This rich, chocolatey and boozy (or not) date nut truffle makes a fabulous holiday gift, after dinner indulgence or a dinner party treat. You know, to balance out the naughty! This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and easily gluten free.
Table of Contents
A Not So Naughty Treat
I was thinking about more cookies for the blog this week. Then I started thinking….
…about something decadent, rich and chocolatey without feeling naughty… perhaps something….
Nice.
Why yes, that’s chocolate. And there, that caramely liquid… that’s the booze. It’s the holiday season, after all. My favorite confectionary booze… bourbon; it pairs perfectly with chocolate. I went with it.
A Quick Snack or Fun Gift
Date nut truffles whip up super quick, hold well in the fridge for several weeks and arrive all in one piece to your second cousin twice removed half way across the country. In other words, they make great gifts! I usually end up making a double or triple batch so I can have some stocked away in the fridge because I adore having these simple treats on hand.
Date nut truffles will also sooth a sweet tooth and chocolate cravings.
These little bites are:
- no bake
- sweet without added sugar
- crunchy
- chewy
- boozy
- rich and chocolatey.
Pure bliss!
A Few Recipe Notes
- Dates tend to dry out over time. If the dates you’re using are stiff and dry, soak them in very hot water for about 10 minutes. Drain, remove the pits and press out the water before processing.
- Using a small cookie scoop or a #50 scoop makes portioning a snap!
- These little treat bags show off your hand made truffles. Baker’s twine in red makes for a festive finish!
- Prefer a booze-less date truffle? Leave out the Bourbon and add 1/4 C of strong coffee or espresso instead!
More Foodie Gifts From the Kitchen
- Dark Chocolate Cocoa Nib Shortbread Cookies
- Vegan Dark Chocolate Short Bread
- Cocoa Nibby Pecan Shortbread Cookies
- Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
- Bourbon Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies
the recipe
Bourbon Date Nut Truffles
Ingredients
- 1/2 C Walnuts 56 g
- 3/4 C Almonds 106 g
- 12 Medjool Dates 280g unpitted, pitt before processing
- 1/4 C Whiskey Bourbon optional, see notes
- 3 Tbs Unsweetened Cocoa I use Rodelle, 26 g
- 1/2 tsp Pink Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract
- 1 1/2 C Unsweetened Shredded Coconut divided 141 g
- 3 Tbs Cocoa Nibs 24 g
- 3-4 Tbs Maple Syrup* - optional see note
Instructions
- Place the nuts on a sheet pan and toast at 350F for 8-9 minutes. Also, toast 1/2 C shredded coconut (for rolling the truffle in) on a separate sheet pan and toast at same temperature for about 6 minutes. Set aside.
- Add toasted nuts to a food processor bowl (this can be done while the nuts are still warm) and process until the nuts are finely chopped. There will be some that are finely chopped and others that are a bit larger. This is ok. Empty nuts into a large bowl and set aside.
- Remove the pits from the dates. Add the dates, bourbon, cocoa, sea salt and vanilla bean paste or extract into the same food processor bowl (no need to wash it). Process the date mixture until a paste forms. You may need to scrape the bowl down several times as the dates tend to clump into a ball.
- Add the toasted, finely chopped nuts to the food processor along with 1 C untoasted coconut. Pulse mixture together until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Dump mixture into a large bowl and pour in the cocoa nibs. Mix together with hands, squeezing and mashing until the cooca nibs are evenly distributed. Add maple syrup if desired and to taste.
- Use a #50 scoop or 1 1/4 Tbs to portion individual balls. Roll each portion between you hands to make a ball. Then roll the truffle in the toasted coconut.
- Serve at room temperature. Store in a covered container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
This looks really good, however I don’t have a food processor . . . is there a workaround to make it without? Thanks! Jo
Hi Jo! Thank you for your note! A high speed blender will do the trick for making the dates and bourbon pasty, however I’d hand chop most of the inclusions so they don’t become too fine, then stir or squish the dates + bourbon and other ingredients together. Otherwise, you can chop the dates fine, then use the side of your knife to squish them to create a paste. I hope this helps! Please keep us posted!
Thank you so much for your response, can’t wait to try it, it looks really really good. I’m not a fan of overly-sweet things (and it seems most desserts these days are extra-sweet, for some reason), and so this fits the bill perfectly. Even though I’ve not actually tried the recipe yet, I’m giving it five stars based on the ingredients, which I know will make it a favourite. :-)
Forgot to post this, the blender worked fine and the results were delicious. Made it for a birthday party in which one guest was gluten sensitive. Used rye instead of bourbon because that’s what was on hand, and there’s no doubt bourbon would be better. Thanks for the recipe! Up next is your peanut butter bars. :-)
Hooray, Jo! SO happy to hear. I hope you enjoy those PB bars too :D
Hi there. These look great. Is the coconut sweetened or not? Seems like it’s not, but not sure. Thanks!
Hey Jeff, I’m sorry for that omission… you’re right! Unsweetened coconut!
These were incredible! Tomorrow we are going to make them with coffee. Thanks!
I love hearing this, Jackie! Thank you for your note! The espresso is fabulous too :D
Yumm! I did taste before rolling and thought the candy could use more date flavor (just my preference since my husband loves dates) so added another 12 dates. Did not change the consistency, but dropped the chocolate favor just a note. Made more candies as well. Ended up with 28 candies. Every year I make about 3o plates of candy to give to neighbors and friends, so am glad to have another option. Thanks a bunch for posting this recipe.
Hi Heather! Hooray! Thank you for sharing your success with us! You said it.. this is exactly why I love these so much because they are still festive, yet healthy. I love how you adjusted them to, to your taste! Thank you again! Have a fabulous holiday! :D
Hi Traci, I just discovered your blog! Such stunning photography and wonderfully inspiring recipes! Wow. I am going to be browsing for a good, long, while. Thank you very much for sharing all these amazing ideas! Have a great weekend!
So glad you stopped by Nathalie, thank you!
These sound like the perfect healthy (but yummy) snack. Must make and soon and I happen to have all the ingredients to hand – yay!
Ooooh, I love it when that happens! No trip to the store! :D Thanks for stopping by Lucy! :D
I made these to nibble on over Christmas & New Year as a healthier snack than endless chocolates etc. They were fantastic and so easy to make. Got high praise from other half which is good as I wasn’t sure he’d like the hint of bourbon. Will definitely be making them again.
Sue, this is great! So you put the glug of bourbon in anyway?! It does make them a bit more festive and your other half enjoyed them too! Fabulous! Thank you for sharing your success!
I love this- using dates with truffles totally makes me feel less guilty about indulging :)
I agree Kelsey… that’s what I love about these most. And they’re not just for the holidays! Thanks for stopping by!
yes, this looks and sounds amazing!! I do t make truffles enough and I don’t know why. I love dates and chocolate and the addition of bourbon in this is screaming my name! I need it!!
Thank you Amanda! I think you’d enjoy these, anytime of year! Thanks for stopping by!
I have just started experimenting with dates, so this is right up my alley! I love this boozy version!
Oh good, Annie! I think you’ll enjoy them! :D The boozy is good!
How can something this decadent looking, be good for you eh!
New to your site, and quite a refreshing site it is…. lovely photography…love the white-washed table, the cotton tea-towel etc…. it has a homespun feel to it…. Well done!!!
Welcome, Nova Scotia! Thank you for your feedback and for stopping by! :D
you had me at bourbon :)
hehe :D
Bourbon. You had me at bourbon. I’ve tried making date truffles before but completely failed. I am SO trying this recipe, as it looks amazing! Happy holidays to you and yours, Traci :)
Of course I had you at Bourbon, Sarah! LOL! :D I can’t wait to see how you whip these into shape! And happy holidays to you my dear! <3
Bourbon…that’s where you sucked me in! Then I saw these pictures, WOW these date nut truffles look and sound delicious!
It’s all about that Bourbon, eh!? Love it! Thanks Karen! :D
These nut truffles sound and look amazing, Traci! The perfect edible gift idea!
Thanks so much, Jess! :D
I kinda dropped the ball this year, but in the past I’ve made all kinds of yummy treats and sent them to family for Christmas. But a few times my aunt would call me and tell me that everything was crumbled when it got there! Long story short, these really would be the perfect treats to make and send out! Also, who doesn’t like chocolate and booze?! Really, if there is anyone out there that doesn’t like chocolate and booze I don’t want to be their friend! These look awesome, Traci! I hope you are all ready for Chirstmas! I can’t believe it is this week!
Ah, Izzy. I find that some years are just like that. I think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves at Christmas time. I don’t always do as much as I want either and I am trying to be easier on myself. Internal pressure is no fun. So, yes, these would hold up in the mail very well. I like to put them in little boxes with lots and lots of tissue paper so they don’t get squished. And of course, chocolate and booze is a good thing! DeeeeLicious! I can’t believe it’s here either, Izzy!
You had me at “Bourbon”. These look so delicious! Truffles are my FAVORITE!!
HeHe!! Meee toooo! Thanks Julie! :D
I just made these and they are divine! I will be gifting them as well as keeping some for myself.
Right on, Kris! So happy you’re enjoying the deliciousness! Thanks for sharing! :D
You won me with bourbon and chocolate, Traci. These look amazing!
Thank you, Camille! :D
Your photography is absolutely STUNNING! I’m sure you probably hear that all the time but I just had to say it. Your images just knock my socks off. And this recipe… I’m craving it. I think the bourbon is such a fun and festive addition ;)
Awh, Allie. I feel the same when I visit your site! :D Yeah, it’s the bourbon that make these extra festive!
Traci, I just have to say this: I absolutely adore your photography! Your pictures have so much character to them, it amazes me every time! And the truffles look outstanding!
Awh, thank you, Nora! :D
Wonderful, fun treats, gorgeous photos!
Thanks so much Deb! :)
Ooooh what beautiful photos you have, and what beautiful truffles you make! These look so delicious, totally pinning to try!
Thank you, and thank you for your pin, Rachel!! :)
I just love how healthy and delicious these truffles are Traci. They definitely are perfect for Christmas and ideal to balance out against all the unhealthy Christmas desserts I am planning on having this week!
So perhaps save these for after the holidays for a bit of indulgence! Balance is a good thing. :D
These have all of my favorite snacks rolled into one. Plus booze! I have everything needed, except I’d have to use chocolate chips instead of the nibs. Looking forward to trying this!
It’s the booze Andrea! And bourbon has nice, peachy notes too it. It pairs well with so many sweet treats, even Dates! I think chocolate chips would be a delicious addition (good idea!) ;)
Traci! These look so good. I have been wanting to try a recipe using dates. I havent ever yet. Ill have to give these ones a try. Kinda funny that our blogs have twin posts right now ;) Guess great minds think alike. Except yours are nice and ours are naughty.
Go get some dates, Julie! Do IT!! It’s fun to have naughty and nice treats, eh. One has to balance, right? :D
These truffles look delicious! I’m seriously obsessed with your photography… uhm, a healthy obsession. ;)
Thanks so much, Tina! hehe.. :)
Okay – your description – sweet, crunchy, chewy, boozy, rich and chocolately – has me completely sold on these! Love that they are fast, too. Beautiful photos, Traci! Happy holidays!!
It’s the descriptions that hooked ya? HA!! I know, right! Thank you, Geraldine! I hope you get a chance to try these out! :D
Raw truffles.. WITH BOOZE?! Traci, you are literally my role model in every single way. That, my friend, is balance! How totally elegant yet healthy.. just what I need right now.
I know you like creating with booze! Back at ya, Cheryl! :D
I love date nut truffles and these ones look amazing! What a wonderful combination, perfect for the holidays! Very easy to make! I’m sure the toasted coconut brings so much flavor! Pictures are beautiful! Pinned and will try them soon!
Thanks so much Mira, and for your pin! I hope you enjoy these as much as we have! :D
These are gorgeous :) And I LOVE the idea of giving them as a fun and personal gift (and who doesn’t like getting chocolate!) ;) Can’t wait to try these over the holidays! Pinned!
Thank you, Ceara! And thank you for your pin! I think your gift recipients will be pleased!
Wow! Traci! What wonderful little bundles of joy you’ve created! These look fabulous… healthful, rich, boozy, chocolatey… Decadent. I can’t wait to try them! The sheer gauze presentation is gorgeous. So shimmery and festive. Thank you for the inspiration!
Why thank you, Jen! :D I hope you enjoyed them!