespoon. Roll each portion between your palms to create compact balls approximately one inch in diameter.
- Coat the Bites (Optional): If using the walnut coating, gently roll each ball in the finely chopped walnuts until fully covered. This adds a delightful texture and enhances the nutty flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Place the walnut fig bites on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. You can also freeze them for faster setting or longer storage. Once chilled, enjoy these wholesome treats as a quick snack or energy boost.
Notes
- These bites are naturally free from gluten, added sugars, dairy, and oils, making them suitable for a wide variety of dietary preferences including vegan and paleo diets.
- For added variety, try rolling the bites in unsweetened shredded coconut or cocoa powder instead of chopped walnuts.
- Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to one month to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds depending on your preference or allergy considerations.
- To soften the dates for easier blending, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before use, then drain well.
