Tahini date truffles are an indulgent and healthy treat made from date paste, tahini, and dark chocolate. They’re packed with nutrition and easy to make.
I love a bite of chocolate or a little sweet after dinner, but I hate how unhealthy they usually are! So here’s a yummy treat that actually does you good – delicious tahini date truffles.
You’ll love how easy and rewarding it is to make these tasty and nutritious truffles yourself.
Store cupboard standbys
I always have tahini in my cupboard. It’s such a delicious and versatile ingredient, and comes out so often. It’s essential in humous, and adds a nutrient-boosting drizzle to the top of chocolate brownies. It can also sub in for some of the butter or oil in cakes and cookies, to make them a little healthier.
I also keep a squeezy bottle of tahini on hand for a quick, no-effort salad dressing, or to squirt over avocado toast or roasted vegetables.
The date paste doesn’t come out quite so often, if I’m honest. I bought it at Pesach as a matzo topping, but honestly it’s a bit too sweet for my taste. But that’s why it’s a great choice for making these naturally sweet, nutty and delicious truffle treats!
Dates – sweet and symbolic
Dates have special symbolism in Judaism, especially at Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). They are one of the Seven Species of the Land of Israel, and are also said to be the ‘honey’ referred to in the phrase a land of milk and honey.
These sweet, sticky fruits are often eaten at Rosh Hashanah as part of our wish for a sweet new year. Some people say that they also represent prosperity. Finally the Hebrew word for dates – תמרים – tamarim reminds us of the word tam, meaning ‘to end.’ This reflects our hope that any grievances or hatred against us will come to an end.
Health Benefits of Tahini Date Truffles
Tahini date truffles combine the natural sweetness of dates with the creamy nuttiness of tahini and the rich flavour of dark chocolate, to make something that’s both satisfying and beneficial for your health.
Date paste is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. It supports digestive health and provides essential nutrients as well as natural sweetness. Meanwhile tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is packed with healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants. It is also an excellent plant-based source of calcium.
Dark chocolate, with a high cocoa content, is rich is polyphenols, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. It’s also a good source of iron, an essential mineral.
Together, these ingredients create gooey, indulgent truffles that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also support your overall health in a variety of ways. Whether you need a quick energy boost or a healthful way to treat yourself, tahini date truffles tick all the boxes.
Ingredients in tahini date truffles
To make tahini date truffles, you’ll first need to gather your ingredients. You will need:
- Date paste – I make these truffles using smooth date paste for ease. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by blending soaked, pitted dates in a food processor until smooth.
- Tahini – Choose a creamy, runny tahini that’s well-stirred to avoid separation. This will give your truffles a delightful texture.
- Dark Chocolate – Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. Its rich, sophisticated flavour will complement the sweetness of the dates and the nuttiness of tahini.
- Sea Salt – Just a pinch, to enhance flavours (optional)
- Cocoa powder, sesame seeds, desiccated coconut or crushed nuts (optional) – I use these to decorate the truffles, and add an extra layer of texture, taste, and visual appeal.
With these ingredients at the ready, you’re all set to create delectable tahini date truffles that promise to delight the palate AND nourish the body.
How to make tahini date truffles
Making tahini date truffles is a straightforward process that requires no baking and minimal preparation time. Here’s how to make these delightful treats:
- Prepare the date paste
If you’re starting with whole dates, pit them and soak in hot water for a few minutes to rehydrate if required. Drain off any excess water then blend the dates in a food processor until a smooth paste forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency. - Make the truffle mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the date paste with the tahini, and stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth. If you find the mixture too sticky, add a bit more tahini. - Form the truffles and freeze
Using a spoon, scoop out the mixture and roll into balls (it helps if your palms are slightly damp). Place these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to set. This step is crucial for getting the truffles firm enough to dip in chocolate. - Melt the chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently to ensure it melts evenly without burning. - Dip the truffles
Use two forks to dip each truffle ball into the melted chocolate, covering completely. Gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to shake off excess chocolate, and then place the truffles back on the parchment paper. - Decorate
Sprinkle with coconut, sesame seeds, chopped nuts, cocoa, or the decoration of your choice – or leave them plain! - Chill to set
Refrigerate the chocolate-covered truffles for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has completely hardened.
And there you have it! Your very own tahini date truffles, ready to be enjoyed. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
As you can see in the photos, my truffles have a craggy, rustic appearance. I love that they look homemade! Who wants perfect, identical, chocolate spheres when you can have gorgeous individual orbs instead? I promise they’ll taste amazing regardless of their shape!
When to eat tahini date truffles
These tahini date truffles are incredibly versatile and you can enjoy them at any time of day.
- Enjoy them as a healthy snack with your morning coffee, or whenever you need an energy boost during the day.
- Add one to your lunchbox as a nutritious sweet treat.
- Pair them with your after dinner coffee or tea for a dainty dessert or petit four.
- Present them beautifully in a box as a thoughtful homemade gift.
No matter how you choose to enjoy or serve them, tahini date truffles are sure to delight with their rich flavours, gooey centres, and outstanding nutritional profile.
Tahini date truffles – a new favourite treat!
I hope you enjoy indulging in these healthy, delicious truffles as much as I do. I love a sweet treat that’s also nutritious – good for the body and the soul!
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📖 Recipe
Tahini date truffles
Ingredients
- 340 g date paste (see notes)
- 120 g tahini
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
- 200 g dark chocolate
- sesame seeds, chopped nuts, desiccated coconut, cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions
- 340 g (1 cups) date paste , 120 g (½ cups) tahini, 1 pinch salt (optional)In a medium bowl, combine the date paste, tahini, and salt if using. Stir well until the mixture is well combined and smooth. (If you find the mixture too sticky, adding a bit more tahini may help.)
- Lightly wet your hands, then scoop out tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolateBreak the chocolate into small pieces and place in a microwaveable bowl. Melt the chocolate on low/medium power, stirring after every minute or so, until it has a smooth and even texture.
- Once the truffle balls are set, use two forks to gently roll each ball in melted chocolate, covering it completely. Scoop the covered truffle onto a fork and gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to shake off any excess chocolate, then place the coated truffle back on the parchment paper.
- sesame seeds, chopped nuts, desiccated coconut, cocoa powder (optional)While the chocolate is still 'wet' sprinkle over any toppings such as sesame seeds, chopped nuts, or desiccated coconut. You can also dust the truffles with cocoa powder using a small sieve or tea strainer. You need to work fast as the chocolate will firm up quickly on the frozen truffle balls.
- Repeat this process until all the truffles are coated in chocolate.
- Transfer the truffles to the fridge and allow the chocolate coating to fully harden before serving – about 20-30 minutes. The truffles should be stored in the fridge but are best served at room temperature, so remove from the fridge around 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
More delicious date recipes
If you love the natural sweetness of dates, you’ll love:
Tahini Date Truffles FAQs
Yes! While tahini – made from sesame seeds – provides a unique flavour and smooth consistency, you can substitute it with various other butters. Alternatives like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter should all work fine. However each alternative will impart its distinct taste and texture to the truffles.
You can also use ‘crunchy’ nut butters if you enjoy the texture.
Absolutely. I love dark chocolate for its rich, intense flavour and numerous health benefits, but you can certainly opt for other coatings instead. Try melted milk or white chocolate, or just roll the truffles in a mixture of cocoa powder and icing sugar, or some desiccated coconut, for a simpler finish.
You can store your tahini date truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. However they are best eaten within a few days of being made. They are best eaten at room temperature, so remove them from the fridge around 30 minutes before you plan to serve them.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or zip lock bag. Allow to thaw and come up to room temperature before serving.
Judee
Hi these look really good. Could I serve them without coating them with any kind of chocolate- just the balls? How would that taste?
Helen
Hi Judee. They would taste fine but the filling is quite soft, so I don’t think they would hold their shape well without the hard chocolate coating. Sorry 🙁