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Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa Dust

Featured in: Sweet Slow Moments

These sweet, naturally wholesome bites combine toasted walnuts and soft Medjool dates for a rich texture. Rolled in unsweetened cocoa powder, they offer balanced flavors with a hint of vanilla and sea salt. Ready in just 20 minutes, they're vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them a nutritious and satisfying snack or gift option. Optional cinnamon or cayenne adds a subtle kick, while refrigeration helps firm up their chewy texture.

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Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:21:00 GMT
Date & Walnut Truffles, rolled in cocoa, ready to serve as a healthy and delicious dessert. Save
Date & Walnut Truffles, rolled in cocoa, ready to serve as a healthy and delicious dessert. | meanwhilerecipe.com

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

I first made these date & walnut truffles for a family gathering and they disappeared within minutes. The combination of naturally sweet dates and rich toasted walnuts rolled in cocoa is both satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Toast walnuts:
Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let cool.
Grind walnuts:
Place cooled toasted walnuts in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
Blend with dates and flavorings:
Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until a sticky dough forms and the mixture starts to come together.
Shape truffles:
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into balls using your hands.
Coat truffles:
Place cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until evenly coated.
Refrigerate:
Chill truffles for at least 20 minutes before serving to firm up.
A close-up of dark Date & Walnut Truffles dusted with cocoa offering a rich, sweet bite. Save
A close-up of dark Date & Walnut Truffles dusted with cocoa offering a rich, sweet bite. | meanwhilerecipe.com

My kids love to help roll these truffles and dust them with cocoa, making it a favorite activity during the holidays.

Variations & Customization

For extra flavor, try adding 1 tsp ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne to the mixture. You can also substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

These truffles are wonderful as a post-dinner treat, packed lunch addition, or arranged in a gift box for festive celebrations.

Nutrition & Allergies

Each truffle contains about 70 calories, 4.5 g total fat, 7 g carbohydrates, and 1.2 g protein. Note that this recipe contains tree nuts.

These vegan Date & Walnut Truffles are perfectly coated, showing a gourmet treat easily made at home. Save
These vegan Date & Walnut Truffles are perfectly coated, showing a gourmet treat easily made at home. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Enjoy these wholesome truffles as a quick energy boost or share as a thoughtful, homemade gift!

Recipe FAQ

→ How can walnuts be toasted evenly?

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant to ensure even browning.

→ What is the best date variety to use?

Medjool dates are ideal due to their soft texture and natural sweetness, which helps bind the mixture well.

→ Can other nuts replace walnuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be substituted, providing different but complementary flavors and textures.

→ Why roll the mixture in cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder adds a rich, slightly bitter coating that balances the natural sweetness and enhances flavor depth.

→ How should these treats be stored?

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

→ What options exist to vary flavor profiles?

Adding ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne introduces warmth or spice, elevating the overall taste experience.

Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa Dust

Sweet date and toasted walnut bites coated in cocoa, perfect for a healthy indulgence.

Time to Prepare
15 mins
Time to Cook
5 mins
Complete Time
20 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Sweet Slow Moments

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 16 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegan-Friendly, No Dairy, No Gluten

Ingredient List

Nuts & Dried Fruit

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

Flavorings

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

Coating

01 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Grind Walnuts: Place toasted walnuts into a food processor and pulse until they reach a fine, crumbly texture.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Shape Truffles: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls by hand.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Verify gluten-free and dairy-free status of vanilla extract and cocoa powder if flavored.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 70
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 1.2 g