Who doesn’t love chocolate truffles? And that chocolate-orange combo… mmm! These raw chocolate truffles are made with just 5 super healthy ingredients, but you’ll think you’re eating a gooey brownie!
What do you do when you somehow find you’ve stashed lots of unhealthy snacks in your maternity hospital bag? Make a ‘token’ healthy snack to throw in there too!
When the moment arrives, I’ll still most probably be stuffing myself mostly with Pringles and chocolate (just being honest here).
But given the 5 super healthy ingredients in these raw chocolate truffles – raw cashews, orange zest and juice, dates, sultanas, and raw cacao – you’ll be amazed how much like a naughty treat they taste. Sort of like a gooey, fudgy brownie – honestly!
And yet they are good, really good (we’re talking almost too good) for you. Not a speck of refined sugar in sight. They also happen to be gluten free and vegan chocolate truffles, if either of these things are important for you.
If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you may recall seeing an old post of mine for 5-ingredient chocolate orange bars. Which yes, use virtually the same recipe as these smaller truffles.
This recipe is fabulous in bar form, too, but I loved the idea of tricking myself into thinking I’m eating chocolate truffles.
Keep them in the freezer!
And yes, I did say in the freezer. I LOVE these straight from the freezer. I’m not exactly sure why – they don’t really freeze, they just go a bit harder and colder and taste really good to me that way.You’ll just have to try it for yourself to see if you like them that way too or if you prefer to keep them softer and more chocolate truffle-like.
I don’t think I’ll be giving up real chocolate any time soon, but it’s all about the balance, isn’t it?
Baby on the way or not, you need to get some of these stashed away in your freezer for chocolate craving emergencies!
Here’s a little video to show you exactly how to make these raw chocolate orange truffles:
5-ingredient raw chocolate orange truffles
Ingredients
- 1 orange juiced and zested
- 1 1/2 cups dates (pitted)
- 1 1/4 cups cashews (raw)
- 1/2 cup raisins (or sultanas, I used raisins)
- 4 tablespoons cacao powder (raw)
Instructions
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Put the dates in a small bowl and pour half of the orange juice over them. Put aside for a moment.
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Put the cashews and the rest of the orange juice in your food processor and process until they are all mashed up and clump together in a ball (this took quite a while – at least 2 or 3 minutes).
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Tip the cashew and orange mixture into a bowl. Then tip the dates/orange juice and sultanas into the food processor and process until they too are all mashed up and form a sticky ball (this probably won’t take as long as the cashews).
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Add the mashed up dates/sultanas to the cashew/orange mixture in the bowl, then add the cacao and orange zest and mash everything together well until it resembles a thick chocolate cake batter.
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Take teaspoons of mixture and roll into truffles. Finally, roll in raw cacao powder.
Recipe Notes
Try storing the truffles in the freezer – they’re delicious that way!
Heather says
These look delicious Helen! I will definitely have to give them a go. I’m obviously right behind on your news – maternity hospital bag!! Congratulations to you and Mr Scrummy from both DB and me!!! That’s fabulous news. HB xx
Helen says
Hi Heather! Yup, news indeed! I still can’t really believe it. These past 9 months have crawled in some ways but raced by in others. Thanks so much for th e congrats and I really hope you can meet bubs some time soon (we’re on our way back to Perth – stay tuned!)
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Happy New Year Helen!!!!
I so lurrrve healthy treats that masquerade as naughty ones and since I’ve been I’m crushing on chocolate and orange in a big way, I am sitting here wishing a half dozen of these would magically appear in front of me! Fantastic recipe!
Helen says
Hi Shashi! I should have guessed this recipe would be right up your alley. So glad you like it!
Liz says
It’s been WAY too long since I visitedbecause I didn’t know you were pregnant!!! Congratulations!!! Boy, these truffles look fabulous! I can indulge without all the guilt!!!
Helen says
Thank you so much, Liz! Well, I was being a bit coy about the whole thing over here. Only just ‘announced’ it, really!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Oh I’ve been so behind – congratulations, Helen!! I am so all about all things chocolate + orange, and these are just genius. They look so decadent but I love how they’re healthier!
Helen says
Hi Alyssa! So lovely to hear from you! To be fair, I only just really let the cat out of the bag here on the blog. 🙂
Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella says
Ooh these look like those wonderful indulgent truffles which is really the highest compliment for them! 😀 And how did I miss the wonderful news? A massive congratulations darling Helen!! 😀 xxx
Helen says
Thank you so much, dear Lorraine – we’re thrilled and can’t wait for bubs’ arrival!
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
My hospital bag is all ready to go too, but I just threw in some snack pack almonds – boring. This is WAY better! AND they would be great after we come home for something to snack on while nursing! Making for sure! Can’t wait to share baby stories! I think it’s so funny that we virtually have the same delivery date! Thinking of you and hope your delivery day goes smoothly as well 🙂
Helen says
It’s lovely, Kathleen – I can’t wait to hear what you have, what you call your baby, weight etc.!! 😉
Not long to go now! I just want baby to hold off for at least another week. Still got so much to get done!
marcie says
I have been away too long….I had no idea you were expecting!! Congratulations, Helen, and I’m beyond excited for you! These truffles look perfect for the maternity bag and I could really put these down myself. Delicious, and good luck with your labor!
Helen says
Hi Marcie! Thanks so much for the congrats and good wishes! Not long to go now!
[email protected] says
The only thing better than a chocolate truffle is an orange and chocolate truffle. These will be my new favorite treat.
Helen says
Ha – totally agreed! 🙂
mira says
I remember these bars and now the truffles with similar flavor are amazing! Perfect for the hospital bag! Thinking of you and wishing you all the best! Can’t wait to find out what you are having! Take care Helen!
Helen says
Thank you so much for your thoughts, Mira – not long now at all, and I’ll make sure you get to see a photo!
Jess @ What Jessica Baked Next says
Congrats Helen, wishing you all the best for when your baby arrives! 🙂 These truffles look divine – love anything with chocolate and orange.
Helen says
Hi Jess! Thank you so much – very excited (and a bit nervous!) now!
Eva says
Miam miam, ces truffes sont excellents, gourmands et au même temps healthy! Parfaits pour attendre le bébé 😉
Jennifer says
Omgosh! These look delicious! Cannot wait to try these!
Helen says
I can’t wait for you to try them either. Thanks for passing by, Jennifer!
Jenn says
So totally tasty and easy to make! I’m sold! Thanks for the awesome recipe 🙂
Helen says
You’re so welcome, Jenn. Thanks for passing by!