Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa Dust

Featured in: Sweet Treat Fix

These date and walnut truffles offer a naturally sweet, rich flavor by combining toasted walnuts and Medjool dates. Rolled in unsweetened cocoa powder, they provide a healthy, satisfying bite perfect for snacking or gifting. With simple preparation involving toasting and blending nuts and fruit before shaping, this nutritious treat is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Optional spices like cinnamon and cayenne can add extra depth.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:44:00 GMT
Date & Walnut Truffles, evenly coated in rich cocoa, ready to enjoy as a sweet treat. Pin It
Date & Walnut Truffles, evenly coated in rich cocoa, ready to enjoy as a sweet treat. | fordish.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 truffles as a gift for a friend who loves healthy desserts. They were a hit at the party, and everyone asked for the recipe.

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 the walnuts and toast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Cool completely.
Process nuts:
Place the toasted walnuts in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
Combine and pulse:
Add the pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough and begins to come together.
Shape truffles:
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into balls with your hands.
Coat:
Place cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until evenly coated.
Refrigerate:
Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to firm up.
Close-up of Date & Walnut Truffles: a delicious vegan dessert, perfectly rolled and dusted. Pin It
Close-up of Date & Walnut Truffles: a delicious vegan dessert, perfectly rolled and dusted. | fordish.com

My kids love rolling the truffles in cocoa powder and sneaking a taste before they're even refrigerated.

Required Tools

Food processor, skillet, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Gluten-free and dairy-free, double-check labels if using flavored cocoa powder or vanilla extract.

Nutritional Information

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

A plate of homemade Date & Walnut Truffles, a wholesome, no-bake treat with a cocoa finish. Pin It
A plate of homemade Date & Walnut Truffles, a wholesome, no-bake treat with a cocoa finish. | fordish.com

Serve these truffles cold with coffee for maximum enjoyment. They make a thoughtful and delicious edible gift.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I toast walnuts properly?

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring until fragrant and lightly browned. Cool before use.

→ Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be substituted to vary flavor and texture while maintaining a nutty richness.

→ What is the role of cocoa powder in these treats?

Cocoa powder adds a rich, slightly bitter coating that balances the sweetness of dates and enhances overall flavor.

→ How should I store these nut and date bites?

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

→ Are these bites suitable for special diets?

Yes, these treats are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.

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Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa Dust

Sweet bites made from dates, toasted walnuts, and cocoa powder offer a wholesome, quick treat.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
5 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Result 16 Portion Size

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, Gluten-Free

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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Verify gluten and dairy-free status when using flavored cocoa powder or vanilla extract.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 70
  • Lipids: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 1.2 g

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