Description

These Espresso Vanilla Cashew Date Truffles are a decadent and healthy treat combining naturally sweet medjool dates, rich cashews, and bold espresso flavors. Coated in white and dark chocolate, these no-bake truffles pulse together quickly to create a smooth, dough-like mixture that’s frozen and dipped in melted chocolate for an elegant finish. Perfect for coffee lovers looking for a gluten-free, refined sugar-free indulgence with a hint of vanilla and optional liqueur for extra depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 1/2 cups packed medjool dates (about 18 dates)
1 cup raw unsalted cashews
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (can substitute with one more teaspoon of vanilla extract)
1 1/2 tablespoons espresso powder
1/4 cup creamy cashew butter
Pinch of salt
1 or 2 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur (coffee flavored liqueur recommended), optional

Chocolate Coating

5 ounces white chocolate, chopped
5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
Gold sprinkles for decorating, optional

Instructions

Process Cashews: Place the raw unsalted cashews in a food processor and pulse until they reach a very fine texture, similar to coarse flour but not completely powdered. This will help create the base texture for the truffles.
Make the Dough: Add the packed medjool dates, pure vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, espresso powder, creamy cashew butter, pinch of salt, and optional liqueur into the food processor with the ground cashews. Process everything together until the mixture forms a cohesive dough that sticks together when pressed.
Form Truffle Balls: Using your hands or a spoon, roll the dough into 15-20 evenly sized balls depending on the size you prefer. Arrange the balls in a single layer on a tray or pan and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up before dipping.
Melt Chocolates: While the truffles are chilling, melt the chopped white chocolate and dark chocolate in separate microwave-safe bowls. Heat them in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
Dip and Decorate: Remove the truffles from the freezer. Dip half of the truffles into the melted white chocolate and the other half into the dark chocolate. For an elegant look, drizzle the opposite chocolate over the dipped truffles and optionally sprinkle with gold sprinkles for decoration. Allow the coatings to set before serving.

Notes

Medjool dates are best for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and soft texture.
If vanilla bean paste is unavailable, use an extra teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for maximum flavor.
The optional liqueur enhances the coffee flavor but can be omitted for an alcohol-free version.
Freeze the truffles well before dipping to ensure the chocolate coats smoothly and sets properly.
Store finished truffles in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
For a vegan option, ensure the white and dark chocolates used are dairy-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: espresso truffles, vanilla cashew truffles, date truffles, healthy truffles, gluten free dessert, no bake truffles, coffee flavored desserts