
The Date Roll is a no-bake, vintage dessert that combines marshmallows, chopped dates, nuts, and crushed graham crackers, rolled together with cream into a sweet, chewy log. Chilled overnight and sliced for serving, it's a nostalgic favorite from mid-century American kitchens. Its simplicity, pantry-friendly ingredients, and creamy-crunchy texture have kept it beloved across generations. It's perfect for holidays or whenever you need a quick yet comforting treat.
Ingredients
- 14 marshmallows (cut into small pieces)
- ½ cup dates (chopped )
- 1 cup nuts (chopped, pecans or walnuts)
- 12 graham crackers (crushed)
- ⅓ cup cream (or top milk)
- whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
- Cut marshmallows into small pieces. Chop dates and nuts. Crush graham crackers finely.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine marshmallows, dates, nuts, and crushed graham crackers.
Step 3: Moisten Mixture
- Add ⅓ cup cream or top milk. Mix until ingredients are well moistened and combined.
Step 4: Form and Roll
- Press mixture into a roll shape. Roll in additional cracker crumbs if desired.
Step 5: Wrap and Chill
- Wrap the roll tightly in waxed paper. Refrigerate overnight in the icebox (or fridge).
Step 6: Serve
- Unwrap and slice into ½-inch pieces. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Add chopped dried apricots or cherries for extra fruit flavor.
- Replace nuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Roll the log in coconut flakes instead of cracker crumbs.
- Add a splash of vanilla to the cream for extra aroma.
- Use chocolate graham crackers for a richer taste.
- Chill the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes before forming the roll to make shaping easier.
- Serve slices partially frozen for a firmer, ice-cream-like treat.
- Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Substitute whipped cream with whipped coconut cream for dairy-free.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
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