Sometimes a girl’s just gotta have chocolate. But it can’t always be in the form of a double dipped cone from DQ (guilty), an entire dark chocolate bar (I’ve done that once or thrice) or a fat slice of chocolate cake (oh lordy, yes). Else, we might just become that fat slice of cake, and we don’t want that (we don’t right? OK, just checking…).
Friends, I have a solution. Rich chocolate truffles with plenty of decadent flavor and a hint of spice thanks to cayenne, nutmeg and cinnamon. Dates bring it all together and make it sweet. Sweet, spicy, chocolaty – I think we have all the bases covered, right?
These vegan truffles were inspired by the most adorable person on earth, Ashlae from Oh, Lady Cakes. I stumbled upon her blog a few months back and promptly sent her an email titled “friend request” that expressed how fabulous I thought she and her blog were, specifically her raw cacao ice cream. She replied just hours later saying “…thank you for not writing to tell me how terrible it is that I think it’s OK for people to consume 500-calorie bowls of ice cream. WHO FREAKING COUNTS CALORIES??!?!?!! The nerve of some people, I tell you what.”
We’ve been fast friends ever since.
These vegan truffles were certainly inspired by her lovely Lady Cakes (was that inappropriate?). She had me at raw. Then she threw in cacao and then slayed me with truffle. I simply added some coffee and spice. Try them both ways, they’re quite delicious either way, I tell you what.
And in case you’re wondering what makes them Mayan? We have the Mayans to thank for inspiring the combo of chocolate + spice. Read more about it here.
More Chocolate Truffle Recipes
- 2-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Truffles
- 10-Minute Chocolate Truffles (Date-Sweetened)
- Easy Vegan Truffles
- 5-Ingredient Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Truffles
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Raw Mayan Truffles
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw almonds
- 2 Tbsp cacao powder (plus more for rolling)
- 2 Tbsp dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips (raw to keep recipe raw)
- 12-13 whole dates (soaked for 15 minutes in water*)
- 1-2 Tbsp date water (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Vietnamese cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (start with less if your cayenne is super fresh/spicy)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Place almonds in a food processor and process until nearly the consistency of almond meal – the pieces should be very fine but stop before it starts to turn to butter.
- Next add cacao powder, chocolate, dates (minus the water), and spices and blend well.
- Add 1 Tbsp of date water ONLY if your batter isn’t coming together. It should be difficult to process at this point.
- Transfer to a bowl and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from freezer and roll into 1-inch balls. They will be sticky but manageable with the warmth of your hands.
- Roll in cacao powder (optional) and keep frozen to retain freshness. You can eat them chilled or at room temperature. I preferred them a tad on the warm side as you could taste more of the flavors.
Notes
*Adapted from Oh, Lady Cakes Mayan Truffles
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Nicole says
Loved these! I used cocoa powder and walnuts as I don’t have almonds at the moment, and rolled mine in hemp hearts. Their taste kind of took over, so next time I’ll leave plain or roll in cocoa powder. My cinnamon isn’t Vietnamese either so I think next time I’ll add extra as they were fairly subtle all around, but lovely.
We’re so glad you enjoyed them, Nicole! Thanks for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications! xo
mnh says
This did not come out smooth in my food processor, unlike other raw truffles I have made in the past. I think the spices are a nice touch, and it just doesn’t hit the spot for me.
Hi, these aren’t as smooth due to the dates. For a smooth truffle, we would recommend these: https://minimalistbaker.com/2-ingredient-dark-chocolate-truffles/
SBordeaux says
These are great, just made them today. I would love to see a golden milk chocolate raw truffle recipe on here!
Radha says
If store bought almond flour is used, is it the same amount as 2 cups of almonds or more?
Thanks
joanne says
This looks like an older recipe that I’ve just discovered on Pinterest. Do the almonds need to be soaked and dried first, or does it matter for these? I’m a little confused about the soaking thing with nuts and when it needs to be done.. I’m looking forward to trying these soon! Thanks!
Colleen says
I just made these for a potluck. I could not get Vietnamese cinnamon so I added more regular to make up for the intense flavor. I also rolled them in coconut sugar and then in the cocoa. Love them! Thank you!!!!
Kerry says
Is it ok to just use almond meal if I already have that?
Yes!
EvilVegan says
Would replacing raw cacao for the cocoa in the processor an even trade or is cocoa the way to go here?
Kait @ yogabeautylife says
My response to this post is not appropriate…for work, the interwebs, or anywhere but my mind.
Also, I love your lady cakes innuendo. And am glad you will randomly email food bloggers (or in my case, take over their comments section).
Alanna says
These look freakin’ amazing! LOVE the photos. Looking forward to reading more :)
Christine says
I am just making these. Firstly – I cannot believe how delicious the mix is! They turn out perfectly just as you have described! My Hubs favourite snack is dates so he is going to love these! Thanks for the recipe. Next time I’m gonna try them with some cardamon in place of the cayenne…….mmmmmmmm
Yay! Glad you and your hubby like!
Jessica says
Hi, I just stumbled across your blog from this pin on pinterest. I am addicted. Everything looks gorgeous and so delicious. I’ll be back many times. Thanks for sharing. :)
Thanks Jessica! Always happy to “meet” new readers. Thanks for stopping by! Hope you’ll stick around :D
Lady Teacup says
Nom.
Nomnomnomnomnom.
I admit, I stopped at the dates first and went “YAY!”. This is mixing the best things into one. YES. PLEASE.
Thaaaank you for being such a genius!
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
Ooooh, I love truffles like this! And I just love the cayenne in these – I gotta try that :D
Ashlae says
HEY GIRL HEY. Pretty truffles. Bring those when you come visit, ok?
mmmmmmmmkkkkkkkk ; )
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Awesome job on these and in like 2009 or so, I swear, my entire blog was a year’s worth of no-bake balls, truffles, dates and nuts. I love this type of thing, so much. Yours are beautiful!
Ashley says
These sound fabulous! A nice change of pace with the spice + coffee thrown in. I also love Ashlae and 500 calorie bowls of ice cream.