By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 1, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 120 votes
Rich, fudgy, naturally sweet, and shockingly simple, these 3 Ingredient Chocolate Date Truffles are the kind of healthy treat that feels indulgent but fits beautifully into everyday life. Made with just dates, cocoa powder, and nut butter, they come together in minutes and taste like a gourmet chocolate truffle with zero refined sugar.
Table of Contents
3 Ingredient Chocolate Date Truffles
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 truffles 1x
Description
These 3 Ingredient Chocolate Date Truffles are fudgy, naturally sweet, and totally no-bake. Made with Medjool dates, cocoa powder, and nut butter, they blend into a rich truffle dough in minutes and chill into perfect bite-size treats.
Ingredients
1 cup packed Medjool dates, pitted (about 12 to 14 dates, 200 g)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
1/4 cup natural almond butter or peanut butter (64 g)
Optional for rolling: extra cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or finely chopped nuts (not included in 3-ingredient count)
Instructions
1. Pit the dates. If they feel dry or firm, soak in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain very well and pat dry.
2. Add dates to a food processor and pulse 20 to 30 seconds until a sticky paste forms. Scrape down the sides.
3. Add cocoa powder and nut butter. Process 30 to 60 seconds, scraping as needed, until a thick, smooth dough forms and starts clumping together.
4. If the mixture looks crumbly, add 1 to 2 teaspoons warm water and process again. If it feels too sticky, chill the dough 5 minutes.
5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon per truffle and roll into 12 balls using lightly damp hands.
6. Optional: roll each truffle in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts.
7. Serve right away or chill 10 minutes for a firmer truffle texture.
Notes
Best dates: Soft Medjool dates make the smoothest truffles.
Texture fix: Crumbly dough means dates are dry. Add warm water 1 teaspoon at a time.
Flavor swap: Almond butter is mellow, peanut butter is bold. Sunflower seed butter works for nut-free.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition note: Values are estimates and vary by brand and date size.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Healthy Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
These truffles are a no bake, whole food chocolate treat made entirely from pantry staples. The dates form a naturally caramel-like base, cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor, and nut butter binds everything into soft, rollable bites.
Why It Works
Dates are sticky and naturally sweet, which means no added sugar is needed. Cocoa powder balances the sweetness with rich bitterness, while nut butter adds fat for structure and that luxurious truffle texture.
When to Make It
Perfect for healthy desserts, lunchbox treats, holiday platters, post-workout snacks, or anytime chocolate cravings strike and you want something fast and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love It
- Just 3 real ingredients
- No baking, no chilling required
- Naturally sweetened with dates
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan
- Ready in under 10 minutes
Key Ingredients & Notes
Medjool Dates
Soft Medjool dates are essential. They blend into a smooth paste and provide all the sweetness needed. If your dates feel dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes and drain well.
Amount: 1 cup packed (about 12 to 14 dates / 200 g)
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Use high-quality cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor. Natural cocoa gives a classic brownie-like taste, while cacao powder adds intensity and antioxidants.
Amount: 1/4 cup (25 g)
For a deeper dive into cocoa vs cacao, Healthline has a helpful breakdown on their site that explains flavor and nutrition differences.
Nut Butter
Almond butter creates a mellow, rich truffle. Peanut butter adds bold flavor. Choose a natural, drippy nut butter with no added sugar.
Amount: 1/4 cup (64 g)
Nut-free option: sunflower seed butter or tahini works beautifully.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Chocolate Date Truffles
- Prep the dates
Pit the dates and check for firmness. If dry, soak in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly. - Blend the dates
Add dates to a food processor. Pulse until a sticky paste forms and no large chunks remain. - Add cocoa and nut butter
Sprinkle in cocoa powder and spoon in the nut butter. - Process until smooth
Blend until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a thick dough. If needed, add 1 to 2 teaspoons warm water. - Roll into truffles
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls using lightly damp hands. - Optional coating
Roll in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts if desired. - Serve or chill
Enjoy immediately or chill for 10 minutes for a firmer bite.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use soft dates for best texture
- Measure cocoa accurately to avoid bitterness
- If dough feels crumbly, add a teaspoon of warm water
- If too sticky, chill for 5 minutes before rolling
- Clean hands between rolls for smooth truffles
- Store chilled for the cleanest shape
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Boost: Roll truffles in hemp seeds
- Mocha Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- Orange Chocolate: Add 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- Crunchy Texture: Mix in 1 tablespoon chopped nuts
- Extra Decadent: Dip in melted dark chocolate
If you love simple no bake treats, you might also enjoy No-Bake Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups (High Protein) or No-Bake Brownie Bites (Fudgy & Healthy) which follow the same fast and wholesome approach.
Serving & Storage
Serving
Serve chilled or room temperature. These truffles shine on dessert boards, lunchboxes, or post-dinner sweet plates. Pair with fruit or coffee for a balanced treat.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 7 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months
- Reheating: No reheating needed, thaw briefly if frozen
FAQs
Are chocolate date truffles healthy?
Yes. They are made from whole foods, naturally sweetened, and free from refined sugar. They also provide fiber and healthy fats.
Can I make these without a food processor?
A food processor works best. A high-powered blender can work but may require scraping and patience.
Do these taste like dates?
They taste like rich chocolate truffles with a subtle caramel undertone, not like plain dates.
Can I add sweetener?
Usually unnecessary, but a teaspoon of maple syrup can be added if you prefer sweeter truffles.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Kids love the fudgy texture and mild sweetness.
If you make these 3 Ingredient Chocolate Date Truffles, leave a rating, drop a comment, and tag your photos. Want more no bake magic? Join the Flavor & Recipes newsletter for weekly healthy sweets that actually taste amazing
