These sesame date bites make a great gluten-free snack that you can make ahead in a mini food processor.
I made these sesame date bites because I needed something that I could have in the fridge to give me a boost in the morning. They are quick to make and easy to eat, especially on mornings when I am grumpy and would rather wallow lazily than tackle my to-do list.
The recipe actually makes 7 (1 for every morning of the week), and it all fits into a mini food processor so no need to haul out the big appliances. I tested this recipe with both regular, pitted dry dates (the inexpensive kind) and the plump Medjool dates (which are pricey), but this recipe works best with the Medjool dates.
The grocery store pitted dry dates are too dry to process as is, without some swearing and elbow grease, and you risk burning the motor of your food processor if you don't plump them in warm water first. I have no time for plumping dates right now, and I wanted a quick recipe, so the Medjool dates are worth the extra expense. If you aren't into date bites, there's always my all-time favourite treat, date squares or All Bran muffins (yum!), or for something savoury, try this savoury date chorizo loaf cake recipe!
Sesame date bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 (8 ) Medjool dates pitted
- 50 grams (¼ cups) tahina sesame paste
- 10 grams (¼ cups) puffed quinoa
- 100 grams (⅔ cups) sesame seeds lightly toasted
Instructions
- In the bowl of a mini food processor (I like this Kitchen Aid model on Amazon), purée the dates with the tahina until it is smooth.
- Transfer the paste to a bowl and work in the puffed quinoa with your hands.
- Divide into 7 truffles and roll in the sesame seeds (you will most probably have leftover sesame seeds).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
How to Philosophize with Cake says
Those look so delicious and yet so healthy! I've made date bites similar to that before, but never with sesame seeds. What a creative addition! 🙂
Janice says
I am completely obsessed with sesame+date. It's such a great combination! I hope you get to try this recipe 🙂
Marlene says
These date bites look so good! And so very … round. How did you do that? I'm sure if I attempt them (and I just may), they'll be lopsided. But charmingly so, like the smile of the heroine in a romantic comedy.
Janice says
Lol, Marlene!
Actually, I can honestly say it was easy. The paste is easy to work with and because of the oils from the sesame paste, it doesn't even stick to your hands!
Julia @ Swirls and Spice says
What might I use in place of the quinoa?
Janice says
Hi Julia,
You could also use puffed millet, or even puffed rice (Rice Krispies) would work! You could even throw in some oats instead. I think this recipe is pretty flexible 🙂
Nita Sharda says
These look delicious. Somehow I only ever use sesame for savoury dishes and never think to use them in a sweet setting. I too make a date ball similar to this--it's great with cocoa powder to appease the chocoholic in me. 😉
Thanks for sharing this recipe. On the "to do list"!