Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa

Featured in: Sweet Escapes

These luscious treats combine toasted walnuts and Medjool dates into a sticky, rich dough. Rolled into bite-sized balls and dusted with unsweetened cocoa powder, they offer a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that's both wholesome and satisfying. Quick to prepare, they require minimal ingredients and no baking. Perfectly firmed in the fridge, these morsels make for a delightful healthy indulgence.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:56:00 GMT
Date & Walnut Truffles, coated in rich cocoa, ready to enjoy as a decadent, healthy dessert. Save
Date & Walnut Truffles, coated in rich cocoa, ready to enjoy as a decadent, healthy dessert. | lickjoke.com

Rich, naturally sweet truffles featuring dates, toasted walnuts, and a dusting of cocoa powder—perfect for a healthy treat or gift.

When I first made these date & walnut truffles, my kitchen filled with the aroma of toasted nuts and cocoa. They're now my go-to for easy homemade desserts that never fail to impress.

Ingredients

  • Walnuts: 1 cup (120 g), toasted
  • Medjool dates: 1 cup (180 g), pitted (about 10 to 12 large dates)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Sea salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tbsp, for coating

Instructions

Toast Walnuts:
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until fragrant. Cool.
Process Nuts:
Add cooled walnuts to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
Add Dates & Flavorings:
Add dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until a sticky dough forms.
Shape Truffles:
Take about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into balls.
Coat With Cocoa:
Roll balls in cocoa powder until coated.
Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate truffles for 20 minutes before serving to firm up.
A close-up of delicious Date & Walnut Truffles, showcasing a delightful dusting of cocoa powder. Save
A close-up of delicious Date & Walnut Truffles, showcasing a delightful dusting of cocoa powder. | lickjoke.com

My family loves enjoying these truffles together after dinner. They disappear quickly and everyone appreciates how satisfying and healthy they are.

Required Tools

Food processor, skillet, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons make this recipe quick and easy to assemble.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains tree nuts but is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs.

Nutritional Information

Each truffle has about 70 calories, 4.5 g total fat, 7 g carbohydrates, and 1.2 g protein, making them a light yet flavorful snack.

Homemade Date & Walnut Truffles, a vegan treat perfect for gifting, photographed on a serving plate. Save
Homemade Date & Walnut Truffles, a vegan treat perfect for gifting, photographed on a serving plate. | lickjoke.com

Serve these chilled truffles as a wholesome dessert or pack them as thoughtful edible gifts. Enjoy the pure and simple goodness in every bite.

Recipe Guide

What nuts are used in these truffles?

Walnuts are toasted and ground to add a rich, nutty texture that complements the sweetness of dates.

Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives depending on your preference.

How is the cocoa powder used in the preparation?

After shaping the mixture into balls, each is rolled in unsweetened cocoa powder to give a velvety outer coating.

What is the purpose of toasting the walnuts?

Toasting enhances their flavor and aroma, providing a deeper nutty taste in the final treat.

How should the truffles be stored?

Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness and firmness.

Are these treats suitable for special diets?

Yes, they are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs.

Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa

Naturally sweet treats with toasted walnuts, Medjool dates, and a cocoa powder coating.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
5 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Easy

Heritage International

Output 16 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Plant-based, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Nuts & Dried Fruit

01 1 cup walnuts (approximately 120 grams)
02 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10–12 large dates, approximately 180 grams)

Flavorings

01 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
02 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Coating

01 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Method

Phase 01

Toast Walnuts: Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove and allow to cool.

Phase 02

Grind Walnuts: Transfer cooled walnuts to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Phase 03

Combine Ingredients: Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the ground walnuts. Process until a sticky dough forms and begins to come together.

Phase 04

Form Truffles: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball with your hands. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Phase 05

Coat with Cocoa: Place cocoa powder in a shallow bowl and roll each truffle in the cocoa powder to coat evenly.

Phase 06

Chill: Refrigerate truffles for at least 20 minutes to set before serving.

Tools needed

  • Food processor
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Check labels for cocoa powder and vanilla extract to ensure gluten-free and dairy-free compliance.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 70
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 1.2 g