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These 3-ingredient key lime date balls with pistachios are a perfect holiday treat! They’re high in fiber, full of antioxidants, and have no artificial sweeteners.
Are you craving holiday treats, but don’t want to use a ton of sugar or artificial sweeteners? Dates could be a perfect option for you!
Desserts like these key lime date balls with pistachios will satisfy your sweet tooth while giving you a boost of fiber, antioxidants, and protein. Best of all, you only need three ingredients, and there’s no baking required.
Whenever I go to holiday parties, I know there are going to be tons of tempting cookies and other seasonal desserts. Bringing a recipe like these date balls allows me to treat myself without eating more sugar than I wanted.
Whether you’re preparing for holiday gatherings or just want to enjoy something easy and festive, these little bites are sure to brighten your season. You may find yourself making them well into the New Year!
How to make key lime date balls with pistachios
This simple recipe comes together with just a few minutes of prep and then an hour to set in the fridge. Let’s take a look!
Step 1: In a food processor, combine the dates, ¾ cup of pistachios, and lime juice. Process until the mixture starts to clump and come together in a ball.
Step 2: Chop the remaining ¼ cup of pistachios and place them in a small, shallow bowl.
Step 3: Use a 1½-inch cookie scoop or spoon to shape the date mixture into balls. Roll them in your hands, then in the chopped pistachios until well-coated.
Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Your delicious date bites are ready to enjoy. They’re only 100 calories each, so you don’t have to worry too much if you find yourself reaching for a second one!
Are dates good for people with diabetes?
While dates are high in sugar, they have a low glycemic index. This means they may be a perfectly fine sugar substitute for people with diabetes.
If you’re like me and try not to overdo it with artificial sweeteners, dates are a great alternative. I’ve also found that they come in handy when my blood sugar is low.
Dates play a major role in both the taste and the texture of this recipe, so it would be hard to substitute them. If you find that dates don’t work for you, something like these almond truffles might be a better option to try.
Storage
I really enjoy prepping big batches of a dessert that I can grab and go whenever my sweet tooth strikes. When they come in single servings like truffles or bites, even better!
These lime and pistachio date balls are a great example. They keep very well in the refrigerator and are best served chilled. Simply store them covered or in an airtight container and enjoy within two weeks.
Other healthy treat recipes
Looking for more ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without spiking your blood sugar? There are tons of desserts that are great for a diabetic diet!
Here are a few of my favorites that I know you’ll love:
For even more healthy sweetness, be sure to check out this roundup of my favorite diabetes-friendly packaged snacks!
When you’ve tried these bites, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked them and rate the recipe in the comments below!
Key Lime Date Balls with Pistachios
Ingredients
- ½ cup pitted dates
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, (divided)
- 3 tablespoons key lime juice, (or fresh juice from 3 key limes)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the dates, ¾ cup of pistachios, and lime juice. Process until the mixture starts to clump and come together in a ball.½ cup pitted dates, 1 cup shelled pistachios, 3 tablespoons key lime juice
- Chop the remaining ¼ cup of pistachios and place them in a small, shallow bowl.
- Use a 1½-inch cookie scoop or spoon to shape the date mixture into balls. Roll them in your hands, then in the chopped pistachios until well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
