Date and Walnut Roll: Imagine craving something sweet and being able to reach for a delicious treat made with natural sugars instead. It feels genuinely rewarding to slowly phase out white sugar from our diet and replace it with naturally sweet foods like dates. Fortunately, dates have become increasingly popular around the world, to the point where wholesale date is thriving.
In this article, we’re sharing a wonderfully simple yet impressive recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of dates: Date Roll (Date Roulade) — a dessert that’s not only delicious but also naturally sweet and nutritious. This wholesome treat offers a perfect balance of flavor and health, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to enjoy sweetness without refined sugar.
Date and Walnut Roll Recipe
Date and walnut roll is a wholesome Iranian sweet that has long been enjoyed as an energy-boosting treat. It’s especially common in traditional gatherings, yet its rich flavor makes it perfect for anyone looking for a naturally sweet and nourishing snack. Using Mazafati dates, which are soft, moist, and intensely flavorful, turns this simple roll into an even more delightful dessert—ideal even for people who usually don’t enjoy eating dates on their own.
Ingredients
Mazafati dates: 2 kg
Oil: 3 tbsp
Cinnamon: optional
Ginger: optional
Flour: 3 cups
Walnuts: as desired
Desiccated coconut: as desired
How to Prepare Date and Walnut Rolls
- Start by pitting the dates. Because Mazafati dates are naturally soft, they grind easily, but adding a touch of oil while processing them will keep them from sticking to the blades.
- Warm a little oil in a pan over low heat, then add the ground dates. Let them soften further as they warm, stirring gently. At this stage, you can mix in cinnamon or ginger, or both, depending on the flavor you prefer. Allow the mixture to sauté lightly.
- In a separate pan, sift and roast the flour over low heat until its raw smell disappears. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Add a bit of oil to the flour so that it becomes smooth and aromatic, then remove it from heat.
- Line a tray with plastic wrap or a freezer bag and grease the surface. Spread the warm date mixture evenly over the lined tray. Dust the top with some of the roasted flour.
- Scatter chopped walnuts—or pistachios if you prefer—over the flour layer. With the help of the plastic underneath, gently roll the mixture into a firm log.
- Refrigerate the roll for four to five hours until it sets completely. Once firm, slice it into pieces.
- For decoration, you can coat the slices in coconut, pistachio powder, or sesame seeds. The result is a naturally sweet, soft, and nutritious roll that showcases the rich taste of Mazafati dates.
Final Thoughts
Date roll is a wonderfully nutritious and delicious snack you can easily prepare for your family. The best type of date for this dessert is Bam Mazafati, thanks to its soft texture and naturally rich sweetness, which means you won’t need any added sugar.
This roll is one of those treats that shines both at family gatherings and as a wholesome companion to your afternoon tea. If your kids love sweet snacks, this recipe can be a small but meaningful step toward healthier eating habits.
You can also personalize it by adjusting the amount of walnuts, adding sesame seeds, or even sprinkling a bit of shredded coconut. That’s the beauty of cooking—playing with flavors until you create something simple yet delightful. Date roll is a perfect example of this playful creativity, and every time you make it, you’ll likely gain a new fan.
