Add all ingredients of the date bites to a food processor; pitted dates, cashews, coconut, sea salt, cardamom, and orange zest. I used a mini food processor and pulsed until I got a crumbly texture. If you don’t have a food processor you can try using a blender, but dates can be tough for blenders due to their sticky nature, so use a low speed if possible and pulse rather than blending.

Pulse until the mixture is broken down and crumbly, and stop before it becomes completely dough-like so that the bites maintain some texture. It should stick together when pressed between two fingers; if still dry and crumbly, continue processing until it is sticky enough to form into a ball. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more cardamom, orange zest, or salt to taste.

To prepare the coconut coating combine the orange zest and shredded coconut in a small bowl. Move half that mixture in a separate bowl and add a teaspoon or more of cocoa powder (adjust to your liking, you may also use whimsical colorful candy sprinkles, of course these won’t be whole food plant-based.)

Scoop out 1 tablespoon amounts and roll into balls. The mixture I made with 18 medium sized dates provided 22 bite sized balls.

Roll the balls in the coating until generously covered.

Enjoy immediately or store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.