Energy Dessert You’ll Eat Guilt-Free

These Guilt-Free Energy Rolls are the perfect snack or dessert when you want something sweet, satisfying, and healthy. Made with dates, nuts, and a hint of cinnamon, these rolls are naturally sweetened and packed with energy-boosting nutrients. They are easy to make, require no baking, and can be prepared in just 10 minutes of active time. Let’s dive into this quick and delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Energy Rolls

These energy rolls are perfect for a quick snack or dessert that you can enjoy without any guilt. They are free from added sugars, eggs, flour, and gluten, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs. The combination of dates and nuts provides natural sweetness, healthy fats, and protein, while the sesame seed coating adds a delightful crunch. Plus, they’re easy to make and store, so you can have a healthy snack ready whenever you need it.

Ingredients (Makes About 20 Rolls)

• 1.1 lbs (500 g) dates, pitted
• 0.7 oz (20 g) butter (or a plant-based alternative for a vegan option)
• 5.3 oz (150 g) chopped walnuts (or your choice of nuts, like almonds or pecans)
• Salt, to taste
• Cinnamon, to taste
• Sesame seeds, to taste

Nutritional Information (Per Roll)

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 9 g (natural sugars from dates)
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 15 mg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

1. Pit all the dates to ensure they are free from any pits. If you are using pre-pitted dates, double-check to make sure none were missed.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Fry the Nuts

1. In a pan, melt the butter over low heat. If you prefer a vegan option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based spread.
2. Add the coarsely chopped walnuts to the pan. Fry the nuts gently in the butter, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor and gives the nuts a slightly crunchy texture.

Step 3: Add the Dates

1. Add the pitted dates to the pan with the fried nuts. Keep frying and turning the mixture until the dates start to soften and form a thick, sticky mixture. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The dates will naturally bind everything together as they soften.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

1. Add a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the date and nut mixture. The salt balances the sweetness of the dates, while the cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
2. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for at least 15 minutes. This cooling step makes it easier to handle when forming the rolls.

Step 5: Form the Rolls

1. Once the mixture has cooled, take a piece of cling film and lightly oil the inside of it to prevent sticking.
2. Divide the mixture into two portions to make it easier to work with.
3. Form each portion into a roll, aiming for a maximum diameter of about 2 centimeters (slightly less than an inch). Use the cling film to help shape and tightly wrap each roll.

Step 6: Coat with Sesame Seeds

1. Unwrap the rolls and sprinkle sesame seeds all around them.
2. Re-wrap the rolls in the cling film and gently roll them on the counter to press the sesame seeds into the surface, ensuring they are completely coated. Repeat this process until each roll is fully covered with sesame seeds.

Step 7: Freeze and Serve

1. Place the sesame-coated rolls in the freezer for 2 hours to harden. This step helps to firm up the rolls, making them easier to slice and enhancing their chewy texture.
2. Once they are firm, use a sharp knife to cut the rolls into circles about a centimeter thick.
3. Serve these delicious, guilt-free energy bites as a snack or dessert. They’re perfect for on-the-go energy or a sweet treat after a meal.

Tips for Perfect Energy Rolls

• Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to use your favorite nuts or seeds in place of walnuts. Almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds work great in this recipe.
• Add Extra Flavor: For more variety, consider adding other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger. You can also mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
• Storage: Store these energy rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. They make an excellent make-ahead snack that you can grab whenever you need a quick boost.

These Energy Rolls are a delightful, healthy treat that you can enjoy without any guilt. Quick to make and full of natural goodness, they’re the perfect snack to keep you energized throughout the day!