Pecan Pie Chocolate Date Bites (Easy No-Bake Treat)

This recipe for Pecan Pie Chocolate Date Bites is perfect for anyone who enjoys the flavors of classic pecan pie but want something quicker and easier to make.

Made with naturally sweet dates that are blended with crunchy pecans, maple syrup, and warm cinnamon, these vegan-friendly bites taste surprisingly similar to pecan pie.

Why you will like this recipe.

Whether you are looking for a simple no-bake dessert, a holiday treat, or an afternoon snack, these bite-sized sweets come together with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• No baking required. These easy treats come together without turning on the oven.
• Simple ingredients. Made with just a few pantry-friendly ingredients. The dates provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
• Easy to customize. You can add a sprinkle of sea salt, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of white chocolate for a fun variation.
• Perfect for make-ahead snacking. Store them in the refrigerator for a quick sweet treat anytime.

Have you tried my recipe for No Bake Vegan Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate?

Made with quick oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, and peanut butter, those cookies are full of flavor and goodness. Both this recipe for Chocolate Date Bites and that recipe for Oatmeal Cookies are easy no bake treats that are made with vegan friendly ingredients.

To make this date bite recipe totally vegan you will need vegan friendly chocolate chips. You can find vegan chocolate chips here.

Ingredients Needed.

• Dates. Use soft, fresh Medjool dates as they have a rich caramel-like flavor and blend easily into a smooth filling. Be sure all pits have been removed.
• Pecans. Your pecans should be chopped.
• Maple Syrup. Pure maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor. It helps bind the filling together while adding a subtle caramel sweetness that complements the dates and pecans. Grade A Amber or Dark Robust maple syrup both work well in this recipe.
• Ground Cinnamon. A small amount of cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the pecan pie flavor.
• Chocolate Chips. Semi-sweet is preferred but, dark or milk chocolate can be used.

How to make pecan pie chocolate date bites.

• Prep Time 15 minutes.
• Chill Time 30 minutes.
• Servings 12 .
• How to serve : Serve these date bites as a snack or as part of a dessert.
• Notes: You will need a blender or food processor, a baking sheet, parchment paper, a scoop, a microwave-safe bowl, and a spoon or whisk. Candy dipping tools are useful in this recipe.

1. Prepare. Gather your ingredients and supplies as indicated. Also, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment (or wax) paper.
2. Pulse. In a good blender or food processor, combine together the pitted dates, chopped pecans, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Pulse the ingredients until well combined (about a minute or so).
3. Shape. Use a small cookie scoop or similar item to scoop the combined ingredients from the mixture and use your hands to shape the ingredients into evenly sized balls. Place each of the balls on to your prepared baking sheet about an inch to two inches apart from one another.
4. Chocolate. Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate, stopping to stir every 30 seconds, until smooth. You can alternatively use the double boiler method to melt your chocolate.
5. Dip. Use a dipping tool or fork to dip each of the formed balls into the melted chocolate and then place the ball back on to the lined baking sheet.
6. Chill. Place the baking sheet with the bites into your refrigerator (uncovered) to allow the chocolate to fully set (about 20–30 minutes).

Tips for making the best chocolate covered date bites.

I like Medjool dates for this recipe but, Deglet Noor dates can also work. If your dates feel dry or firm, you can try soaking them in warm water for 10–15 minutes, then be sure to drain well before using them in this recipe. Just be sure to remove the pits from your dates before adding them to the blender/food processor.

More helpful tips for you.

1. Make sure your ingredients are thoroughly blended together before forming the balls. You may have to press the filling together with your hands to form the balls, but the moisture of the dates will help hold everything together.
2. Chopped pecans help make this bites taste like pecan pie. You can use a food processor to chop (pulse) the pecans if needed. Lightly toasting the pecans before using them can add even more depth and richness to the bites.
3. Allow the bites to fully set in the refrigerator. If the rolled ingredients seem to be too soft to dip in the chocolate, you can refrigerate them first.

FAQ

• What kind of dates work best for this recipe?
  I prefer Medjool dates as the best choice because they are soft, naturally sweet, and have a rich caramel-like flavor. Other varieties can be used, but they may need to be soaked first if they are dry.
• Can I make these bites without a food processor?
  Yes. You can use a strong blender. Another option is to finely chop the dates and pecans by hand and then mix them together with the maple syrup and cinnamon. The texture will be a bit chunkier, but the bites will still hold together
• Do I have to coat the bites in chocolate?
  No. The date and pecan mixture is delicious on its own and can be enjoyed as an energy bite without the chocolate coating. Or, you can simply drizzle the chocolate over the bites rather than dipping them into the chocolate.
• Why won't my mixture hold together?
  The dates may be too dry or the mixture may need additional processing. Try soaking the dates in warm water for 10–15 minutes, draining them well, and blending again.
• How do I know when the chocolate has fully set?
  The chocolate should feel firm and no longer look glossy or wet. This usually takes about 20–30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Variations.

• My favorite is to make these into Sea Salt Pecan Pie Bites.
  Simply sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate-coated bites before the chocolate sets. The sweet-and-salty combination tastes just like a gourmet candy.
• Add a teaspoon or two of bourbon to the date mixture for a grown-up twist inspired by classic bourbon pecan pie. Reduce the maple syrup slightly if needed to maintain the proper consistency.
• To bring out the chocolate flavors, you can make these into Espresso Chocolate Pecan Bites by adding a half teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling.

How to store no bake date bites.

Pecan bites should be stored in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between layers. When properly stored, they should keep for about a week when refrigerated or up to a few months when frozen. You can thaw frozen bites overnight in your refrigerator.

You may also be interested in these recipes.

• Dairy Free Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Vegan Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
• Buckwheat Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Muffins (Dairy Free)
• No Bake Chocolate Chip Oat Bars (Vegan)
• Chocolate Zucchini Bread- Vegan Recipe