Chocolate Tahini Energy Truffles
These delightful little truffles are deliciously simple to make and loaded with antioxidants, protein and good fats with no refined sugar for healthy snacking. It’s no secret that I’m a huge tahini fan and I’m constantly trying to find new ways to include it in recipes. I also find it goes exceptionally well with chocolate – my other food love! So I threw them together with a few other basic ingredients to create this super easy, speedy and no-bake snack. Fudgy, not-too-sweet, creamy and complex thanks to the inclusion of tahini, bitter and chocolatey because of cocoa powder, and dates lend the perfect texture and sweetness.The main binding ingredient is tahini, aka sesame paste - a nutritional powerhouse, tahini contains all the essential amino acids, making it a high quality protein, plus it is rich in lecithin, vitamin E and calcium. It is easily digestible because its high alkaline mineral content and because of its non-acid nature, tahini is an ideal protein source for people with weak digestive systems, invalids and young children, and is an excellent source of quick energy for active people and athletes.Tahini (aka liquid gold) is made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. It's smooth, nutty and rich, with a slightly bitter finish and an mouthfeel similar to almond or peanut butter.These nutrient-dense balls have become my favorite snack to prepare. They cover all the bases of my snack requirements: chewy, creamy, salty, sweet, and nutritious. And they do a fine job of keeping me away from the sweets at work every afternoon.These energy balls are simple to make and are the best healthy snack for at home or on-the-go! A variety of nuts, seeds, and other superfoods are combined to make balls packed full of nutrients. Making them at home with whole foods avoids the additives and preservatives in store-bought protein or energy bars.Whip up a batch in 15 minutes, freeze to harden, and store leftovers in the fridge so they are ready at a moment's notice. Whether it's for a pre-or post-workout energy boost, dessert, breakfast, or to satisfy that 3 o'clock snack craving, these bite sized healthy treats are the golden ticket.Weekly game plan: make a batch of these tahini, date energy balls. Reach for one any time snack cravings strike. Repeat as often as necessary.Let’s do this!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup almonds, or walnutsor a mix
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame butter)
- 1/4 cup cocoa or cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Coating
- 1/4 cup black and/or white sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place the almonds into a food processor, and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, tahini, cocoa, vanilla and salt and continue to process until the mixture is sticky and well combined.Be careful not to over-process. It is nice to have some different sized ‘bits’ in your truffles to add texture.Place a small plate or dish nearby for your truffles, add sesame seeds then, using a 1–1½ tablespoon scoop, form the mixture into balls and drop them into the sesame seeds. Roll them around to fully coat, then shake off any loose seeds.Enjoy right away or place finished truffles on your plate or dish and transfer to the refrigerator to firm up (aim for at least 30 minutes for best texture). Leftover truffles keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or in the freezer for 1 month (or longer).
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
