Save to Pinterest Rich, naturally sweet truffles featuring dates, toasted walnuts, and a dusting of cocoa powder. These are perfect for a healthy treat or gift, and they come together in just minutes with wholesome ingredients.
I first made these date & walnut truffles as a last-minute gift for friends, and they were a hit. The combination of toasted walnuts and chewy dates creates the perfect texture without any added fuss.
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 dusting
Instructions
- Toast walnuts:
- Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Allow to cool.
- Grind walnuts:
- Place the toasted walnuts in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
- Make dough:
- Add the pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough and starts to come together.
- Form truffles:
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into balls using your hands.
- Coat with cocoa:
- Place the cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until evenly coated.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the truffles for at least 20 minutes before serving to firm up.
Save to Pinterest My kids love rolling the truffle balls and sneaking bites of the date dough. It's a fun way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Food processor, skillet, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Gluten-free and dairy-free, but double-check labels if using flavored cocoa powder or vanilla extract.
Nutritional Information
Each truffle contains about 70 calories, 4.5 g total fat, 7 g carbohydrates, and 1.2 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these truffles with coffee, or box them up for a thoughtful homemade gift. They're always a delight and gone quickly!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I toast walnuts properly?
Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- → Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds work well as alternatives, providing a slightly different but delicious taste and texture.
- → How should these treats be stored?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to keep them fresh and firm.
- → What adds extra flavor to these bites?
Adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce warm or spicy notes that enhance the overall taste.
- → Are these treats suitable for specific diets?
Yes, they are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them suitable for varied dietary preferences.