Maple syrup would IMO most definitely work. Dates are already sweet, the recipe just needs that little extra boost to make it perfect. I swear, it's like eating raw brownie dough or something. SOOOO delicious! And the coconut makes it extra yummy.
When I made them, I asn't feeling well, so i didn't eat any. Then when DH got home he asked how they tasted and I said I didn't know, so I ate one. Man...it's a good thing I hadn't eaten one earlier in the day or they'd ALL have been gone. I had to pack some up to send to a friend so I wouldn't eat them all! (I still ended up eating too many for a midnight snack...
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