Easy Chocolate Almond Truffles 

 Vegan, gluten-free chocolate almond truffles made with just 3 main ingredients and no added sugar! These chocolate truffles make a healthy dessert or energizing snack.

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It’s the middle of the summer and I don’t know about you but I’m constantly on the hunt for tasty meals and snacks to keep cool. Bonus points for recipes that require zero actual cooking. And… brownie points for those that come with a sweet and nutritious boost.

My Easy Chocolate Almond Truffles are all of that. With just 3 main ingredients, all you really need is a food processor and a few minutes to get to these decadent yet healthy treats. I’m not kidding. I shared this recipe during my cooking demo last night and there wasn’t a truffle left on the table. People couldn’t believe how easy they are or that they have no added sugar.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. To make these, you’ll need cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder, Medjool dates and natural almonds. The dates provide a big punch of sweetness and make the perfect base with the almonds. The cocoa adds a rich, chocolatey flavor to savor and some surprisingly nutrition benefits.

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What is the difference between cacao and cocoa powder?

The terms cacao powder and cocoa powder are often used interchangeably but they are different.

Cacao is the raw powder made from unroasted cocoa beans. It’s the less processed, often higher flavanoid option. It may impart a more bitter, dark chocolate flavor compared to the more mellow cocoa.

Cocoa is what you might be most familiar with. It’s the heated version of cacao powder.  Though I’m using cacao powder for this recipe, cocoa powder would also be delicious.

Neither is the same as a popular chocolate bar. I won’t name names but traditional candy bars have very few nutrition benefits. If you eat those, just count them as dessert and enjoy. Either way, I think you’ll love this easy chocolate almond truffle recipe and find it to be a suitable and satisfying way to crush a nutty, chocolate craving!

And while we’re chatting chocolate…

What are the benefits of cocoa powder?

Minimally processed cacao powder has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Research shows that people eating higher amounts of cocoa have lower average blood pressure and a lower overall risk for heart disease and heart attack. Some of the benefits were shown with as little as ¼ cup cocoa powder or 1.6 ounces of dark chocolate per day.

Further, there’s some evidence, though not solid, that cocoa powder can also help boost cognitive function. Cacao for a brain boost? Count me in!

And these both make sense. The flavanols in cacao are believed to help improve the health of blood vessels and the heart.

Ready to try it? Grab the recipe below and be sure to tag me on Instagram (@marisamoore) when you make it.

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Chocolate Almond Truffles

Vegan, gluten-free chocolate almond truffles made with just 3 main ingredients and no added sugar! These chocolate truffles make a healthy dessert or energizing snack.  

Prep Time15 mins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: no sugar added dessert

Servings: 16

Calories: 96

Author: Marisa Moore, RDN

Ingredients

• 10 pitted Medjool dates
• 1 cup raw almonds (bulk bins)
• ¼ cup cacao powder (divided)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp water (if needed)

Instructions

• Add the dates, almonds, vanilla, 2 tablespoons cocoa and salt to a food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are chopped. Run the food processor on high until all ingredients are incorporated and a sticky ball forms. Add up to 2 tablespoons water, if the mixture doesn’t come together after a minute.
  
• Using heaping tablespoons, roll about 16 balls. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment. Freeze to set - about 30 minutes.
• Add the remaining cacao powder to a small bowl. To make the truffles, toss each one in the bowl until fully dusted with cacao.
• Let truffles stand at room temperature to thaw before eating (about 15 minutes). Store extras in the freezer for a quick treat. 

Notes

You can try pecans, peanuts or walnuts in this recipe too.

Nutrition

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Iron: 0.6mg

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