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This Date Nut Roll brings me directly back to my childhood. I remember watching my grandpa roll this on the kitchen counter every holiday when we visited.
Crushed graham crackers, marshmallows, dates, pecans, and a splash of cream: none of these ingredients are remarkable on their own, but when combined they become something special.
Date Nut Roll
I can’t recall another occasion for which my grandpa ever worked in the kitchen. However, making the Date Nut Roll was his domain every Christmas. He passed away when I was just ten years old and I hadn’t thought of his Date Nut Roll in years.
When I found this recipe last year and made it for the first time as an adult, it was like I was standing in my grandparents’ kitchen once again.
Some food memories stick with us more than others, and I am so glad I have this one to pass on to my boys.
Date Nut Roll Recipe
- Place the graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows, dates, and pecans in a mixing bowl and toss to coat everything in the crumbs.
- Slowly add the cream, a couple of tablespoons at a time, stirring to combine. Add liquid just until the mixture is wet enough to hold together when you press it with a spoon.
- Spread two large sheets of parchment or wax paper on the counter and divide the mixture on top of them. Press it into a log with your hands and sprinkle lightly with the remaining crumbs to coat all around.
- Roll it tightly in the paper, smoothing the shape as you go. Twist the ends tightly and chill until firm, at least 2-6 hours. Slice into pieces with a very sharp knife. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
I’m all about easy no-bake treats for some of my holiday treat-making. As much as I love cookies and fancier holiday desserts, sometimes it’s just plain fun to pull together a whole bunch of delicious treats in very little time.
With just a few of these options, you can have platters of Christmas goodies at your fingertips to deliver to friends or share at a party.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this Peanut Butter Fudge is one of the best fudges I’ve ever tasted. Rich, creamy, over-the-top fudge that is so easy to make, you might laugh.
No-Bake Cookies have met their match with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Bites. It doesn’t get much easier than just stirring everything together and pouring it into a pan.
Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Ritz Cookies are the sweet, salty, chocolatey snack you need in your life. With zero baking required and just three ingredients–chocolate, Ritz crackers, and peanut butter–they’re a perfect last-minute addition to your holiday cookie tray or party menu.
Grandpa’s Date Nut Roll
Ingredients
- 12 full size graham crackers pulsed into crumbs in the blender or food processor, reserve 2 tablespoons for coating
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups finely chopped dates
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/2 – 2/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Place the graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows, dates, and pecans in a mixing bowl and toss to coat everything in the crumbs. Slowly add the cream, a couple tablespoons at a time, stirring to combine. Add liquid just until the mixture is wet enough to hold together when you press it with a spoon.
- Spread two large sheets of parchment or wax paper on the counter and divide the mixture on top of them. Press it into a log with your hands and sprinkle lightly with the remaining crumbs to coat all around. Roll it tightly in the paper, smoothing the shape as you go. Twist the ends tightly and chill until firm, at least 2-6 hours. Slice into pieces with a very sharp knife. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
{originally published 9/18/14 – recipe notes updated 11/10/22}
Hi Mary. This is so wonderful. I have searched for over 40 years to find this recipe. My mother made this every Christmas. She passed away when I was 14 so I never got the recipe. It brings back such great memories. Thank you for being such a Blessing! Merry Christmas to you & yours.
Oh Jackie, this makes my heart so happy. This is one of those recipes that I know isn’t for everyone but your comment is exactly why I share it. Enjoy sharing your memories with your family.
Hi Mary , thanks for posting the date roll recipe. It is the only sweet my mom ever made at Christmas. Not sure if I can get to the recipe, not real good on computer. Brings back so many memories.
The recipe is right here so you should be good, Sue.
What a delight finding this recipe. So similar to the one my Mamaw made each Christmas. Instead of dates (which I dearly love), she used raisins and chopped maraschino cherries. The rest of the recipe is the same. Very sweet, so a small piece goes a long way. But, a delightful-flavored nostalgic Christmas treat. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
I’m so glad it’s a favorite memory for you as well, Phyllis.
Thank you for posting this. My grandmother made a very similar date role when I was a child (I’m 67), but there was no recipe. Fond memories! Thanks again!!!
You are welcome, Suzanne! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the date roll. I also have some fond memories associated with this recipe. Enjoy!
My mom made this recipe all the time at Christmas. Hers was a little different. It had dates, raisins , marshmallows , pecans also the graham crackers. But instead of cream she added a can of eagle brand milk. Combined all, form into a log then roll in graham crackers. Was in foil then refrigerated. Very rich but delicious. It was called something like Shilalie roll. Thanks for the memory.
You are welcome, Karen. I’m glad the date nut roll could bring back memories!
My Mom made this date nut roll every Christmas. She passed away 23 years ago and I haven’t had it since. I’m going to make it this year, it looks exactly like my Moms can’t wait to try it. Thank you for this recipe.
I love hearing these memories. I hope you love the recipe too!
Thank you for sharing this. My grandfather’s sister made this when I was little ( I’m 53) but never told us the recipe. I’m so excited to make it and share with my family. We loved it because no one else had anything quite like it.
Awe, I’m so glad you have fun memories of it as well, Stacey.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this recipe. My maternal grandmother made this date roll every Christmas when I was a child, as I recall. I am 68 now, and all the parents and grandparents sadly have passed. So grateful to find this! Can’t wait to try it!
I hope it’s every bit as wonderful as the date nut roll of your memories, Suzanne.
This recipe was part of our Christmas, beginning in the 60s and continued still this day. It’s just not Christmas without slices of date nut roll on the dessert table.
Mother’s recipe differed from this one in that the heavy whipping cream was beaten till stiff then folded into the other ingredients. It comes together beautifully.
I’m so happy to hear that it brings back Christmas memories for you as well, Patti.
This is exactly like my mother’s recipe. It turned out delicious!
I’m glad the date nut roll was able to bring back memories, Judy. Happy cooking!
I lost this recipe and was so happy to find your post!!! Thank you so much..
You’re welcome, Ruth! Glad you’ve been enjoying the date nut roll.
This recipe failed me. How many Graham crackers? My country doesn’t have the same size crackers as in the USA. Try to find out what a standard size graham cracker is! It took me a half an hour online to just decide to wing it. Please change the measure to CUPS of graham cracker crumbs, or crushed graham crackers. PLEASE.
Thanks for the heads up. I had no idea that graham crackers were sized differently in different places. You’ll need 1.5 cups of finely crushed graham cracker crumbs for this recipe.
Can this be frozen or how long can it be kept in the refrigerator? Friend made it for me and I loved it.
I usually have it in the fridge for several days. It will freeze nicely for a couple of months as well.
Mary, Thank You so much for posting this recipe. I’ve been looking for it for several years. Guess I just typed the wrong words in Google. But, yesterday I found your recipe and today I am making it. I first had the date nut rolls when I was a young teacher 40 years ago. Another teacher brought it to our Christmas potluck dinner. I moved away and lost touch, but always remembered the date nut roll. I loved it and don’t even like dates. I’m in the kitchen right now following your recipe. Thank You again, and Merry Christmas!
I’m so glad you’ve been loving the date roll, Jennie, and that you finally found the recipe again. Happy holidays!
My mom has made this same date roll every Christmas since the 1970s. She is 85 years old now, and she made an individual date roll for each child and grandchild this past Christmas! 😊
I love this so much, Jackie. I’m glad you have happy memories of it too!
Oh I’m delighted that I found this recipe. My maternal grandmother, my mom and her sister, my sisters, my cousin and I used to make candy every Christmas and this was one of the candles we made! My mom and I are going to make this soon!
This makes my heart so happy!
I have been looking for this all my adult life and I’m 74!! My mother made this every Christmas and loved it. Many many thanks for posting this amazing recipe!!!!!!!
Pat V.
I’m so glad you found the recipe, Pat! I’m about to make ours for the year too.
This is a traditional family recipe in my family — so old that it says to cut the marshmallows into fourths. Evidently mini marshmallows hadn’t been invented yet when my great-grandma copied out the recipe. I’ve made it lots of times, but have run into difficulty because I live where it is not possible to purchase graham cracker. I found crumbs in a restaurant supply place. But how much is 12 crackers?
I’ve never measured them, but I will next time I make this! Thanks for the suggestion.
My Aunt Evelyn made this for Thanksgiving when I was a little girl but her version had marachino cherries and used Dream Whip instead of cream. I was so happy to find your recipe and have those good memories revived!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
We always had date roll for Christmas. Ours had maraschino cherries in. We all looked forward to this each year. I am 67
I love how many memories are associated with this treat!