Date Walnut Cocoa Delight

Featured in: Warm Seasonal Bakes

These date and walnut truffles combine toasted walnuts with sweet Medjool dates, blended into a smooth, sticky mixture. Rolled into bite-sized balls and coated with unsweetened cocoa powder, they offer a rich and satisfying flavor with minimal preparation time. Ideal for those seeking a wholesome, energizing indulgence that is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Quick to make and perfect for gifting or snacking.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:03:00 GMT
Delicious Date & Walnut Truffles, coated in cocoa, ready to enjoy as a sweet vegan treat. Pin It
Delicious Date & Walnut Truffles, coated in cocoa, ready to enjoy as a sweet vegan treat. | lushkettle.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 date & walnut truffles as a quick snack for my family, and they have quickly become our favorite treat to share after dinner or pack for busy days.

Ingredients

  • Walnuts: Toasted for extra flavor. Use 1 cup (120 g).
  • Medjool dates: Pitted, about 10 to 12 large dates, roughly 1 cup (180 g).
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp for aroma.
  • Sea salt: 1/4 tsp to enhance sweetness.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tbsp for coating.

Instructions

Toast the walnuts:
Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the walnuts for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Allow to cool.
Grind walnuts:
Pulse the cooled walnuts in a food processor until finely ground.
Make the dough:
Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
Form truffles:
Scoop out 1 tablespoon portions and roll into balls with your hands.
Coat truffles:
Roll each ball in cocoa powder placed in a shallow bowl until evenly coated.
Chill:
Refrigerate the truffles for at least 20 minutes before serving to firm up.
Cocoa-dusted Date & Walnut Truffles offering a rich, naturally sweet flavor, perfect for sharing. Pin It
Cocoa-dusted Date & Walnut Truffles offering a rich, naturally sweet flavor, perfect for sharing. | lushkettle.com

We love making these truffles together—rolling each one is a fun kitchen moment for kids, and every batch disappears faster than expected.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Gluten-free and dairy-free, but double-check labels for any flavored ingredients.

Nutritional Information (per truffle)

Calories: 70, Total Fat: 4.5 g, Carbohydrates: 7 g, Protein: 1.2 g.

Homemade Date & Walnut Truffles, with a fine cocoa powder coating, awaiting refrigeration to set. Pin It
Homemade Date & Walnut Truffles, with a fine cocoa powder coating, awaiting refrigeration to set. | lushkettle.com

Enjoy these truffles chilled for best texture. They are a thoughtful homemade gift or a nourishing snack any time of day.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I toast the walnuts properly?

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives, offering a slightly different but delicious flavor.

How long should I chill the truffles before serving?

Refrigerate the truffles for at least 20 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape.

Is it possible to add extra flavor to these treats?

Yes, adding ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor profile.

What is the best way to store these walnut-date bites?

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

Date Walnut Cocoa Delight

Naturally sweet date and walnut bites with cocoa dusting, perfect for a wholesome treat.

Time to Prep
15 mins
Time to Cook
5 mins
Full Prep Time
20 mins
Created By Samantha Reeves


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition International

Portion 16 Serving Size

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You Need

Nuts & Dried Fruit

01 1 cup walnuts (120 g)
02 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10–12 large dates, 180 g)

Flavorings

01 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
02 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Coating

01 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Grind walnuts: Transfer cooled walnuts to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Step 03

Combine ingredients: Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor. Process until mixture forms a sticky, cohesive dough.

Step 04

Shape truffles: Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into balls by hand.

Step 05

Coat with cocoa: Place cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle until evenly coated with cocoa.

Step 06

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Verify ingredients for potential gluten or dairy contamination.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details offered for informational purposes, not as a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Calories: 70
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 1.2 g