This No-Sugar-Added Candy Is Unexpectedly Sweet

This simple and nutritious “candy” showcases the flavors of Morocco. Dates lend a caramel-like sweetness that’s balanced by walnuts and sesame. But it’s the dash of floral orange blossom water that really takes this no-sugar-added treat over the top.

Five-Ingredient Walnut Date Candy

Yield: 20 pieces
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

1 cup walnuts 
3 cups dates, pitted 
1 teaspoon cardamom 
1 tablespoon orange blossom water 
1 tablespoon sesame seeds 

Recipe Instructions

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Place walnuts on a baking sheet and roast in oven, 7 to 10 minutes until just golden.

Place dates and 1/4 cup water, cardamom, and orange blossom water in a pan over low heat and simmer until the dates are soft, water is absorbed, and they turn into a paste, 5 minutes.

Press half date mixture into the base of the prepared cake tin. Cover with the walnuts and then other half of the dates, pressing to compact each time. Sprinkle sesame seeds over top and place in fridge to chill. When ready to serve, cut into diamond shapes with a sharp knife. Candy can be stored in fridge for one week. 

Photo credit: Paul Delmont