Description
Easy Cocoa Date Truffles are a delicious and healthy no-bake treat made from dates, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate. These naturally sweet bites are simple to prepare, with optional flavor extracts and toppings like sea salt or shredded coconut to customize. Perfect as a guilt-free snack or dessert, these truffles are refined sugar free and can be made oil free by adjusting the chocolate coating.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, optional
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings
- ½ teaspoon flavored extract (such as raspberry, orange, coconut or peppermint)
- ¼ cup flaky sea salt, shredded coconut, chopped nuts or freeze dried fruit, for topping or rolling
Instructions
- Soften the Dates: Soak the pitted dates in boiling water for five minutes to soften them. Drain the dates and reserve some of the soaking water for blending.
- Blend Ingredients: Add the softened dates, cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of the date soaking water to a food processor. If using flavored extracts, add them now. Process for 4-5 minutes, scraping the sides occasionally, until very smooth. Add additional soaking water one teaspoon at a time as needed to achieve a texture slightly thinner than cookie dough.
- Chill the Mixture: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the truffle mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Don’t worry about shaping them yet, as the mixture will be too soft. Place the tray in the freezer for 10 minutes until firm enough to handle.
- Melt the Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil if using. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring between, until fully melted and smooth. Set aside.
- Form and Coat Truffles: Roll the chilled truffle mixture between your palms into balls. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Tap the fork on the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate, then place the coated truffle on the parchment paper. Sprinkle optional toppings like sea salt immediately if desired.
- Set the Chocolate: Return the coated truffles to the freezer for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden completely. Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Use coconut oil in the chocolate to thin it out for easier coating; omit for an oil-free option though coating will be thicker.
- For a refined sugar-free version, skip the chocolate coating and roll the truffles in shredded coconut, nuts, or freeze-dried fruit.
- Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts like raspberry or peppermint to add a unique twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
