No-Bake Chocolate Truffles with Cashew Cream

Rich, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened, these no-bake truffles offer indulgence without processed sugars or additives. Perfect for dessert, gifting, or a nutrient-dense treat.

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Preparation Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Chill: 1–2 hours
• Total: ~1 hour 30 minutes (mostly passive)
• Yields: ~15 truffles

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Ingredients

For the chocolate cookie base:

• 1 cup raw almonds or walnuts
• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (softened if dry)
• ¼ cup raw cacao powder
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

For the cashew cream filling:

• ¾ cup raw cashews (soaked 4–6 hours, drained)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp water (for blending)

For coating (optional):

• ½ cup dark chocolate (85% cacao), melted (optional)
• 1 tsp coconut oil

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Instructions

1. Make the base:
   Blend almonds, dates, cacao powder, vanilla, and salt in a food processor until a dough forms. Pressable but not sticky.
2. Form truffle shells:
   Scoop a tablespoon of dough, press into a disc. Fill with ½ tsp of cashew cream (see below), then seal and roll into a ball.
3. Make cashew cream filling:
   Blend soaked cashews with coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add a little water if needed.
4. Chill the truffles:
   Place truffles on a lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Optional chocolate coating:
   Dip chilled truffles in melted dark chocolate mixed with coconut oil. Place back in fridge to set.

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Estimated Nutritional Value (per truffle)

Component	Amount
Energy	~130 kcal
Protein	~3 g
Carbohydrates	~11 g
Sugars	~7 g (natural)
Fiber	~2 g
Fat	~9 g
Saturated Fat	~3 g

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Science-Based Health Benefits

1. Natural sweetness from dates
Medjool dates offer fiber, potassium, and polyphenols that support digestion and cardiovascular health.
*Source: Al-Farsi MA et al., 2008. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

2. Raw cacao for antioxidant protection
Contains flavonoids that improve endothelial function and reduce oxidative stress.
*Source: Loffredo L et al., 2016. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

3. Cashews support heart health
Rich in unsaturated fats, magnesium, and plant protein. May help improve lipid profiles.
*Source: Alhassan S et al., 2022. Nutrition Journal.

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Kitchen Tips

• Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they feel dry.
• Use a small cookie scoop for consistent truffle sizes.
• For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder to the base.
• Store in the fridge up to 1 week or freeze for longer shelf life.