Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa

Featured in: Sweet Messy Treats

These date and walnut truffles offer a naturally sweet, wholesome indulgence. Walnut halves are toasted to release their nutty aroma, then combined with soft Medjool dates, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt to create a sticky dough. Rolled into bite-sized balls and coated with a dusting of cocoa powder, these treats balance sweetness and richness beautifully. Perfect for a quick healthy snack or elegant gift, they require minimal prep and provide vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free enjoyment.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:32:00 GMT
Delicious Date & Walnut Truffles, rolled in cocoa, ready to enjoy as a sweet vegan treat. Save to Pinterest
Delicious Date & Walnut Truffles, rolled in cocoa, ready to enjoy as a sweet vegan treat. | messlitreats.com

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

I discovered these date & walnut truffles while searching for vegan desserts that didn't require baking. The rich flavor and simple process have made them a staple for special occasions.

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
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tbsp, for coating

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Instructions

Toast walnuts:
Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and stir for about 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
Grind walnuts:
Place cooled walnuts in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
Mix truffle dough:
Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
Shape truffles:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into balls with your hands.
Coat truffles:
Put cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in cocoa until fully coated.
Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving so truffles firm up.
Cocoa-dusted Date & Walnut Truffles: A close-up view of creamy, bite-sized chocolate desserts. Save to Pinterest
Cocoa-dusted Date & Walnut Truffles: A close-up view of creamy, bite-sized chocolate desserts. | messlitreats.com

Whenever my family gathers for birthdays, these truffles are a requested treat. Kids enjoy rolling them in cocoa, and adults love the rich taste without added sugar.

Required Tools

You'll need a food processor, skillet for toasting, a mixing bowl, and measuring cups for this recipe.

Allergen Information

These truffles contain walnuts. If you use flavored cocoa powder or vanilla, double-check labels for gluten or dairy components.

Nutritional Information (per truffle)

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

Homemade Date & Walnut Truffles recipe, perfect for gifting, looks fudgy and irresistible on a plate. Save to Pinterest
Homemade Date & Walnut Truffles recipe, perfect for gifting, looks fudgy and irresistible on a plate. | messlitreats.com

Serve cold for best texture. These truffles keep well in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I toast walnuts for best flavor?

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until fragrant. This enhances their natural nuttiness.

→ Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?

Pecans or almonds work well as alternatives, offering a different flavor but similar texture when toasted.

→ What type of dates are ideal for this dish?

Medjool dates are preferred due to their soft texture and rich sweetness, making the mixture sticky and easy to shape.

→ How should these truffles be stored?

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

→ Can I add spices for extra flavor?

Yes, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a unique spicy note.

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Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa

Rich date and walnut truffles, dusted with cocoa for a naturally sweet and healthy bite.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cooking Duration
5 min
Overall Duration
20 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin International

Portion Yield 16 People served

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy, Free from Gluten

List of Ingredients

Nuts & Dried Fruit

01 1 cup walnuts, toasted
02 1 cup 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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Process Nuts: Place toasted walnuts in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Step 03

Combine Ingredients: Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the processor. Blend until mixture forms a sticky dough that begins to clump together.

Step 04

Form Truffles: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll between hands to form balls.

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 truffles for at least 20 minutes to firm before serving.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts)

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 70
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 1.2 g

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