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.
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.
Easy Chocolate Almond Truffles
Ingredients
- 10 pitted Medjool dates
- 1 cup raw almonds (bulk bins)
- ¼ cup cacao powder (divided)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoon 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
Nutrition
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Autumn
Could I make these with almond butter instead of almonds?
Marisa Moore
That’s a great question. I’d imagine so but haven’t tested the recipe to determine what would be the equivalent swap. If you try it, please let us know. And now I might test it out myself too!
cal
What is the serving size? Thanks!
Marisa
Hi! The nutrition information is provided per truffle. This recipe makes 16 of them. I find that I am good with just one at a time but I can see eating two at a time if I’m in the mood for it!
Lauren Vavala | DeliciousLittleBites
Chocolate and nuts are a match made in heaven – even more so when transformed into a truffle! These are amazing!
Tawnie Kroll
Such a great energizing snack!
Kelly Anthony
I love that these chocolate almond truffles don’t have any processed sugar. These will be perfect to have on hand when the New Year starts and my healthier eating begins.
Marisa
It’s amazing that the dates both hold them together and add plenty of sweetness! I love to make a big batch and freeze them!
Debra
Yum. Yum. Yum. For sure these will have to be stored in the freezer..or I could eat every last one!
Marisa
Haha! They are so easy to keep popping but definitely freeze well.
kim
Love these flavors and also that they’re a better for you sweet treat!
Marisa
It’s so nice to have a healthy treat available!
Kelli McGrane
I just moved to Denver where they have a Sprouts – I’ll definitely have to check it out! Love how simple yet yummy these look!
Marisa
They’ve been expanding here in Atlanta so I’ve gotten to know them over the last couple years. I really enjoy the shopping experience and their store brand products are awesome!
Liz
Yes please! These look like the perfect mini satisfying fix for my sweet tooth!
Marisa
Thanks, Liz! I’m not a huge chocolate fan but these are so tasty, I haven’t been able to stop eating them!