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The perfect date roll, made with walnuts, pistachios, chewy, sticky, luxurious Medjool dates, nutty tahini, raw cacao powder and a combination of warm cinnamon and ginger flavors. Simple vegan snack or dessert, without baking, refined sugar or complicated cooking methods or ingredients. Ready in 5 minutes.
Raw Vegan Date Nut Rolls
This date and nut roll reminds me of a popular European dessert called “Sweet Salami”, which my kids love.
I’m not quite sure, why I still have not shared this recipe on the blog. Quite easy to prepare, it is made with tea biscuits, cocoa powder, butter, milk and nuts and shaped into a log, looks very similar to this date roll.
Both desserts are obviously very different, when it comes to ingredients and nutrition.
This date roll takes under 10 minutes to make and chilling is optional.
The sweetness of the dates is perfectly balanced with the combination of nuts, spices and tahini, which is also added to help everything bind together.
There is contrast between the soft dates and the hard nuts, which creates an irresistible texture, while the natural sweetness of the dates perfectly balances the earthy tones of the nuts.
This dessert is completely vegan, refined sugar and gluten-free, no-bake, egg and dairy free.
Date and walnut rolls are great to make year round, but also make a nice festive holiday dessert.
If you are a fan of dates, try these Coconut Cranberry Chocolate Truffles or make my favorite Raw Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Cups.
How to make Date Walnut Roll?
Ingredients:
- Medjool Dates, good quality, moist, large and sticky dates work best, but any kind will work. If you happen to only have dry dates, soak in hot water for 15 minutes, then drain and squeeze very well, before mashing. If you are unable to mash with fork, use a food processor to turn them into paste.
- Toasted (unsalted) Walnuts, chopped
- Toasted (unsalted) Pistachios (optional), chopped
- Tahini or coconut oil (melted), to help all the ingredients incorporate very well
- Vanilla – optional
- Pinch of salt, to balance the flavors
- Ground cinnamon and ground ginger (optional)
Directions:
- Chop the nuts and set 1/2 aside for rolling.
- Mash dates in a bowl. Add the walnuts, tahini, cinnamon, ginger and cocoa powder.
- Stir to combine.
- Shape into a log.
- Roll into the walnuts.
- Wrap in plastic.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Slice.
- Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Recipe Tips
Why this simple recipe works?
It calls for the use of nuts and dates and the rest of the ingredients can easily be omitted. If you use good quality “meaty, caramelly” Medjool dates, they are moist and perfectly sticky, so they combine very well with the nuts in order to shape a roll. Adding spices enhances the natural flavors and and the tahini is just to add moisture and help combine the ingredients.
Serving suggestion:
Raw date and nut rolls are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect as a quick snack on the go, a pre-workout energy boost, or a healthy dessert option. They can be enjoyed as is or paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Quality and Variation of Ingredients:
- Use high quality ingredients, if possible.
- Fresh dates are going to work best for these rolls.
- Experiment with different types of nuts to find your favorite combination. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are popular choices, but don’t shy away from pistachios, pecans, or hazelnuts for different flavors and textures.
- Add ins: Customize your rolls with ingredients that add extra flavor and nutritional value. Consider incorporating seeds (like sesame, chia), dried fruit like cranberries, citrus zest – like orange, different spices – add cardamon or nutmeg for a deeper flavor profile, superfoods – Cocoa powder, matcha powder, or spirulina can introduce unique tastes and health benefits.
Storing:
Keep the rolls refrigerated, wrapped in plastic wrap at all times, for up to 7 days.
More Vegan Recipes
The simplicity of raw date and nut rolls is what makes them so special. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a snack that’s not only delicious and satisfying but also packed with nutritional benefits.
So next time you’re looking for a nutritious treat, give these raw date and nut rolls a try – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
Date and Walnut Rolls
Ingredients
- 350 grams Medjool dates
- 150 grams Walnuts, toasted ( can use a combination of walnuts and pistachios)
- 1 tsp Cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Chop the walnuts and set 1/2 aside.
- Mash dates in a bowl. Add the walnuts, tahini, cinnamon, ginger and cocoa powder. Stir to combine.
- Shape into a log.
- Roll into the walnuts.
- Wrap in plastic.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Slice.
- Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a must try. On the menu for Friday night