No-Sugar Date Nut Clusters (Passover-Friendly)
Naturally sweet clusters held together with just egg whites—no flour, dairy, or added sugar needed. These wholesome treats are perfect for Passover or anyone following gluten-free, dairy-free diets. The combination of dates, seeds, nuts, and chocolate creates satisfying bites that feel indulgent while delivering real nutrition.
Equipment
- Parchment paper for lining
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates chopped
- 3/4 to 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 3/4 to 1 cup pumpkin seeds pepitas
- 3/4 to 1 cup almonds chopped or slivered
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup pareve chocolate chips kosher for Passover if needed
- 3 egg whites
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In large bowl, combine chopped dates, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and almonds.
- Add chocolate chips to mixture and stir to distribute.
- Separate eggs, setting yolks aside for another use.
- Add egg whites to nut mixture—no need to beat. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Using spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop mixture in mounds on prepared baking sheet.
- Shape into 16 compact clusters, leaving space between each.
- Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
- Cool completely before storing.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Date chopping: Lightly oil knife to prevent sticking
- Egg white coating: Stir gently to avoid foam
- Cluster size: Keep uniform for even baking
- Flexibility: Adjust nut/seed ratios to preference
- Passover chocolate: Ensure chips are certified if needed
Storage
- Room temperature: 3 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: 1 week for firmer texture
- Freezer: 2 months in freezer bags
- Layer separation: Use parchment between layers
- Travel-friendly: Pack for road trips or flights
Health Spotlight:
These clusters prove that treats can nourish. Dates provide natural sweetness along with fiber, potassium, and iron for sustained energy. Sunflower seeds deliver vitamin E and selenium for immune support, while pumpkin seeds offer magnesium and zinc for hormone health. Almonds add protein and healthy fats that slow sugar absorption. The egg whites provide pure protein to bind everything while keeping these light. Dark chocolate chips contribute antioxidants and a touch of indulgence. With no added sugars or processed ingredients, these clusters offer sustained energy perfect for active days or healthy snacking.Nutritional Wisdom
Western Nutrition Benefits:
- Natural fruit sugars provide quick energy with fiber
- Seeds deliver essential minerals and healthy fats
- Complete protein from egg whites supports muscles
- No refined sugar prevents blood sugar spikes
- High mineral content from nuts and seeds
- Antioxidants from dark chocolate
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties:
- Dates: Warm and sweet; tonify qi and blood, nourish spleen
- Sunflower seeds: Neutral and sweet; moisten intestines
- Pumpkin seeds: Neutral and sweet; expel parasites, benefit prostate
- Almonds: Neutral and sweet; moisten lungs, relieve cough
- Egg whites: Cool and sweet; clear heat, moisten lungs
- Chocolate: Slightly warm; move blood, lift mood
- Overall Effect: Gently warming and nourishing—builds qi and blood while providing grounding energy
Cultural & Spiritual Wisdom
Passover Freedom: These clusters embody the creativity required for Passover treats—no flour or leavening, yet still satisfying. They represent freedom through limitation. Natural Sweetness: Using only dates for sweetness connects us to ancient traditions when dried fruits were prized sweeteners, teaching that nature provides what we need. Simple Binding: The egg whites alone holding everything together shows that sometimes the simplest solutions are most elegant.Therapeutic Variations
Constitutional Applications:- Blood Deficiency: Dates are perfect for building blood
- Yin Deficiency: Seeds provide healthy fats for moisture
- Qi Deficiency: Nutrient-dense for energy building
- Lung Dryness: Almonds help moisten lungs
Dietary Modifications:
- Egg-Free: Try tahini or almond butter as binder
- Lower Sweet: Use fewer dates, more nuts
- Seed-Free: Use all nuts instead
- Chocolate-Free: Add dried cranberries or coconut
Flavor Variations:
- Tropical: Add coconut and dried pineapple
- Spiced: Include cinnamon and cardamom
- Citrus: Add orange zest
- Savory-Sweet: Sprinkle with sea salt
Serving Suggestions
- Passover Dessert: Perfect for Seder meals
- Energy Snack: Pre-workout or hiking fuel
- Lunchbox Treat: Nutritious alternative to cookies
- Gift Giving: Package in cellophane bags
- Hot beverages: Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit: Berries or apple slices
- Yogurt: For non-Passover breakfast parfait
- Wine: Pairs with dessert wine for holidays
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