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**Oatmeal and Date Balls Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Snack**
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of **dates** with the heartiness of **oats**, creating a chewy, flavorful snack that’s great for on-the-go or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sugars, these oatmeal and date balls are a nutritious alternative to processed snacks. And the best part? They require **no baking** and come together in just a few minutes!
### Why You’ll Love Oatmeal and Date Balls:
2. **Nutrient-Packed Snack:**
Dates are naturally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. Combined with the heart-healthy oats and optional add-ins like nuts or seeds, these balls provide a balanced, nutrient-dense snack that keeps you energized throughout the day.
3. **Naturally Sweetened:**
Instead of relying on refined sugar, these balls get their sweetness from **medjool dates**, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Dates are packed with natural sugars, so they provide a gentle energy boost without a sugar crash.
5. **Perfect for Meal Prep:**
These oatmeal and date balls are great for meal prep, as they store well in the fridge for up to a week. They’re ideal for a healthy snack at work, in your lunchbox, or even as a post-workout recovery bite.
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup medjool dates, pitted (about 8-10 dates)
– 1/4 cup nut or seed butter (e.g., almond butter, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter)
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, for added fiber and omega-3s)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
– Pinch of salt
– 2-3 tablespoons water (if needed, to help the mixture bind)
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds) or dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries), optional
#### 1. **Prepare the Dates:**
– Start by **pitting the dates** if they aren’t already pitted. You can soak the dates in warm water for about 5-10 minutes to soften them if they’re a bit dry. Drain the water and set them aside.
#### 2. **Blend the Ingredients:**
– Place the **dates**, **rolled oats**, **nut or seed butter**, **chia seeds (optional)**, **vanilla extract**, **cinnamon (optional)**, and a **pinch of salt** into a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture becomes sticky and begins to come together. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
– If the mixture is too dry, add **1-2 tablespoons of water** at a time to help bind everything together. You want a dough-like consistency that is firm enough to roll into balls but not too wet.
#### 4. **Form the Balls:**
– Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about **1 inch in diameter**. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly to make it easier to handle.
#### 5. **Chill and Serve:**
– Once all the balls are formed, place them on a tray or plate and **refrigerate** for at least **30 minutes** to firm up. This will help them hold their shape and make them more enjoyable to eat.
– Once chilled, your **Oatmeal and Date Balls** are ready to enjoy!
Why This Recipe Works: