I used to make raw truffles and bars all the time using dehydrated dates, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized they would also be a great snack base for a 14-month old. Using nothing but a food processor and all-natural ingredients, we had tiny, bite-sized, Audrey-approved treats ready in minutes. Handy, portable, and super-healthy, you’ll be set for the week. That’s of course if you don’t eat them all yourself first…
*Feel free to play around with the ingredients – dried cranberries or apricots instead of raisins, agave nectar instead of maple syrup or almond butter instead of sun-butter….
Coconut-Date Snack Bites
12 months + up
Makes approx. 20 bites
- 1 cup (about 24) pitted dates (I used deglet, medjool work as well)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more for rolling
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon flax meal
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seed butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Place all ingredients in a large food processor; process until a uniform and sticky batter is formed. Scoop the dough using a tablespoon, then roll between your hands to form a ball. Have extra coconut ready on a plate and roll each bite in it to coat. Store bites in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
These are gluten-free, vegan and nut-free.
I’d love to make these for my son, but he’s allergic to sunflower seeds; any ideas what the best substitute would be? (He’s also allergic to all nuts, so any other nut butters are out.) Thanks! Love your site.
Thank you so much, Rebecca! As for the nut/sun butter, you can easily exclude it all together and just add a bit more maple syrup/honey/agave nectar. A tablespoon of coconut cream or oil would also be nice. Alternatively, have you heard of pea butters? They’re a great allergen free substitute for nut/seed butters. Here’s a link to a site that sells them: http://www.peanutfreeplanet.com/Peanut_Butter_Alternatives_Substitutes_s/129.htm
thanks!!
Im totally making these!
I hope you like them!
Halhllujae! I needed this-you’re my savior.