Homemade Oatmeal and Dried Fruit Sweets Recipe
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 80 g (2.8 oz) oat flakes
- 100 g (3.5 oz) walnuts
- 150 g (5.3 oz) dates (pitted)
- 15 g (0.5 oz) cocoa powder
- 80 g (2.8 oz) honey
For the Icing:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate
- 1 tbsp oil (15 ml) or butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Create Oatmeal Flour
To begin, we need to turn the oat flakes into a fine flour. Place 80 g of oat flakes into a blender or food processor and grind them until they reach a flour-like consistency. This oat flour will provide the structure for your sweets, offering a light yet chewy texture.
2. Add Walnuts for a Nutty Twist
Next, add 100 g of walnuts to the blender with the oatmeal flour. Blend until the walnuts are finely chopped, but make sure to leave a few small pieces for added texture. The walnuts will introduce a rich, nutty flavor and provide a pleasant crunch in every bite.
3. Prepare the Dried Fruit Mix
Now, it’s time to work with the dates. Remove the pits from the 150 g of dates and add them to the blender. The dates are naturally sweet and sticky, making them the perfect binding agent for the mixture. Add 15 g of cocoa powder and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness with a touch of richness. Blend the mixture until it’s fully combined and has a thick, dough-like consistency.
4. Combine and Sweeten
Transfer the crushed fruit, walnut, and cocoa mixture to a large bowl. Drizzle the honey over the top. If your honey has hardened, gently warm it in a bain-marie (double boiler) until it becomes runny. Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, use your hands to knead the mixture until it forms a cohesive, moldable mass. The combination of honey and dates will ensure the sweets hold their shape.
5. Shape Your Candies
Now that your base is ready, it’s time to shape the candies. Shape the mixture into your desired forms—you can create small round balls, oval shapes, or even form them into bar-like pieces. Let your creativity flow! Each candy should be bite-sized for easy snacking.
6. Apply the Icing
To prepare the icing, break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to the chocolate. Microwave for about 35 seconds, then stir until the chocolate has completely melted and is smooth. The oil will give the chocolate a glossy finish and prevent it from cracking when set.
Using two forks or your hands, dip each candy into the melted chocolate, ensuring that they are fully coated. Once coated, place the candies on a wire rack or a piece of parchment paper to allow the excess chocolate to drip off and dry evenly.
7. Chill and Enjoy
After coating all the candies, place them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate icing to set. Once the chocolate is firm, your homemade oatmeal and dried fruit sweets are ready to be enjoyed!
These treats maintain their shape beautifully, and the chocolate coating remains intact when sliced or bitten into. Inside, you’ll find a delightful mix of crunchy walnuts and chewy oats, with a rich sweetness from the dates and honey.
Tips for Success
- Customizations: Feel free to add other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the mixture for a fruity twist. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans.
- Storage: Store these sweets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
- Decoration: If you want to make them extra special, sprinkle the tops of the chocolates with crushed nuts or a pinch of sea salt before the chocolate sets.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Servings: 12-15 candies
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Sugars: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 15 mg