Seriously, my kids didn’t know what hit them! Mini gastronomes in their own right, they still couldn’t quite work out these little mouthfuls of deliciousness were actually GOOD for them!
Lately, I’ve been dabbling in the delicious grey area of the Pesci Paleo lifestyle. It’s been nearly 12 months since I went meatless, and while navigating the world of pescatarianism and Paleo fusion might sound complicated, it’s actually been surprisingly smooth sailing. With so many creative whole-food recipes to explore, I’ve found myself more excited in the kitchen than ever before. And this recipe? It absolutely proves the point.
The only slightly suspect ingredient in the batch is the maple syrup. While true maple syrup is technically Paleo, most store-bought versions come with added refined sugars, which aren’t really part of the plan. That said, there’s just one tablespoon in the entire batch, so I gave myself a hall pass and turned a blind Paleo eye.
Now let’s talk about what makes these truffles not only delicious but actually nutrient-packed. Dates are nature’s candy: naturally sweet, sticky, and full of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. They provide a lovely caramel undertone and are a brilliant natural binder, helping hold everything together without the need for extra sugar or additives.
Then there are almonds. These little powerhouses are full of healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and plant-based protein. When finely ground, they give the truffles a creamy, rich texture that pairs perfectly with the cocoa and dates. Almonds also help balance the sweetness with their slightly nutty flavor, making each bite feel satisfying without being overly indulgent.
And yes, I’ll say it again: these truffles taste chocolatey, moist, and rich, yet contain zero actual chocolate. It’s all in the cocoa and that magical date-almond combo. They’re a perfect little afternoon pick-me-up or a post-dinner treat that you can actually feel good about.
Date & Almond Truffles
Makes: 22 balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
Method
- Simply blend the first four ingredients together until smooth and pliable. The almonds should resemble biscuit crumbs and the dates will be blended into a chunky paste.
- Using a teaspoon of mixture at a time, roll small balls in the palm of your hand. The mixture is surprisingly moist enough to form balls without too much effort.
- Finally roll in coconut.
- Place in the fridge to firm before serving.
