Grandpa’s Date Nut Roll

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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 recipe by Barefeet In The Kitchen

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.

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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

  1. Place the graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows, dates, and pecans in a mixing bowl and toss to coat everything in the crumbs.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
Old Fashioned Date Nut Roll recipe by Barefeet In The Kitchen

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Grandpa’s Date Nut Roll

5 from 29 votes
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.
Servings: 20 pieces

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
  • ½ – 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!
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{originally published 9/18/14 – recipe notes updated 11/10/22}

sliced date nut roll

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Mary Younkin

Mary Younkin

Hi, I’m Mary. I’m the author, cook, photographer, and travel lover behind the scenes here at Barefeet In The Kitchen. I'm also the author of three cookbooks dedicated to making cooking from scratch as simple as possible.

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  1. Jackie says

    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.5 stars

    • Mary Younkin says

      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.

  2. Sue says

    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.5 stars

  3. Phyllis says

    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.

  4. Suzanne Sexton says

    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!!!5 stars

    • Mary Younkin says

      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!

  5. Karen Hooper says

    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.5 stars

  6. Marilyn Drechsler says

    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.

  7. Stacey Cash says

    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.5 stars

  8. Suzanne Sexton says

    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!

  9. Patti Johnson says

    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.5 stars