These decadent Chocolate Truffles are the perfect, easy, no-bake treat that’s sure to impress that special someone without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with wholesome, clean ingredients, these homemade chocolate truffles are Paleo and vegan. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or the first day of spring, these are an excellent treat for any special occasion!
Can Chocolate Truffles Be Healthy?
While these chocolate truffles don’t take the place of nutrient-dense vegetables and proteins, they are a fun treat for special occasions (I’m thinking Valentine’s Day — how about you?) It’s important to have healthier alternatives for desserts and treats for any occasion so that you don’t feel deprived. Here are some of the healthier swaps in this homemade chocolate truffle recipe:
Dried Figs
Figs, fresh or dried, are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They’re rich in antioxidants such as manganese and Vitamin A. They also contain choline, folate, calcium, and potassium. Dried figs give these truffles a delicious texture and natural sweetness similar to dates. In fact, you could use dates in this recipe if dried figs aren’t readily available.
Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is a rich source of flavonoids and antioxidants including the aforementioned manganese. Cocoa powder also contains iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and even fiber. All of these are essential nutrients which both men and women require for optimal health. However, women are more likely to be deficient in calcium and magnesium, so cocoa powder can help you meet the daily recommended value of these nutrients.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream provides your body with fat and easy-to-digest medium chain triglycerides. This is a type of saturated fat that is more quickly absorbed by the body and used for body functions. In this particular recipe, coconut cream not only makes these truffles satisfying and healthy, it also provides a rich and creamy texture to your filling.
How to Make Chocolate Truffles at Home
These no-bake chocolate truffles couldn’t be easier to make. The truffles themselves are just three ingredients, and the optional chocolate coating and toppings only use a few more ingredients. I highly recommend you don’t miss out on the optional additions — they’re delicious AND pretty!
To make the truffles, you’ll need dried figs, cocoa powder, and coconut cream. You can use canned coconut cream or the solidified part of a chilled can of coconut milk. With either option, you want the cream to be slightly solid for structure.
Remove the stems of the figs and add them to your food processor along with your cocoa powder and coconut cream. Process until the mixture is smooth and has formed a ball. Using a spatula, remove the dough-like mixture from the food processor and place it in a bowl.
Using a teaspoon, measure out rounded balls of the truffle dough and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or plate. Dip your fingers in water to remove any sticky dough that may have transferred to your fingers from the teaspoon. Don’t shape your truffles just yet.
Freeze, uncovered, for about 5 minutes, then roll into balls. Place back in the freezer while you make the coating.
To make the coating, melt your chocolate chips and coconut oil together until the mixture is smooth and combined. You can use your fingers to roll truffles in the mixture, or a toothpick or fork inserted in each truffle for less mess. Place back on the parchment paper and allow to set for about a minute.
Roll or sprinkle your truffles with cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, coconut shreds, or sea salt!
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Truffles
Protocol:
Servings
10 truffles
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 avocado flesh scooped out
- 3 Tbsp 44.36 ml coconut butter
- 3 Tbsp 44.36 ml unsweetened cocoa powder (or carob powder)
- 6 drops Liquid Stevia
- 1 Tbsp NaN ml maple syrup (optional)
Chocolate Coating
- 1/2 cup 120.00 ml coconut oil melted
- 1/2 cup 120.00 ml unsweetened cocoa powder (or carob powder)
- 2 drops Liquid Stevia
Other options for coating
- unsweetened shredded coconut
- unsweetened cocoa powder (or carob powder)
- freeze-dried fruit crushed
Instructions
- Place all filling ingredients in a food processor. Process until combined. Remove from food processor and place in refrigerator to let set - 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove from refrigerator. Roll into 1 inch balls.
- For coating: combine coconut oil, cocoa powder, and stevia. Dip truffles in coating. Place on a parchment lined sheet pan or platter and place in refrigerator until solid - about 30 minutes.
- Optionally, instead of chocolate coating, you can roll-in unsweetened shredded coconut, unsweetened cocoa powder or carob powder, or crushed freeze-dried fruit.
