Date Truffles
Make these mini morsels ahead of time so you can grab and go whenever hunger strikes. You can eat them positively plain or fantastically fancy dipped in delightful toppings. Either way, enjoying just one will be difficult. Probably better to be prepared and pop a few (hundred?) in your freezer.
Whether you’re in a rush or just can’t stand to cook, this raw recipe is super quick and easy. They’re so handy to add to your lunch bag, hand out to the kids when they’re hangry, or save for the evening to savor during a hot bath. Healthy and heavenly nibbles for any night of the week!
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
- Dates: Opt for soft and plump Medjool dates, as they contribute a natural sweetness and gooey texture to the truffles. Ensure the dates are pitted before blending.
- Walnuts: Use raw walnuts or any nut you prefer like almonds or cashews.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for a subtle vanilla flavor.
- Salt: A small amount enhances the sweetness of the dates and richness of the walnuts.
Topping Variations
To guarantee the toppings stay glued to the date walnut balls, make sure your mixture is still a little damp. If they feel too dry, wet your hands and roll the balls between them before rolling into the items below.
- Chia Seeds – Rich in omega-3s, fiber, and protein. Gives a little crispness and nubbly texture to the outside.
- Coconut Shreds – Adds a bit of extra richness to the flavor and a fun color contrast.
- Cocoa (or Cacao) Powder – Chock full of chocolate-y flavor!
- Powdered Sugar – Only includes some extra sweetness, but totally worth it. They’re commonly confused with munchkin donuts but in the best way.
- Chocolate Chips – Similar to the cocoa powder in nutritional benefits, these little gems give the classic “cookie dough” character to this recipe.
- Cinnamon – For all of you who love a little bit of spice, you’ll be happy to know that this tastes sensational with dates. Add a sprinkle on the outside and you’ll be in heaven! Vietnamese cinnamon is slightly sweet and perfect for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Sweet and Savory Snack Plate – Pair these delicious date nut balls with a creamy vegan cheese log and crispy crackers.
- Date Night – Make a bunch of balls ahead of time and arrange a table full of toppings. Let your date create their own concoctions and then enjoy your snacks while you play a game or watch a movie together.
- Big, Bold Brownie Squares – Add a ½ cup raw cacao powder to your mixture and press the entire thing into an 8” x 8” baking pan. Sprinkle on your favorite toppings (or spread our luscious vegan nutella over the top) and place in the freezer for an hour. Once the mixture is firm, cut into squares and savor!
- Makes a Great Gift – For loved ones in your life who adore sweets, this is a thoughtful (and yummy!) gift to give. Add assorted date balls into a mason jar, cover with pretty fabric, a beautiful bow, and a personalized note.
Simple Storing
Keep in a covered container in the freezer for up to 6 months. The date nut balls taste best at chilled, and are delicious straight out of the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not a fan of walnuts? First, know that you’ll barely taste them in these raw cookie dough balls. But if you’d prefer to use a different type of nut, you can absolutely do that! Almost any nut will work, but the softer nuts will work best (such as pecans, cashews, and peanuts). If you do try these with another type of nut, we’d love to hear how it goes in the comments below!
A truffle can be both! A truffle is an edible underground mushroom that grows in association with tree roots. Their distinct and intense flavors are highly valued in gourmet cuisine and often used to infuse flavor into dishes. On the other hand, a chocolate truffle is a type of chocolate confection. It typically consists of a ganache center that’s coated in cocoa powder.
Truffles can be enjoyed immediately at room temperature for a soft, cookie dough-like texture. However, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer for freshness since the walnuts will start to oxidize once mixed.
More Super Easy Snack Recipes to Try
- Vegan Cake Pops
- No-Bake Crispy Caramel Squares
- Stuffed Dates With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chips
- Homemade Granola Bars
- Is Cocoa Powder Vegan?
Date Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 cup soft Medjool dates, pitted and packed
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: coating ingredients, such as coconut shreds, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and chia seeds.
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into the food processor and process until the mixture turns into a big dough ball.
- Divide the dough ball into 12 parts and roll each into a sphere ball.
- If desired, dip each ball into your desired coating ingredient and roll until fully covered.
- Place in a sealed container and store in the freezer.
Video
Notes
- Enjoy these at room temperature for super-soft cookie-dough-like balls. Balls will firm up in the freezer, which is how we recommend enjoying them!
Nutrition
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These are a great healthy swap for cookies! I’m eating mostly keto / gluten-free right now so these are perfect.
Absolutely delicious!! I’m sharing this recipe with several friends…it’s that good!