Healthy Chocolate Strawberry Truffles
Did you ever see that meme with the squirrel that says “me thinking ‘hmm… now I need something sweet’ after I just ate”? Well, that’s me. I’m a firm believer in a little something sweet following a meal. One of the (many) benefits of being a food blogger is the constant stockpile of treats in my freezer. These healthy chocolate strawberry truffles are one that I always try to keep in that stockpile.
Now, don’t get me wrong – dessert doesn’t always have to be a “healthier” version of something. But in my day-to-day life, I prefer to grab something that is a bit more nutrient dense to satisfy my sweets craving. These have a little more protein and a little less sugar than your traditional truffle, but definitely do not lack in flavor! They’re naturally gluten free and easily paleo by using your favorite paleo chocolate chips.
To keep these truffles moist and full of flavor, the base starts with almond flour and drippy nut butter. I recommend either almond butter or cashew butter, as they’re more neutral tasting. I would not recommend peanut butter here because it will alter the flavor. Also make sure the ingredients are either just the nut, or the nut and salt. Trader Joe’s is my favorite place for nut butters because their price point is reasonable and I find them all the right level of “drippy”. It may seem like an odd quality to look for, but it’s important to help mix the ingredients evenly and especially if you’re looking to drizzle said nut butter on anything.
Okay, enough about nut butters! The rest of the ingredients are also very simple for these healthy chocolate strawberry truffles. You’ll combine the almond flour and nut butter with cocoa, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and maple syrup. The best part about this recipe is that everything is made in one bowl! Minimal clean-up and no need to turn on the oven? Sounds like the perfect combination to me. Once all the ingredients are mixed, you’ll fold in freeze dried strawberries and chill for 10 minutes. I generally buy my freeze dried strawberries at Trader Joe’s as well, but I’ve seen them in my local Giant even!
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – buy a cookie scoop! It makes life so much easier. Depending on the size of your scoop, you should get between 12-16 truffles. It really doesn’t matter how big they are since they don’t bake, so scoop whatever makes you happy! Pop them in the freezer for another 10 minutes and melt your chocolate while you’re doing that. I’ve both fully dipped the truffle, as well as dipped the bottom and drizzled the top. I prefer the latter, which is what is pictured here and what the recipe calls for. If you prefer to cover the entire truffle, increase the amount of chocolate chips to 1/2 cup. Enjoy!
Healthy Chocolate Strawberry Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- ⅓ cup nut butter (almond or cashew)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil (+1/2 tsp extra)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup freeze dried strawberries chopped
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the almond flour, nut butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil and mix until well combined
- Fold in the freeze dried strawberries until incorporated
- Chill dough in refrigerator for 10 minutes
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, tray, or plate
- Freeze for 10 minutes
- Melt chocolate chips with remaining 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
- Dip the bottom of the truffle in chocolate and drizzle remaining chocolate on top and enjoy!