Candy Date Roll is a classic mid-century homemade confection that blends the natural sweetness of dates with sugar, and nuts. Popular in American home kitchens during the 1940s–1960s, this no-bake style candy (aside from stovetop cooking) was often prepared for holidays or special gatherings when simple pantry ingredients needed to stretch into something impressive. The soft-ball candy stage gives it a chewy, fudge-like texture, while the nuts add crunch. Rolled and sliced, it creates beautiful pinwheel-style pieces that are both visually appealing and satisfyingly sweet.
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 lb dates (pitted and chopped)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 tbsp butter
- powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Chop the dates and nuts
- Measure all ingredients in advance
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, dates, and butter
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly
Step 3: Reach Soft Ball Stage
- Continue cooking until mixture reaches soft ball stage (about 235–240°F)
Step 4: Add Mix-Ins
- Remove from heat
- Stir in chopped nuts
Step 5: Shape the Roll
- Let mixture cool slightly until manageable
- Shape into a log or roll
Step 6: Finish and Set
- Roll in powdered sugar
- Wrap and let cool completely
- Slice into rounds before serving
Tips
- Substitute pecans or walnuts depending on preference
- Add shredded coconut for extra texture
- Use cornflakes instead of rice cereal for a different crunch
- Lightly toast nuts for deeper flavor
- Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness
- Mix in mini chocolate chips after cooling slightly
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for cleaner slicing
- Roll in coconut instead of powdered sugar for variation
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 25mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.8mg
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