These chocolate date truffles are a naturally sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat made with wholesome ingredients. Soft Medjool dates, rich cocoa, and bits of dark chocolate come together to create an elegant dessert that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying as a quiet end-of-day reward.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare with a food processor and requires no baking. The truffles are made with minimally processed ingredients and sweetened entirely by dates, making them a lighter alternative to traditional confections. They have a soft, fudgy texture with just enough richness to satisfy chocolate cravings without feeling overwhelming.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the truffle base
2 cups pitted Medjool dates (about 340 g / 12 oz)
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons coconut oil, solid or refrigerated
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
For the coating
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup finely chopped roasted pistachios
Directions
Place the pitted dates in a medium bowl and cover completely with warm water. Allow them to soak for about 15 minutes until softened, then drain thoroughly.
Transfer the dates to a food processor. Add the cocoa powder, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Process for about 1 minute until a smooth and sticky paste forms, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the finely chopped dark chocolate and pulse briefly until evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.
Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl and refrigerate uncovered for 20 minutes to firm slightly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, portion the mixture into small mounds, spacing them slightly apart. Refrigerate again for 20 minutes.
Place the cocoa powder and chopped pistachios into two shallow bowls. Roll each chilled mound into a smooth ball, then roll in either cocoa powder or pistachios until fully coated.
Place each truffle in a mini paper liner and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 truffles.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Chilling time: about 1 hour 40 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
Swap the vanilla extract for almond or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile. Finely grated orange zest can add a fresh citrus note. For coatings, try finely chopped almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, shredded unsweetened coconut, or powdered freeze-dried fruit.
Storage/Reheating
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. These truffles are not meant to be reheated and are best served chilled or slightly cool.
FAQs
Can I make these truffles without a food processor?
Yes, but the texture will be less smooth. Finely chopping the dates and mixing thoroughly by hand will help.
Are chocolate date truffles very sweet?
They are gently sweetened by dates and less sweet than traditional truffles.
Can these truffles be frozen?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What type of dates should I use?
Soft Medjool dates are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Can I omit the dark chocolate?
Yes, but the truffles will be smoother and slightly less rich without it.
Why is chilling necessary in this recipe?
Chilling firms the mixture, making it easier to portion, roll, and coat the truffles.
Can I use a different oil instead of coconut oil?
Coconut oil provides structure, but cocoa butter can be used as an alternative.
Do these truffles hold up at room temperature?
They soften quickly at warm temperatures, so they should be kept chilled until serving.
Are these truffles suitable for children?
Yes, they are made with simple ingredients and no refined sugar.
Why does the cocoa coating fade over time?
Moisture from the dates can absorb the cocoa powder. Re-roll in fresh cocoa before serving if needed.
Conclusion
Chocolate date truffles are a simple, wholesome dessert that delivers rich chocolate flavor with natural sweetness. Easy to prepare and elegant to serve, they are a wonderful option for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying as a mindful treat any time of the week.
Chocolate date truffles are a naturally sweet, no-bake treat made from wholesome ingredients like Medjool dates, cocoa, and dark chocolate. Soft, fudgy, and rich, they’re perfect for gifting or healthy indulgence.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 5 minutes
Yield:24 truffles
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:Global
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
2 cups pitted Medjool dates (about 340 g / 12 oz)
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons coconut oil, solid or refrigerated
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for coating)
1/4 cup finely chopped roasted pistachios (for coating)
Instructions
Place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for 15 minutes until softened, then drain thoroughly.
Transfer dates to a food processor. Add cocoa powder, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Process for 1 minute until smooth and sticky, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add chopped dark chocolate and pulse briefly to incorporate.
Transfer mixture to a clean bowl and refrigerate uncovered for 20 minutes to firm.
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, portion the mixture into mounds and place on the sheet. Chill for another 20 minutes.
Place cocoa powder and pistachios in shallow bowls. Roll each mound into a ball, then coat in cocoa or pistachios.
Place truffles in mini paper liners and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use soft Medjool dates for best results.
Chilling the mixture helps with shaping and coating.
Swap vanilla for almond or peppermint extract for variety.
Truffles soften at room temperature—store chilled.
Cocoa powder may fade over time; re-roll if needed.
