Date and almond truffles are irresistible little treats, ready in just a few minutes and perfect when you crave something delicious yet light. They are made without baking, using only natural ingredients: soft and sweet dates, crunchy almonds, a couple of walnuts (optional), unsweetened cocoa powder, and shredded coconut. No need to add sugar, as the sweetness comes entirely from the fruit! They are ideal during the holiday season when gift baskets are full of dates, but also throughout the year as a homemade energy snack. They come together in no time and keep well for several days… try them because they are simple, wholesome, and incredibly good!
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 16 Pieces
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 4.2 oz dates
- 1.1 oz almonds
- 2 walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
- as needed shredded coconut
Tools
- Food Processor
- Bowl
- Tray
Preparation
Open the dates to remove the pit, weigh the required amount, and cut them into pieces.
Place the almonds and walnuts (optional) in a food processor and chop them for a few seconds, add the dates and continue to blend until you have a grainy and combined mixture (1).
Transfer it to a bowl, add the sifted cocoa, a pinch of salt, and mix with a spoon or your hands.
When you have a compact and fairly homogeneous dough (2), form balls slightly larger than a hazelnut.
Roll the balls in shredded coconut (3) and place them on a tray, without sticking to each other.
Date and almond truffles are ready, you can enjoy them immediately, or store them in the refrigerator (or another cool place).
Tips and Notes
The addition of walnuts is optional; you can omit them or replace them with another 0.35 oz of almonds or hazelnuts.
You can use either blanched or unblanched almonds.
You can replace the coconut with chopped almonds or hazelnuts, or with more unsweetened cocoa.
If you find them, I recommend using Medjool dates, which are larger and more fleshy.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Don’t I need to add sugar?
No, sugar is not necessary because the dates are already sweet enough. However, you can taste the dough and add some if you prefer, according to your taste.
How long do date truffles last?
They keep for several days in the refrigerator or a cool place, stored in a closed container.
