It’s no secret that peanut butter, pretzel and chocolate go together. They were practically separated at birth, if you think about it. I say, let’s fix that. WHO’S WITH ME?!
This dessert is perfect for Valentine’s Day because it’s salty-sweet, melts in your mouth and is highly shareable. What more could you ask for in a romantic holiday dessert?
But even if V-Day is not romantic for you…
Say, you hate all members of the opposite sex (we’ve been there)
You’re having a bad hair day
Your coworker’s desk is LINED with flowers (ugh, Rhonda)
Your fingernail paint is chipping
Your V-Day plans include watching re-runs of Friends with Ben and Jerry
WHO CARES? Valentine’s Day isn’t about that anyway. It’s about love, and that includes loving yourself. I suggest you start loving yourself by making these 6-ingredient peanut butter pretzel truffles and enjoying a few by the fire. (Or your faux Netflix fire…Gah, I love technology.)
The center of these guys is simple: Pretzels, peanut butter, dates and almonds. That’s it!
And the outside is all chocolate. Choose dark or milk or bittersweet; it’s really your call. I usually opt for bittersweet when making candy because it cooperates best when melted and pairs well with salty flavors.
The only thing left is to sprinkle these with a few more crushed pretzels, or little pretzel pieces.
If you’re about leaving something to the imagination, go for crushed. (It’s like “What’s inside? I DON’T KNOW but the suspense is killing me!)
If you hate mystery like me, go for the broken pieces. (It’s like “Yeah, there’s pretzels in there. YERR GONNA WANT THAT.”)
Ya dig?
You’re gonna love these truffles. They’re:
Peanut buttery
Studded with pretzels
Swimming in chocolate
Salty
Sweet
Shareable
Decadent
Satisfying
& Borderline addictive
Happy candy making, friends! As always, if you make these little gems take a photo and put it on Instagram! Then tag me @minimalistbaker (and don’t be a private user or I can’t see it, and that usually ruins my day). I’d love to see your candy making in action! Hugz.
Vegan Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pitted medjool or deglet noor dates (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes then drained)
- 1/2 cup salted natural peanut butter
- 3/4 cup raw almonds or roasted peanuts (I used half portions of both)
- 1/2 cup mini pretzels (broken/packed // plus more for topping // GF for gluten-free eaters)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped dairy-free dark or semisweet chocolate
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Place peanuts and/or almonds in the food processor and process until you reach the consistency of a meal.
- Then add in pretzels and process until only small bits remain. Remove mixture from bowl and aside.
- Next, place soaked dates in the food processor and process until small bits remain and/or it forms into a ball.
- Next, add the peanut butter and mix until well combined.
- Then add in the pretzel-nut mixture a little at a time and mix until a dough is formed. You shouldn’t need to use it all (which is fine because you can use any leftovers for topping the truffles).
- Once you have a dough that’s easy to form into balls, scoop out 1 Tablespoon amounts and roll/carefully form into balls. Set on parchment paper and place in freezer to chill.
- Next melt chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30 second increments. Once melted, stir in coconut oil to help the chocolate thin and become easier to dip the truffles.
- Remove truffles from freezer and then, one at a time, dip them into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to remove them and tap away excess chocolate. Transfer back onto parchment paper and top with pretzel pieces or additional crushed pretzels. You will likely have leftover chocolate, which I recommend using to either double dip the truffles or dip pretzels in (because it’s fun).
- Repeat until all truffles are dipped. Place back in the freezer or fridge to set. Store leftovers in an airtight container or bag at room temperature. Transfer to freezer for longer term storage.
Nutrition (1 of 18 servings)
Darlene says
Oops, please disregard my last comment. I missed a sentence! Ugh!
Darlene says
Something doesn’t make sense to me. Peanuts, pretzels and dates go in the food processor. Then the peanut butter goes in? Then add the peanut/pretzel mixture … to what? Aren’t they already all in the food processor? Am I missing something?
Hi Darlene, you remove the pretzel/nut mixture (transfer to a bowl) from the food processor at the end of step 2. Then you add the dates to the empty food processor and add the pretzel/nut mixture back in a little at a time. Hope that helps!
Jenny says
These are so good! I didn’t have raw almonds so I used tamari roasted almonds since I welcomed the additional savoury flavour and they turned out perfect.. so yummy! Last time I used almond flour in place of the raw almonds and didn’t like the texture as much- too smooth.. I liked it more with a bit of crunch.
Thanks for another delicious recipe!
Amazing! Tamari almonds sound extra delicious. Thank you so much for sharing, Jenny! xo
Sandi says
Can you use store-bought almond meal instead of processing the raw almonds?
Hi Sandi, We haven’t tried that, but it might work! It won’t be quite as textured, but should still be delicious. Let us know how it goes!
Sandi says
I did end up usingTrader Joe’s Almond Meal instead of processing the almonds myself, mostly out of laziness, because I was making 3 batches. They were, indeed, delicious! Sent them off to my 3 kids for Valentine’s Day! My daughter is a big fan of your recipes, and I have no doubt that these delectable treats will be very much appreciated!
Love that! Thanks for sharing, Sandi! xo
Liza says
Hi Dana, these truffles look stunning and delicious. I want to make them right now but i only have unsalted peanut butter, can i just add salt to the recipe? if yes, how much salt should i use? Thanks so much and can’t wait to try them!
Sure! Add salt to taste.
Liza says
Thanks! How much salt should I add?
Probably just a pinch!
Pamela says
These are beyond delicious! The filling is a perfect combination of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. Next time I’m going to try rolling them in shredded coconut rather than dipping in chocolate (mostly because my preschooler would eat 5 in one sitting if I allowed it). They’re also easy and fun to make with little ones!
Sandra says
Thank you Dana, for the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day-my husband loved them!
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Sandra. We are so glad he enjoyed them! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
Anne says
As a new vegan convert I’m in the hunt for healthy desserts without the dairy and sugar and this was just perfect! My husband loved it too and he was so amazed how good it was and he can’t believe that there was no sugar in the recipe – he had to ask me a few times in disbelief while he kept enjoying his truffle ? I used half semi sweet and half dark chocolate and it was just perfect for us – I only used 1 cup chocolate which was still plenty. I have some left overs which I’m sure will be gone pretty soon! Thanks again Dana for an awesome recipe! Xoxo!
Mary Jane says
These are great! I used ritz crackers instead because it’s all I had. I also made a hazelnut version, using 1/2 cup of your homemade nutella, 3/4 cup hazelnuts, and 1/2 oreos. YUM!!!!!!
Mandy Nash says
These are SO happening tomorrow!! I know you like us all to take pictures of your beautifully crafted recipes, and you ARE my favorist blogger/recipe developer…. but I seriously devour everything way too quickly to even think about snapping a photo lol!!! Thank you for all the free recipes!
Mike says
This is the recipe that led me to your site. I absolutely love everything you have posted. Simple, easy-to-follow instructions are what keep me coming back.
Harley says
Interested can these be frozen??
Jamie says
I just got done making these for a Holiday food day at work tomorrow. I had to try one. They are sooooo great. I am tempted to keep them for myself and take a bag of terrible potato chips in instead. I have made quite a few recipes from this site, all were good. But these are awesome. My favorite so far. And so easy!!!! I wish I could post a picture of them.
Natalie says
I am going to have to make these for my office ladies! They love sweets!!
Lisa says
Oops-ok, I accidentally left a comment on the easy vegan truffles recipe, but it was actually this truffle recipe that was made. I had mentioned in that other comment that my 9 year old daughter made these all by herself for a fall festival dessert contest at school. I was coming back to tell you she got second place, out of 23 desserts! Pretty cool. First place went to pumpkin ice cream.
Galina Rainex says
these are simply the best.
are they ok to freeze until you need them
your website s something wonderful x
Yes! Freeze up to 1 month.
Geraldine says
My kind of recipe! Not full of junk but still lots of flavor. I will try these soon.
Katie says
These are super yummy! I have leftover peanut/pretzel mix, which will be used in another batch :)
I coated my bites with only crushed pretzel: half have more chunky pretzels; the other half has more fine pretzels (just being the bottom of the barrel)–which are more chocolate-y tasting.
I love the recipe. :)
Thank you Dana!
kendra says
Made these this morning and they are so ridiculously over the tip delicious! Quick and easy and truly addictive!! Thank you so much for these wonderful recipes!
Carmen says
Hi. Your recipes look AWESOME – especially the ones that have chocolate and peanut butter together!!! :) But…. I’m not a fan of dates (or mixing fruit with my chocolate). :/ Any ideas of something else to substitute the dates with?? THANKS in advance!!!
Melly says
I made these this afternoon — and holy golly darn are they ever amazing!
I very much love your blog, and use it frequently (I made the raspberry chipotle dip yesterday). Thank you for taking the time to create these delicious eats.
Thanks Melly! So glad you liked these.
Veronika M. says
I made these as an anniversary gift for my hubby (wrapped up in a cute chocolate box) and Ohhh, wow! They were amazing, seriously he loved them and so did our friends and family we shared them with. Thank you again for another wonderful recipe!
white truffles says
Looks like I got you late but I am on right place. I love to try new dishes of truffles and peanut butter with truffles(favorite) looks so yummy. I can’t wait to make it and I am sure your dish was better in taste. Thanks a lot for sharing your genius.
Veronica says
Made these tonight and they were amazing! I loved that when I made the dough, I decided that I needed more, so I added more pb,dates, and pretzels without measuring – and it increased the total number of truffles. Super customizeable. Another chocolate glaze i learned is to mix pure cocoa powder, agave, and coconut oil and the chocolate will harden like magic shell. Pretty cool. :-)
Great! Thanks for sharing your experience, Veronica. So glad you enjoyed them!
Sabrina says
Just made these and they were alittle dry but still delicious! Any suggestions on how to make them more moist?
Hmm, perhaps it was your dates? Soak them a little longer next time? Otherwise, add less pretzels. Hope that helps!
Sabrina says
Thank you! I will try that :)
Michelle says
These were amazing! When I made the second time, I was too lazy to melt the chocolate, so I just folding in chocolate chips. Not as good as the original, but still amazingly tasty! (and less to clean in the kitchen!)
LaCuisineHelene says
I will have to make these soon. Thanks for the recipe. If I decide to take pics and talk about it on my blog what is your policy regarding publishing the recipe? Waiting to hear from you. Thanks.
Thanks for asking! You can find our sharing policy on our about page. Share one photo with a link.
Chrissy says
YUM-O. Can’t wait to make these!
kelsey from {psheart} says
you had me at peanut butter…. ;) seriously these look incredible, and I can’t wait to try them. peanut butter + chocolate + pretzels is basically the best combo ever!
Marie says
Thanks, Mary! I’m definitely trying this now! :-)
Amy says
My daughter and I made these for a Valentine’s Day surprise. We have two children with nut allergies so I substituted with a little extra pretzel and used No Nuts golden peabutter spread (tastes very close to peanut butter). We also have soy and dairy allergies in some family members, so we dipped these using the Enjoy Life chocolate chips. They turned out soooooo delicious. This recipe will be a keeper…may become a new Valentine tradition!
So glad you enjoyed these, Amy! Happy v-day. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Marie says
These look great, and I have everything, except dates…. Is there anything I could substitute for them, maybe raisins or currants?
Mary says
I used prunes instead of dates and they were amazing!!
Mary says
These look delicious! Do you ever sub prunes for dates in your baking? I have been wanting to experiment for awhile but don’t know the right recipe to try it on.
Iosune says
I love my boyfriend but I also love myself, so I’ll make this recipe for both of us, it’s amazing!!!!!! Thanks ;)
Kristen @ The Vegan Weirdos Next Door says
These may have to make an appearance on Valentine’s Day <3
Vicky and Ruth says
We love a sweet and salty combo and if it’s healthy it’s even better. I am drooling and admiring your pictures at the same time!
Kathi @ Deliciously Yum! says
Always a fabulous combo! These truffles look absolutely beautiful. I would not be able to stop at just eating 2 0r 3!!!
Brie @ Entrée the Giant says
Salty sweet? That’s my jam. Making these for MYSELF for vday.
Maybe I’ll share some with my hubby. Maybe…
Lily (A Rhubarb Rhapsody) says
Urrrgh, your comment about “Rhonda” just reminded me of a most depressing day at work a long time ago. I was coming back from my lunch break and the concierge called me over holding a huge bouquet of flowers. Naturally, I was super excited, I’d never had flowers delivered to me. He asked if I could deliver them to another girl in the office on my way back to my desk. So I trekked all the way through my ridiculously vast office building to deliver flowers to some other girl and then return to my bleary desk empty-handed. If only I’d had a plate-full of these to soothe my woes!
DawnMoodyDesign says
I’ll try to find y’all on FB. Love the recipes!
Vanessa says
I just so happened to have everything needed to make these and thought I’d whip up a few to give as Valentine’s Day gifts. Um, yeah. Going to have to whip up another batch because the first one was gobbled down in minutes. Absolutely amazing!
Emily @ Life on Food says
Nothing not to love with these little truffles. I am not a Valentine’s Day hater but I am all about treating myself too.
Mimi @ Culinary Couture says
How do you always know what I’m craving?!
tammy thiele says
All I can say is…Happy Valentine’s Day to me! May spend some of the day making a batch of these!
Tammy
Tracy | Pale Yellow says
Pretzels + chocolate + peanut butter IS perfect! I also adore caramel + chocolate + pretzels!
cindi says
These look amazing….I can’t wait to try them!
Shikha @ Shikha la mode says
Pretzels + chocolate = yes. Always yes. Your photos are always amazing as well – love that closeup shot!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
These sound SO awesome!! I LOVE a good salty/sweet combo!
Jennifer says
Salty and sweet? Yes please!
xo Jennifer
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
what is not to love about this post…how i want to go home and make this already.
Katy says
I love this twist on the more traditional date/nut balls, way to bring something awesome and new to the table! I’m a V-Day hater but pile up a few of these on a plate and I think I could be convinced. :)
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
Salty, peanut butter and chocolate , I’m in!!!! :D
Alanna says
OMG, yumminess! These look so killer, you mad genius you. Hooray for self love on V-day (and every day). And truffles. :)
Thanks Alanna! Loved your truffles this week. I mean LOVE. Bergamot? Seriously? You’re the mad genius.
Alanna says
You say (and make) the sweetest things!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I flipping love Valentine’s day, these truffles, and this blog. Awesome recipe guys!
Thanks Katrina! We love you for it. (internet hugs)
sarah@thesweetlife says
These look fantastic and so simple! I’ve always thought valentines day was about chocolate rather than Love anyway so no matter one’s situation they can love the holiday with a little bit of chocolate.
olivetorun says
One of my favorite combinations! These look delicious!
Abbie @ Needs Salt says
Oh my gosh. These truffles look stunning! Such a simple but amazing combo that is so seriously addictive. I need these in my life.
pinning!
Thanks Abbie! If you give these a go, let us know how you like them!
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life says
I’m ALL FOR loving myself with lots of these beautiful truffles!
Ann Oliverio says
“Reunited and it feels so good!”
ExACTLY ;D
Tieghan Gerard says
Ya, I dig!! These are awesome. Love this combo for life! :)
Chelsea says
Yes. Please. Right. Now.
Lee says
:DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
yous makes me smiles.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
So pretty! I have an almost identical recipe in my cookbook and it’s also on my blog! Peanuts, PB, pretzels, chocolate, cannot go wrong with that combo! Yours look beautiful, Dana!
I should’ve guessed you did! You’re the PB queen!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
My boyfriend can step aside, THESE are my valentine this year!
haha, I can see why! I had to give these away immediately – too much temptation! But I was able to eat 3-4 before sending them off to friends. Enjoy, Abby!
annie @ chase that i love says
Ooooh salty sweet truffles. If I made these I would have to bring them into work to share because otherwise I would eat every. last. one.
Tell me about it. Had to ship these off to friends! Too good to sit around my house…
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Oh, I just adore pretzels+chocolate together. These look perfect!