Raw Candies

Name: Raw Candies - Gianina B.
Ingredients: Dates; sunflower seed kernels; coconut flakes; walnut

Vegan - Raw Candies by Gianina B. - Recipia

When you have dates on hand and want something sweet without turning on the stove, you can easily make these raw candies. The dates are soaked beforehand, then chopped together with sunflower seeds and nuts. The mixture is shaped into balls, and at the end, they can be rolled in cocoa or shredded coconut. The actual preparation is quick, but you need to consider the soaking time for the dates. Quick Info Soaking time: 2-3 hours Preparation time: approximately 10 minutes, after soaking the dates Cooking or baking time: not required Total time: approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes to 3 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the soaking time Servings: the number of candies depends on the size of the balls; the source does not specify an exact number Difficulty: easy Recipe type: raw dessert, no cooking required, suitable for times when you want a simple sweet treat Ingredients Dates Sunflower seed kernels Nuts Shredded coconut Cocoa, for finishing, if you choose this option The quantities of the ingredients are not specified in the basic recipe. They can be adjusted based on how many candies you want to make and the desired consistency. The main ingredient is the date, as it binds the mixture and provides sweetness. Preparation method 1. Soak the dates in water for 2-3 hours. This step softens them and makes them easier to chop in the food processor. 2. After soaking, drain the dates. Keep a little of the soaking water, as it may be useful if the mixture is difficult to process. 3. Place the drained dates in the food processor and chop them until you achieve a coarser paste. It doesn't need to be completely smooth; it should be cohesive and easy to shape. 4. If the processor gets stuck or the mixture seems too dense, add a little of the soaking water. Add it gradually, just enough for the mixture to be processed. 5. Add the sunflower seed kernels and nuts. Process again briefly until the ingredients are chopped and combined with the date paste. 6. Take some of the mixture and shape it into balls. The size is up to you, but it's easier to work with small, similarly sized portions. 7. Roll the candies in cocoa or shredded coconut. You can use the same option for all or divide them between the two finishes. 8. The raw candies are ready to serve after shaping and decorating. The recipe does not involve boiling, baking, or any other cooking step. If you're working with a larger quantity of dates, the processor may need a little help. In this case, the soaking water should be added carefully. Too much liquid can make the paste too soft and harder to shape, so it's better to start with a small amount. Why I make this recipe often I love this recipe because it requires no cooking and has few steps. Once the dates have soaked, the mixture comes together quickly, and the candies can be shaped immediately. They are perfect when you want a simple dessert based on dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, without complicated preparation. Another advantage is that the texture can remain slightly coarse. You don’t have to process the ingredients until they become a perfectly smooth cream. The small pieces of nuts and seeds complement the date paste and make the candies more enjoyable to chew. Tips The dates should be drained before putting them in the food processor. If too much water remains on them, the mixture can become softer than needed. Keep a little soaking water before throwing it away. The recipe uses it only if the mixture is hard to chop, and adding it gradually allows you to better control the consistency. Process the dates first, then add the sunflower seed kernels and nuts. This way, the dates form the sticky base of the mixture, while the nuts and seeds remain chopped in the blend. If the candies don’t shape easily, process the mixture a little more. If the paste is too soft, let it sit for a while before shaping, without adding more liquid. Substitutions The basic recipe does not provide substitutions for the ingredients. Sunflower seed kernels, nuts, and dates are the elements used in the mixture, while shredded coconut and cocoa are used for finishing. For the exterior, you can choose between cocoa and shredded coconut, depending on your preference. It is not necessary to use both options. Variations The simplest variation is to make two types of candies: some rolled in cocoa and others in coconut. The base remains the same, but the appearance and flavor of the exterior change. You can shape smaller or larger balls, depending on how you want to serve them. The recipe does not specify a particular size, so this step remains flexible. For a more rustic texture, you can stop chopping when the nuts and seeds are still felt in the mixture. For a more uniform texture, continue processing a bit longer without necessarily turning everything into a fine paste. Serving ideas The candies can be served plain, immediately after being shaped and rolled in cocoa or coconut. They are suitable as a quick dessert or a sweet no-bake snack. You can arrange them on a platter and alternate them by finish: some with cocoa, others with shredded coconut. Since they don’t need to be heated, they can be served directly. Frequently asked questions Do the dates really need to be soaked for 2-3 hours? Yes, this is the recommended time in the recipe. Soaking makes them softer and helps the food processor turn them into a paste. After soaking, the dates should be drained before processing. What should I do if the food processor can't chop the mixture? Add a little of the soaking water and start the processor again. The water should be added gradually, as only a small amount is needed to help process the mixture. Does the mixture need to be completely smooth? No. In the basic recipe, the date paste is described as being coarser. The nuts and sunflower seed kernels can remain chopped, so the candies have a bit of texture. Can I use just cocoa or just coconut on the outside? Yes. The recipe offers two options for finishing. You can roll all the candies in cocoa, all in coconut, or divide them between the two options. How many candies will I get? The source does not specify an exact number. The final quantity depends on the proportions used and the size of the balls formed. Nutritional values Exact nutritional values cannot be calculated from the basic recipe, as the quantities of dates, nuts, sunflower seed kernels, coconut, or cocoa are not specified. The calories and macronutrients vary significantly based on the proportions used and the number of candies produced. In terms of nutritional structure, the dessert primarily contains carbohydrates from the dates, fats, and proteins from the nuts and sunflower seeds, while the fiber content depends on all these ingredients. The cocoa or coconut added to the exterior slightly alters the final values. For a realistic calculation of calories, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, the ingredients need to be weighed, and then the final composition should be divided by the number of candies. Without this data, any numerical value would be merely an assumption and would not accurately reflect the prepared recipe. Storage and reheating The candies cannot be reheated. They are served cold or at room temperature, without being put in the oven or on the stove. The source recipe does not specify an exact storage time. Since they are made from hydrated dates, nuts, and seeds, it is safer to keep them in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within a short time. If the texture, smell, or appearance changes, do not consume them.