Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa

Featured in: Comfort Baking

These date and walnut truffles combine naturally sweet Medjool dates with toasted, finely ground walnuts, creating a sticky dough gently flavored with vanilla and sea salt. Rolled in unsweetened cocoa powder, they offer a rich, satisfying bite that is both vegan and gluten-free. The toasting enhances the nutty aroma, while chilling firms the truffles for an easy, healthy indulgence. Perfect as a quick treat or thoughtful gift.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:26:00 GMT
Date & Walnut Truffles, rolled in cocoa, offer a decadent yet healthier dessert experience. Save
Date & Walnut Truffles, rolled in cocoa, offer a decadent yet healthier dessert experience. | butterhearth.com

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

I first made these truffles for a holiday potluck, and they quickly disappeared. The simple combination of dates and walnuts creates such a satisfying texture and flavor.

Ingredients

  • Walnuts: Use 1 cup (120 g), toasted for best flavor.
  • Pitted Medjool dates: 1 cup (180 g), about 10–12 large dates.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds natural sweetness, use 1 tsp.
  • Sea salt: Balances flavors, use 1/4 tsp.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: For coating, 2 tbsp.

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Instructions

Toast Walnuts:
Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring often. Let cool.
Process Walnuts:
Place cooled walnuts in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
Add Dates & Flavorings:
Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until sticky dough forms.
Shape Truffles:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls.
Coat With Cocoa:
Roll each truffle in cocoa powder in a shallow bowl until evenly coated.
Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate truffles for at least 20 minutes before serving.
See the shiny cocoa-dusted Date & Walnut Truffles, perfect for sharing as a simple, sweet treat. Save
See the shiny cocoa-dusted Date & Walnut Truffles, perfect for sharing as a simple, sweet treat. | butterhearth.com

My family loves making a double batch for sharing at gatherings—everyone gets excited when they see a box of homemade truffles.

Required Tools

Essential tools: food processor, skillet, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons.

Allergen Information

Contains walnuts. Suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets if all ingredients are checked.

Nutritional Information

Each truffle contains about 70 calories, 4.5 g fat, 7 g carbohydrates, and 1.2 g protein.

Enjoy a close-up of delicious Date & Walnut Truffles; the bite-sized treats are perfect for gifting. Save
Enjoy a close-up of delicious Date & Walnut Truffles; the bite-sized treats are perfect for gifting. | butterhearth.com

Enjoy these wholesome treats as a snack or beautiful edible gift. They're both delicious and full of nourishing ingredients.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives to walnuts without altering the texture significantly.

→ How do I store the truffles to keep them fresh?

Keep the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and firmness.

→ What is the purpose of toasting the walnuts?

Toasting releases the nuts' natural oils, enhancing their flavor and aroma for a richer taste in the truffles.

→ Can I add extra spices or flavors?

Yes, adding ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper can provide a warm or subtle spicy twist to the truffles.

→ Are these truffles suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making these truffles a suitable option for gluten-sensitive diets.

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Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa

Sweet date and toasted walnut balls rolled in cocoa powder, offering a nutritious and flavorful bite.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
5 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage International

Output 16 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Nuts & Dried Fruit

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

Flavorings

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

Coating

01 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

Stage 01

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

Stage 02

Grind Walnuts: Place cooled walnuts in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Stage 03

Process Dates and Flavorings: Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough and starts to come together.

Stage 04

Form Truffle Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into balls using your hands.

Stage 05

Coat with Cocoa: Place cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until evenly coated.

Stage 06

Chill to Set: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 20 minutes before serving to firm up.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Verify cocoa powder and vanilla extract labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 70
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Protein Content: 1.2 g

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