I've been testing out difference truffle recipes the last few years to find something absolutely delicious, that has a bit more nutritional oomph. I've settled on this recipe because it's sweetened with dates, so it's refined sugar free, but most importantly, it's completely delicious. Win win.
They're really easy to make, and will make a delectable handmade gift, or a treat for you, and only you! Whatever you prefer.
Ingredients (Makes about 8 truffles)
10 dates (pitted)
2 tbsp coconut oil (softened but not liquid)
4 tbsp cocoa powder
Truffle coatings:
2 tbsp desiccated coconut
50g dark chocolate (use vegan chocolate for fully vegan recipe, or I use 85% Green and Blacks chocolate for non-vegan)
Healthy Chocolate Truffles: Method
Boil the kettle, and soak dates in a small bowl of just boiled water for 5 minutes until soft.
Drain the dates well and blend together in a food processor with the cocoa powder and coconut oil, until you have a smooth paste. Continuing processing until the mixture forms a slightly firmer ball.
Cover a large plate or tray with cling film.
Use a teaspoon to scoop out rounded balls of the mixture onto the cling film, evenly spaced out. They won't look pretty at this point! Place your plate of truffles into the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to firm up a bit.
Bring your truffles out the freezer, and roll each in between your hands to form rounded balls.
Sprinkle your desiccated coconut onto a small plate, and carefully roll half your truffles in this mixture until they are evenly coated in the flakes. Place these truffles back onto your cling filmed plate or tray.
Break up your vegan or non vegan chocolate into pieces and place in a small bowl. On a low-medium heat, heat the chocolate in the microwave for short bursts of 10-20 seconds, until melted. Chocolate can burn very quickly in the microwave so be careful!
Once melted, place one "naked" truffle (the ones you haven't coated in coconut!) on a fork and dip in the melted chocolate mixture to coat fully. You may need to spoon small amounts of the melted chocolate over it to fully coat.
Carefully place the chocolate coated truffle back on your cling film coated plate or tray, with your coconut covered truffles. Repeat with each naked truffle.
Place all truffles in the fridge for 10 minutes to set, and enjoy!
Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and bring out to wow your family when needed.
If you try this recipe, I'd love to know what you think! Let me know in the comments below. Have a wonderful Christmas, I hope you can enjoy some good food, good company and well deserved down time.