Delicious Vegan Truffles: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
Ah, truffles. The very word conjures up images of luxury and indulgence. But who says that indulgence can’t also be healthy and ethical? That’s where my vegan truffles come in.
Made with just four simple ingredients, these truffles are a decadent treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty or unsatisfied. With no dairy or refined sugar, they’re also perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet or looking to reduce their intake of animal products.
But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the ingredient list – these truffles are seriously rich and delicious. Creamy cashews and full-fat coconut milk provide a luscious base for melted bittersweet chocolate, which is then rolled in cocoa powder for an extra touch of decadence.
So whether you’re snacking solo or impressing guests at your next dinner party, these vegan truffles are sure to be a hit. Plus, with endless flavor variations and easy storage options, they make the perfect make-ahead treat for any occasion. All that’s left to do is dive in and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to indulge in a decadent treat while still sticking to your plant-based lifestyle? Look no further than these vegan truffles! Trust me when I say you won’t be missing anything in the non-vegan version.
These truffles are made with only four ingredients, all of which are good for you! Raw cashews, cocoa powder, coconut milk, and bittersweet chocolate make up the base of this recipe, providing a healthy dose of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
But just because they’re healthy doesn’t mean they lack in flavor. The combination of rich dark chocolate and creamy coconut milk creates a smooth and luxurious texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, you can customize the toppings to your liking – from cocoa powder dusting to chopped nuts or even a fruity raspberry filling.
And let’s not forget how easy it is to make these truffles! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to vegan baking, all you need is 30 minutes and a bit of creativity to create a platter of luscious treats. You can make them ahead of time for parties or gatherings, or simply whip up a batch after dinner for an indulgent dessert.
So what are you waiting for? Indulge in the best vegan truffles recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy vegan truffles recipe:
For the Truffle Filling:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight (see note 1)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups bittersweet chocolate, chopped or vegan chocolate chips
- ¾ cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- Pinch of salt
For Coating:
- ½ cup cocoa powder
Note that there are options for substitutions and variations if you need. Also, please see note 1 at the bottom for instructions on how to prepare the cashews!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Before starting this recipe, ensure you have all necessary ingredients.
- 1 cup of raw cashews
- ¼ cup of coconut cream
- ½ cup of water
- 2 cups of dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (use vegan chocolate chips for a completely vegan recipe)
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- ¼ cup of cocoa powder
Making sure you have everything pre-measured and ready to go will make the process much smoother.
Step 2: Making the Truffle Base
To make the base of this recipe, we will need to blend cashews until they become a smooth paste. If your blender is not powerful enough, soak the cashews overnight in water before blending.
In a pan, heat the coconut cream and water over medium heat until it simmers. Add the melted dark chocolate, cashew paste, and vanilla extract to the simmering liquid. Stir continuously until it forms a smooth batter. Add cocoa powder and mix in thoroughly.
Once mixed well, pour into shallow dish and chill in the fridge until firm. This generally takes around two hours)
Step 3: Rolling the Truffle Balls
Once the mixture has set, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to roll out balls of about one inch in diameter. Set aside on a plate lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Coating The Truffles
We recommend coating each truffle in cocoa powder, additional melted chocolate or any other toppings that you desire!
You can also try coating each truffle differently to create an assortment of fun creations that interest your palate!
Once coated, let them sit at room temperature to harden before transferring to an air-tight container and keeping them refrigerated until ready for consumption.
Enjoy these delicious treats on their own or shared with friends!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s get creative with some substitutions and variations for this vegan truffles recipe. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easy to customize to your personal taste.
Firstly, you can swap the bittersweet chocolate for vegan white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. You’ll get a completely different flavor profile and texture that pairs well with fruits and nuts, such as raspberries, blueberries, almonds, or peanuts. If you want to try something more exotic, add a dash of rose water or use matcha powder instead of cocoa powder.
Secondly, if you are on a health kick, try substituting coconut cream for condensed milk. This will provide a healthier alternative without compromising the richness of the recipe. A healthier version of this recipe can be made by replacing the Medjool dates with almond flour or cacao powder. These healthy substitutions bring texture and add an extra layer of nutrition into your vegan truffle.
Finally, if you’re feeling particularly fancy or inventive (or want to make special occasion themed truffles) add in some caramel drizzle or flavored liqueurs such as Amaretto or Grand Marnier to give your truffles an extra twist. You can also mold your truffles into various shapes with flavors like orange or raspberry to pretty them up even more!
Try these substitutes out and get creative in making your own version of these decadent treats – the possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made these delectable vegan truffles, it’s time to consider how you’re going to serve and pair them. These chocolate truffles are already perfect on their own, but if you want to take things up a notch, you can try pairing them with a variety of complementary flavors.
One great option is to pair these vegan truffles with a nice cup of coffee. The rich, dark chocolate flavors will complement the deep roasted notes of the coffee perfectly. You can also try pairing these truffles with a fruity red wine like a pinot noir or a merlot, which will bring out the subtle hints of cocoa in the truffles.
When it comes to serving, there are many ways to get creative with your presentation. You could arrange the truffles on a platter and garnish them with fresh berries or mint leaves, or serve them in individual dessert cups for an elegant touch. Alternatively, you may choose to wrap them in decorative paper liners and serve them as party favors or gifts.
No matter how you choose to serve or pair these vegan chocolate truffles, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. With their rich and decadent flavor, they make the perfect treat for any occasion from casual gatherings to fancy parties. So go ahead and indulge in these easy vegan truffles; your taste buds will thank you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to make these vegan truffles for a special occasion or simply ahead of time, you can easily store them in the fridge or freezer. The truffles will last for about a week in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer.
To store them in the fridge, keep them in a sealed container or an airtight bag. Make sure to separate different flavors of truffles to prevent any flavors from mixing together.
When reheating or serving from frozen, it is best to let them thaw first in the fridge for a few hours. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them on low heat (around 200F) for a few minutes until they reach your desired temperature.
It’s important to note that storing and reheating may slightly alter the texture of the truffles, especially if they are stored in the freezer for an extended period. However, this won’t affect their delicious taste.
Overall, by following these simple steps, you can easily make-ahead and store these vegan truffles so that you have a tasty treat ready whenever your sweet tooth craves it.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a vegan chef, I have made my fair share of vegan truffles using different ingredients and methods. Here are some tips to make sure that you get perfect results every time you make this delicious chocolate treat.
Tip #1: Use high-quality ingredients
The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the taste and texture of your truffles. Make sure you use good quality dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and coconut milk to get the best flavor. I prefer bittersweet chocolate in my truffles because it gives them a richer flavor.
Tip #2: Use full-fat coconut milk
Full-fat canned coconut milk is the perfect ingredient for creating a creamy smooth texture for your truffles. Avoid using light coconut milk as it will produce a less creamy result.
Tip #3: Keep your work surface dry
It’s important to keep your work surface as dry as possible while making the truffles. Water can cause the chocolate to seize up, which will ruin the texture of your truffles.
Tip #4: Chill your ganache before forming into balls
Once you’ve made your ganache, the mixture should be chilled until firm enough to roll into balls. The colder it is, the easier it will be to handle and shape the truffles.
Tip #5: Coating your truffles
When coating with cocoa powder or other toppings, gently toss or roll pieces around until well coated, and tap lightly to remove excess.
By following these tips, you can make perfect vegan truffles every time. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan truffles recipe is easy to make and the perfect dairy-free treat for anyone who loves chocolate. By using only plant-based ingredients such as raw cashews, coconut milk, and vegan chocolate chips, you can enjoy a delicious indulgence without harming animals or the environment. With so many possible substitutions and variations, you can customize this recipe to your taste and preferences, making it suitable for any occasion or mood.
Moreover, by making your own vegan truffles at home, you can save money, control the quality of ingredients, and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Whether you prefer dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, or white chocolate, there are many ways to play with flavors and textures in this recipe. You can also experiment with different coatings such as cocoa powder, chopped almonds, or shredded coconut.
Overall, this recipe for vegan truffles is versatile, delicious, and healthy. By using natural sweeteners such as medjool dates or maple syrup instead of refined sugar, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health. Whether you’re looking for an easy no-bake dessert for a summer party or a gourmet gift for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, these vegan truffles are the way to go. So go ahead and indulge yourself in some guilt-free chocolatey goodness today!
Vegan Truffles Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 3/4 cup cold water
- 1 lb bittersweet chocolate
- cocoa powder
Instructions
- Put cashews and cold water in a blender and blend at high speed for 1-2 minutes (yes a long time).
- Scrape the sides down and blend again until the mixture is the consistency of heavy cream.
- Meanwhile, in a double boiler heat the chocolate until it's all melted.
- Cool the chocolate until it's comfortable to work with and fold in the cashew cream (making sure not to stir too fast or you'll create bubbles).
- Cool in the fridge for 2 hours (to set).
- Take out a small ball, roll in cocoa powder and store in fridge/freezer.
- Repeat until done.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.