Vanilla And Bean

Sweet and Savory Vegetarian

Bourbon Date Nut Truffles

By 62 Comments

Bourbon Date Nut Truffles {V + GF}| Vanilla And Bean

I was thinking about more cookies for the blog this week. Then I started thinking….

…about something decadent, rich and chocolatety without feeling naughty… perhaps something….

Nice.

Bourbon Date Nut Truffles {V + GF}| Vanilla And Bean

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.
Bourbon Date Nut Truffles {V + GF}| Vanilla And Bean

Bourbon Date Nut Truffles {V + GF}| Vanilla And Bean

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.

Bourbon Date Nut Truffles {Vegan + GF} | Vanilla And Bean

Date nut truffles will also sooth a sweet tooth and chocolate cravings.

They are: no bake, sweet without added sugar, crunchy, chewy, boozy, rich and chocolatey.

Pure bliss!

Bourbon Date Nut Truffles {Vegan + GF} | Vanilla And Bean

 

Bourbon Date Nut Truffles {V + GF}| Vanilla And Bean
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Bourbon Date Nut Truffles

Vegan and gluten free, this rich, chocolatey and boozy date nut truffle makes a fabulous holiday gift, after dinner indulgence or a dinner party treat.
Prep Time30 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 26 Truffles
Author: Traci York | Vanilla And Bean

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 see note
  • 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.

Notes

For a booze-less truffle, leave out the bourbon and add, 1/4 C espresso or strong coffee.
These truffles are rich. For added sweetness, taste after all the ingredients are mixed together and if a little sweeter truffle is desired, add the maple syrup to taste. 
Tried this recipe?Loved it? Leave a comment below! Take a snap of what you made and share it on social: @VanillaAndBean, tag #VanillaAndBean!

Bourbon Date Nut Truffles {V + GF}| Vanilla And Bean

If you make this recipe, or any others on Vanilla And Bean, be sure to post it to Instagram, notify me @vanillaandbean and tag #vanillaandbean or leave a comment below. I’d love to see and/or hear about what you’ve made!  Also, if you like my content, please consider sharing it with three friends and/or family and follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and/or Twitter.  Thank you!

 

Comments

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  1. Jeff says

    May 30, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    Hi there. These look great. Is the coconut sweetened or not? Seems like it’s not, but not sure. Thanks!

    Reply

  3. Heather says

    December 21, 2015 at 12:49 pm

    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.

    Reply

    • Traci says

      December 21, 2015 at 3:17 pm

      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

      Reply

  4. Nathalie @ Vanille Verte says

    February 6, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    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!

    Reply

  6. Sue says

    January 22, 2015 at 5:03 am

    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.

    Reply

    • Traci says

      January 22, 2015 at 1:10 pm

      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!

      Reply

  10. Nova Scotia says

    December 23, 2014 at 1:53 am

    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!!!

    Reply

  15. Isadora says

    December 21, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    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!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      December 22, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      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!

      Reply

  19. Allie | Baking a Moment says

    December 19, 2014 at 7:51 pm

    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 ;)

    Reply

    • Traci says

      December 21, 2014 at 12:23 pm

      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!) ;)

      Reply

  25. Julie @ Cooks with Cocktails says

    December 18, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    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.

    Reply

  28. Cheryl says

    December 18, 2014 at 9:33 am

    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.

    Reply

  29. Mira says

    December 18, 2014 at 6:07 am

    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!

    Reply

  31. Jennifer Caldwell says

    December 17, 2014 at 12:35 am

    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!

    Reply

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