Growing up, I always looked forward to Valentine’s Day because every year my grandpa would send us a heart-shaped See’s box of chocolates. Half the fun was trying them all and, as kids do, putting the ones I didn’t like back into the box. While I still love the tradition behind the heart-shaped boxes, this Valentine’s Day, I set out to create a healthier version of my favorite chocolate candy. Using only six ingredients, these chocolate-coconut bites are filled with superfoods that still satisfy your sweet tooth. We also guarantee there will be no half-eaten chocolates left in sight! The…
Growing up, I always looked forward to Valentine’s Day because every year my grandpa would send us a heart-shaped See’s box of chocolates. Half the fun was trying them all and, as kids do, putting the ones I didn’t like back into the box. While I still love the tradition behind the heart-shaped boxes, this Valentine’s Day, I set out to create a healthier version of my favorite chocolate candy. Using only six ingredients, these chocolate-coconut bites are filled with superfoods that still satisfy your sweet tooth. We also guarantee there will be no half-eaten chocolates left in sight!
The dates, cranberries, and dark chocolate give the recipe the perfect amount of sweetness without adding any refined sugars. The Valentine’s Day treats are also packed with tons of healthy nutrients like chia seeds, almonds, and coconut — no empty calories here.
If you’re missing any of the ingredients, don’t worry — you can basically make these chocolate balls with whatever you have in your pantry. If you don’t have almonds, try pistachios or walnuts, and if you don’t like cranberries, dried cherries or raisins are great substitutes. Just make sure you add enough dates into the mix so the dry ingredients stick together.
Notes
If the mixture doesn’t stick together easily into round balls, add more dates and combine in the food processor again. Taste test as you go and adjust measurements to your liking!
Ingredients
2 cups dates, pitted (about 10)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
2 tablespoons chia seeds
Directions
- In a food processor, combine all six ingredients until the mixture is finely chopped and sticks together. (If you like a crunchier truffle, don’t process the ingredients as finely.)
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and enjoy right away, or keep these bites refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container.
Information
- Category
- Desserts, Chocolate
- Yield
- 16 balls
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Stephanie Wong
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Source: These Vegan Truffles Are the Only Date You’ll Need This Valentine’s Day : PopSugar
