Bournville Dry Fruit Ladoo: Healthy Sweet for All Ages

Looking for a sweet that satisfies your chocolate cravings without compromising on nutrition? This Bournville dry fruit ladoo recipe is just what you need. It combines the deep, rich notes of Bournville dark chocolate with the natural sweetness of dates and the nutritional punch of assorted dry fruits and nuts. The result is a soft, chewy, treat with no added sugar that’s loved by toddlers, teenagers, adults, and grandparents alike. Easy to make, packed with fiber, iron, healthy fats, and antioxidants, these ladoos are perfect as a post meal dessert, energy booster, or an after school snack. And the best part is that there is no refined sugar, no preservatives, and no need to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soft dates (pitted)
• 100 g Bournville dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 2 tablespoons pistachios
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons dried figs or apricots (optional)
• 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• Optional add-ins:
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • A few saffron strands (soaked in 1 teaspoon warm milk or water)
  • Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)

Method:

1. Heat a non stick pan on low flame. Add the almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios. Dry roast for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re lightly golden and aromatic. Roasting enhances the flavor and ensures a crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft dates and melted chocolate. Then remove from the pan and let them cool.
2. Once cool, pulse the roasted nuts in a food processor or mixer grinder until coarsely ground. Don’t overdo it as you want texture, not powder. If using figs or apricots, chop them finely or pulse them separately.

3. Place the chopped Bournville dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt. You can melt in the microwave by heating in 20-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth. Or with a double boiler by placing the bowl over a pan of simmering water and ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water. Stir until melted and set aside to cool slightly.

4. In the same pan used earlier, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the pitted dates and saute for 2 minutes until soft and mushy. You can mash them with the back of a spoon. Turn off the flame and let them cool for a minute. If using hard dates, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes beforehand and drain well before sauteing.

5. Add the chopped nuts, raisins, and dried fruits to the mashed dates in the pan. Pour in the melted Bournville chocolate. Add cardamom powder and saffron water if using. Mix everything well using a spatula or your hands once it’s cool enough. The mixture should be sticky but easy to shape.
6. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of ghee or a splash of warm milk. If too wet, stir over low heat for 2 minutes to reduce moisture.
7. While the mixture is still warm, grease your palms with a bit of ghee. Take small portions and roll into smooth, round ladoos. Place them on a greased tray or parchment paper to cool completely. Optional coatings include:

• Roll in desiccated coconut
• Press a pistachio sliver on top
• Dust with cocoa powder for an extra chocolate kick
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Refrigerate to keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can even freeze them for a month, just thaw before serving.

Notes:

• For a vegan version, you can skip the ghee and use coconut oil instead. Use dairy free dark chocolate or confirm that your Bournville is vegan.
• Replace nuts with roasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or oats if you’re avoiding allergens.
• Add a scoop of protein powder or a tablespoon of peanut butter for a post workout snack.
• Add rose petals, silver vark, or a few drops of rose water for a festive makeover.

These ladoos have no refined sugar as the dates and raisins bring natural sweetness. They are high in fiber and protein thanks to the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. The Bournville chocolate adds indulgence without overpowering the nutrition. Kids love them as they are soft, chewy, and chocolatey -- you don’t have to reveal the healthy bits.