Authentic Dry Fruit Roll Recipe – Dates, Figs & Nut Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Dry Fruit Roll Recipe – Dates, Figs & Nut Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a sweet treat that’s both satisfying and feels a little bit nourishing. This Dry Fruit Roll recipe is exactly that – a delightful blend of dates, figs, and nuts, rolled into a delicious, energy-boosting snack. I first made this for Diwali a few years ago, and it’s been a family favorite ever since! It’s surprisingly easy to make, and honestly, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the goodness of dry fruits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a little slice of Indian tradition. It’s perfect for festive occasions, a healthy afternoon snack, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan! You’ll love how the sweetness of the dates and figs complements the crunch of the nuts, all brought together with a touch of ghee.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious treat:

• ¾ cup Dates (Khajoor), chopped (about 150g)
• ¼ cup Dry Figs (Anjeer), chopped (about 50g)
• ¼ cup Walnuts (Akhrot) (about 30g)
• ¼ cup Cashew Nuts (Kaju) (about 30g)
• ¼ cup Blanched Almonds (Badam) (about 30g)
• 1 tbsp Ghee (about 15ml)
• 3 tbsp Pistachios (Pista), chopped (about 20g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about getting the best flavors and textures!

Dates (Khajoor) Varieties & Selection: I prefer using Medjool dates for their soft, caramel-like flavor. However, any soft variety will work well. If your dates are a little dry, soaking them in warm water for 10-15 minutes will make them easier to work with.

Figs (Anjeer) – Fresh vs. Dried: Dried figs are what we’re using here, and they add a lovely chewiness. Make sure they aren’t too hard – if they are, give them a quick soak with the dates.

Nuts – Almonds, Cashews, and Walnuts: Quality & Toasting: Using good quality nuts makes a big difference. While toasting isn’t essential, lightly toasting the almonds, cashews, and walnuts brings out their flavor even more. Just a few minutes in a dry pan is all you need!

Ghee: Clarified Butter – Traditional vs. Alternatives: Ghee is traditional and adds a beautiful richness. But if you’re avoiding dairy, see the “Vegan Dry Fruit Roll” variation below.

Pistachios (Pista) – For Coating & Flavor: Pistachios add a beautiful color and a delicate flavor. Don’t skimp on these – they really elevate the presentation!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, chop all your dry fruits into small, bite-sized pieces. If your dates are particularly sticky, lightly grease your knife with ghee to prevent sticking. Remove any seeds from the dates if needed.
2. Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. This is important – a heavy-bottomed pan prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
3. Add the dates and sauté for 1-2 minutes. If you’re using fresh, slightly firmer dates, cook them a little longer until they soften up.
4. Stir in the figs and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and meld with the dates.
5. Now, add the almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Mix everything really well, ensuring all the nuts and fruits are coated in the ghee.
6. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture comes together nicely. You want everything well combined and slightly warm.
7. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the mixture onto a platter to cool completely. This is crucial – you need a firm mixture to roll properly.
8. Once cooled, grease your hands with a little ghee. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands. Divide the mixture into two equal portions.
9. Shape each portion into a firm cylinder, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
10. Roll the cylinders in the chopped pistachios, pressing gently to ensure they coat evenly.
11. Wrap each roll tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This helps them hold their shape during refrigeration.
12. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or even overnight, before slicing. This firms them up beautifully!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Right Consistency: The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape, but not too dry. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of ghee or a teaspoon of warm water.

Preventing Stickiness: Greasing your hands with ghee is a lifesaver! Also, using a non-stick pan helps immensely.

Working with Dates – Pitting & Texture: Medjool dates are usually seedless, but always double-check! If your dates are a bit firm, a quick soak in warm water makes them easier to pit and work with.

Ensuring Even Coating with Pistachios: Gently press the pistachios onto the roll, rotating it to ensure all sides are covered.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Dry Fruit Roll (Ghee Substitute): Simply replace the ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegan butter.

Gluten-Free Considerations: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Spice Level – Adding Cardamom or Saffron: A pinch of cardamom powder or a few strands of saffron adds a beautiful aroma and flavor. Add it along with the nuts. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of nutmeg too!

Festival Adaptations – Diwali, Christmas, or Special Occasions: For Diwali, you can shape the rolls into small ladoos (balls) instead of cylinders. For Christmas, a sprinkle of festive sprinkles adds a fun touch.

Nut Allergy Substitutions (Seed-Based Rolls): If you have nut allergies, replace the nuts with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or a mix of both.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are delicious on their own with a cup of chai! You can also serve them with a glass of milk or as part of a festive platter. They’re also fantastic for gifting – package them in a pretty box or wrap them in colorful paper.

Storage Instructions

Store the dry fruit rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.

FAQs

What is the best way to chop the dates and figs for this recipe?

A sharp knife works best! Lightly greasing the knife with ghee prevents sticking. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process them into a paste.

Can I use other types of nuts in this dry fruit roll?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with pecans, macadamia nuts, or even pine nuts.

How can I make the rolls firmer?

Refrigerating them for a longer period (overnight is ideal) will make them firmer. You can also add a tablespoon of almond flour to the mixture.

What is the shelf life of these dry fruit rolls?

They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.

Can this be made ahead of time, and if so, for how long?

Yes! You can make the rolls up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the rolls before slicing?

Yes, definitely! Refrigeration firms them up, making them much easier to slice neatly.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this delightful Dry Fruit Roll. I hope it brings a little sweetness to your day! Let me know in the comments how yours turn out.