Dry Fruit Laddu Recipe (Ladoo)

This Dry Fruit ladoo also known as Dates Laddu is a quick, sugar-free sweet made using a blend of naturally sweet dates and a handful of crunchy nuts. It's like a little energy ball packed with goodness giving you a nice boost of nutrition and flavor in every bite. It’s perfect during festive times like Diwali, or even as a mid-morning snack or something to munch on during evening tea. What I really love is that it’s super easy to make and doesn’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking skills, just wholesome, everyday stuff mixed with love. 

Dry Fruit Laddu Recipe (Ladoo)

"Dry Fruits & Nuts Ladoo. Looking for Sugar Free Sweets Recipe for this Diwali. Here is a delicious and healthy ladoos."

Dry fruits and dates ladoo made using a mixture of dates and dry fruits. A healthy energy balls or energy bites which are super easy to make and taste absolutely delicious. These ladoos are bites of heaven in a mouth.

Jump to:

• About Dry Fruit Laddu
• Ingredients
• Hacks
• Dry Fruit Laddu (Step by Step pictures)
• Expert Tips 
• FAQ
• Variations
• 📖 Recipe Card

This is such a healthy ladoos. It has dates, nuts all good stuffs packed in one. You can put a ladoo in your kids tiffin box they will love it for sure and you would be happy that they are having something healthy. Check out my other ladoo recipes.

You can use any mixture of nuts in this. Specially i love the combination of few nuts like cashews, almonds and walnuts in this.  There is no particular recipe for making this ladoo. All you need is combine ingredients together in a blender or food processor.

About Dry Fruit Laddu

This is one of those relaxed recipes where you don’t need to stress too much about exact measurements. The main ingredients are dates and a good mix of nuts are naturally sweet and nutritious, so you don’t need any added sugar. Everything blends together easily in a pan, with no need for sugar syrup or complicated techniques. It’s a fuss-free recipe that’s especially handy when you have leftover dry fruits during the festive season. 

I still remember the first time I made these ladoos. I just wanted to make something sweet that wouldn’t leave me feeling guilty. Had some dates and nuts at home, gave it a try, and it turned out way better than expected. Now it’s a go-to snack in my house, especially when we’re travelling or when I need something quick to add to a lunchbox. 

It’s great for kids too, because there's no refined sugar, but it still tastes rich and sweet. And since it's packed with dry fruits, it feels like a little boost of energy in one bite. Honestly, once you try making it, it becomes one of those recipes you keep coming back to. 

Similar Recipes

Coconut ladoos
Urad dal ladoo
Boondi ladoo
Rava ladoo
Sesame ladoo
Dates and Nuts ladoos
Khoya Besan Ladoo

Why This Recipe Works 

This recipe works because of its simplicity. There's no added sugar, yet the sweetness from the dates is more than enough to satisfy cravings. Roasting the nuts brings out their flavor and gives a light crunch, which adds to the texture. Blending everything together binds it into a soft yet firm ball that holds well. 

Why I Like This Recipe - I like this recipe because it's super easy and quick in just 20 minutes from start to finish. On days when I want to make something festive but healthy, this is my go-to. There’s no mess, no sugar syrup, no stress. Just blend, heat, shape, and you’re done! 

Also, the ingredients are easily available, nothing fancy, no exotic powders or ingredients. And once you make it a couple of times, you won’t even need to refer to the recipe. It’s one of those few sweets that feels festive and healthy at the same time. Plus, you can easily tweak it based on what nuts or add-ins you have at home. 

Also, I love how customizable this is. Some days I add coconut, some days tutti frutti, or even a bit of cardamom. And the best part? My niece, who usually avoids homemade sweets, actually loves these. It’s become a regular treat during weekends or when we have guests over. I also pack a few in my bag when I’m stepping out for long errands. They're super handy and satisfying. 

Ingredients

Dates – The Natural Sweetener & Binder - I used around 25 deseeded dates for this recipe. Dates are naturally sweet, so you don’t need to add any sugar at all. They also act as a natural binder, holding the ladoos together nicely without needing anything else. Make sure the dates are soft; it really helps them blend well and form a smooth mixture.

Nuts – The Crunch & Nutrition - For the nutty part, I used ½ cup each of almonds, cashews, and pistachios. These add a great crunch, richness, and make the ladoos filling. You can mix things up if you want to add walnuts, chopped raisins, or even sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Just keep the total quantity roughly the same so the balance is maintained. 

Tutti Frutti – Optional Sweet Color - I tossed in 3 tablespoons of tutti frutti just for a pop of color and a hint of extra sweetness. This step is totally optional. If you prefer, you can skip it or replace it with chopped dried apricots, figs, or cranberries whatever you like or have on hand. 

Desiccated Coconut – A Flavor Boost - I also added 3 tablespoons of desiccated coconut to give the ladoos a light, nutty texture and aroma. If you're a coconut lover, you can even roll the finished ladoos in a bit more coconut for extra taste and a pretty finish. 

Ghee – For Shaping & Aroma - Finally, I used about 1 teaspoon of ghee just to grease my hands before shaping the ladoos. It helps keep the mixture from sticking and gives off a gentle ghee fragrance that really brings the whole thing together. 

Hacks

Roast Ahead for Convenience 

If you’ve got a busy schedule (or just want to save time), go ahead and roast the nuts in advance. Once they cool down, grind them coarsely and store them in an airtight jar. This little prep step saves a good 10–15 minutes the next time you’re making the ladoos, especially when you’re short on time or in the middle of festival prep. 

Use Soft Dates for Easy Mixing 

If your dates are a bit dry or tough, don’t worry, just soak them in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes. This softens them up nicely and makes it much easier to blend. Soft dates not only give a smoother texture but also combine better with the nuts, so your mixture turns out perfectly sticky and easy to shape. 

Shape the Ladoos While the Mixture is Warm 

Try not to wait too long after the mixture is cooked and start rolling the ladoos while it’s still warm. As it cools, it firms up and can get a bit tricky to shape. Warm mixture is much easier to handle, and the ladoos hold their shape better too. 

Grease Your Hands for a Smooth Finish 

A small tip that makes a big difference rubs a little ghee on your palms before you start rolling. This keeps the mixture from sticking to your hands and also adds a subtle ghee aroma to the ladoos. Plus, the shine it gives them makes them look extra tempting! 

Dry Fruit Laddu (Step by Step pictures)

1)Take all your ingredients required for this dish.

2)I start by roasting the nuts. You can do this in an oven preheated to 180°C for 5–10 minutes or just use a dry pan on the stove. Once they’re lightly browned and fragrant, let them cool.

3) I then pulse them in a blender to get a coarse texture. No need to make a fine powder.

4)If you're planning to make this often, you can roast a bigger batch of nuts and store them for later use. It really cuts down prep time! 

5)Set this aside till needed.

6)Next, I take the deseeded dates and pulse them in the same blender.

7)If they’re soft, they blend easily. If they’re hard, a quick soak in warm water makes the job easier. Also, using room-temperature dates instead of cold ones from the fridge helps them blend more smoothly and evenly. 

8)In a dry non-stick pan, I add the crushed dates and stir them on low heat for around 5 minutes. They become softer and easier to mix.

9)Once it gets slightly pasty.

10)Then I add in the crushed nuts, coconut, and tutti frutti.

11)You can add any dried fruits and candied fruits at this point.

12)I added some desiccated coconut also.

13)I keep mixing until the whole thing starts coming together like a soft dough.

14)You’ll know it’s ready when the mix starts leaving the sides of the pan and holds shape when pressed together. 

15)I let the mix cool slightly.

16)While it's still warm, I grease my hands with a tiny bit of ghee.

17)take small portions, and roll them into bite-sized ladoos.

18)You can roll them in coconut if you like. It looks nice and adds a finishing touch. If the mixture starts drying out while rolling, just warm it gently on the stove for a minute to soften it again. 

19)Enjoy.

Expert Tips 

• You can store this ladoos in a air tight container in fridge for upto a week.
• These ladoos make great gifts for any festival like diwali.
• You can roll these ladoos in dessicated coconut too.
• Instead of grinding all the nuts to the same texture, try blending half into a coarse powder and chopping the rest roughly. This gives a nice contrast; some bites are soft and chewy, while others have a bit of crunch. It makes the ladoo feel more satisfying. 
• When heating the dates in the pan, keep the flame low and stir constantly. Overcooking them can dry out the mixture and make it harder to bind later.

Storage Tips 

These ladoos stay good in the fridge for up to a week. Just store them in an airtight box. Avoid keeping them outside for long, especially in humid climates, as the dates can turn sticky. If they’ve been in the fridge, you can microwave them for 5 seconds or let them sit out for a few minutes before eating. 

Serving Suggestions 

I usually serve them just as they are. But during Diwali or when guests come over, I place them in small paper cups and serve them on a tray with nuts or dried fruits on the side. They also go great with evening tea, especially something like cardamom or ginger chai. 

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? 

A: Yes, definitely! In fact, you can roast the nuts and blend the dates a day or two in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready, quickly mix, warm, and shape the ladoos. It’s great for when you want to prep in stages without doing everything at once. 

Q: Can I skip the tutti frutti? 

A: Totally. Tutti frutti just adds a bit of color and extra sweetness, but the ladoos are tasty even without it. You can swap it with chopped raisins, figs, or apricots or just leave it out if you prefer a more nutty, natural flavor. 

Q: What if I don’t have a blender or food processor? 

A: No worries you can still make this! Just chop the nuts and dates finely with a sharp knife. It takes a little more time, but the result is just as delicious. And sometimes, the hand-chopped texture gives a nice rustic feel to the ladoos. 

Q: Can I add spices to the mixture? 

A: Yes! A pinch of cardamom powder adds a warm, Indian festive flavor. You could also try a tiny bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for a different twist. Just make sure not to overdo it—these spices are strong, and a little goes a long way. 

Variations

1. With Extra Dry Fruits - If you want to add more texture and natural sweetness, feel free to include chopped dried apricots, figs, raisins, or even cranberries. Just make sure the dry fruits are soft. If they're too chewy or dry, you can soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes and then chop them. 

2. Nut-Free Option - If you or someone in your family has a nut allergy, don’t worry these ladoos are still very doable. Dates are such a good binder that they hold the mixture well even without nuts. 

3. Flavored Ladoos - For a more festive or aromatic version, add a small pinch of cardamom powder or nutmeg while mixing. I usually go with cardamom during Diwali, and it instantly lifts the flavor and smell of the whole batch.

More Ladoo Recipes

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