Walnut Date Truffle Recipe – Easy Chocolate Cashew Bites

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Walnut Date Truffle Recipe – Easy Chocolate Cashew Bites

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a sweet treat that’s relatively healthy and super easy to whip up. Well, look no further! These Walnut Date Truffles are exactly that – a little bite of heaven that requires no baking and comes together in minutes. I first made these when I was craving something chocolatey but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. They’ve been a hit ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any truffles. They’re packed with the goodness of nuts and dates, naturally sweetened, and totally decadent. Seriously, who needs complicated desserts when you can have these? They’re perfect for a quick afternoon snack, a thoughtful homemade gift, or even a little something special to enjoy with your evening chai. Plus, they’re incredibly satisfying – a little goes a long way!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful truffles:

• 1 cup walnuts (about 140g)
• 1 cup dates, pitted (about 170g) – Medjool dates work best!
• 0.25 cup almonds (about 30g)
• 0.25 cup cashews (about 30g)
• 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 20g)
• Icing sugar, as needed (about 1/2 cup or 60g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! They’re not just there to taste good – they each bring something special to the party.

• Dates: Dates are nature’s caramel! They provide sweetness, bind the mixture together, and are packed with fiber and nutrients. Medjool dates are wonderfully soft and plump, making them ideal for this recipe.
• Walnuts, Almonds & Cashews: This trio of nuts adds a lovely texture and healthy fats. Walnuts bring a slightly bitter, earthy flavor, almonds offer a subtle sweetness, and cashews contribute to a creamy consistency. Feel free to adjust the ratios to your liking!
• Chocolate Chips: I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness, but you can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate if you have a sweet tooth. Make sure to check the ingredients if you’re looking for vegan options.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, in a food processor, pulse the walnuts and almonds until they’re coarsely ground. You don’t want a fine powder, just a nice, crumbly texture.
2. Next, add the pitted dates to the food processor and pulse until the mixture starts to bind together. It might take a few minutes, and you might need to scrape down the sides a couple of times.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased bowl. This prevents sticking! Add the chocolate chips and mix gently until they’re evenly distributed.
4. Now, lightly grease your hands – this is key! Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. About 1 inch in diameter is perfect.
5. Pour a generous amount of icing sugar into a bowl. Roll each truffle in the icing sugar, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This gives them that beautiful, snowy finish.
6. Place each truffle in a muffin liner. Pop them in the fridge for 2-3 minutes to help them set.
7. Finally, store them in an airtight container or get creative and gift-wrap them in a decorative box!

Expert Tips

• Don’t have a food processor? You can finely chop the nuts and dates by hand, but it will take a bit more effort.
• If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of water or a little bit of date syrup at a time until it comes together.
• For a smoother truffle, process the nuts and dates for a longer time.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply ensure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly! There are some fantastic vegan chocolate chips available now.
• Gluten-Free: These truffles are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
• Spice Level: My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the mixture for a warm, fragrant twist. It’s delicious!
• Festival Adaptations: These make amazing gifts during Diwali or Christmas. Package them in pretty boxes with ribbons and they’re sure to impress. My family always looks forward to them!

Serving Suggestions

These truffles are delicious on their own, but you can also:

• Serve them with a cup of hot chai or coffee.
• Arrange them on a platter for a party or gathering.
• Include them in a dessert spread.

Storage Instructions

Store these truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage – just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• How long do these truffles stay fresh? They’re best enjoyed within a week when stored in the fridge.
• Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe? Absolutely! Pecans, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious.
• Can I make these truffles ahead of time? Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge.
• What’s the best way to prevent the truffles from sticking together? Make sure to coat them generously with icing sugar and store them in a single layer if possible.
• Can I add a liqueur or extract to enhance the flavor? Definitely! A teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or a splash of rum or brandy would be lovely.