Save Rich, naturally sweet truffles featuring dates, toasted walnuts, and a dusting of cocoa powder. They are perfect for a healthy treat or gift and offer a simple, rewarding dessert experience.
I first whipped up these date & walnut truffles as a last-minute dessert for friends and was amazed by how quickly they disappeared. Now, I make them for gifting and keep some in the fridge for those moments when I crave a nourishing, sweet bite.
Ingredients
- Walnuts: 1 cup (120 g), toasted
- Medjool dates: 1 cup (180 g), pitted (about 10–12 large dates)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Sea salt: 1/4 tsp
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tbsp, for coating
Instructions
- Toast Walnuts:
- Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and stir frequently for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
- Grind Walnuts:
- Pulse the toasted walnuts in a food processor until finely ground.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the processor. Blend until a sticky dough forms.
- Shape Truffles:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into balls by hand.
- Coat with Cocoa:
- Put cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle in the cocoa until fully coated.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the truffles for at least 20 minutes before serving to set.
Save My kids love rolling the mixture into balls, and it has become a fun after-dinner family project. The kitchen always smells wonderful when we toast the walnuts.
Required Tools
You will need a food processor for blending, a skillet for toasting, and a mixing bowl for coating the truffles.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains tree nuts and is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per truffle)
Each truffle provides about 70 calories, 4.5 g total fat, 7 g carbohydrates, and 1.2 g protein.
Save Enjoy these nourishing treats as a snack or a thoughtful homemade gift. They are sure to delight anyone who tries them.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How should I toast walnuts for best flavor?
Toast walnuts over medium heat in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until fragrant for enhanced nutty aroma.
- → Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?
Pecans or almonds can replace walnuts to offer a different texture and flavor while maintaining the truffles’ richness.
- → What’s the best way to store these cocoa-coated bites?
Keep them in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week to preserve freshness and firmness.
- → How do dates contribute to the texture?
Medjool dates create a sticky, chewy base that binds the nuts and flavorings, giving the truffles their characteristic softness.
- → Can I add spices for variation?
Yes, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper adds warmth and subtle heat to customize the flavor profile.