This is a super easy, make-ahead dessert. The “dough” will seem dry at first, but keep stirring. It will eventually come together. We’ve made these with fresh ground peanut butter and with almond butter. Because certain nut butters have more oil in them than others, you might need to make minor adjustments on the dry ingredients, but wait until everything is incorporated to determine that.
When shopping for a whey protein powder, look for one made from high-quality milk (no growth hormones and preferably grass-fed and/or organically raised). Also check that it is processed using low-heat methods, and not hydrolyzed (boiled in hydrochloric acid to break down). Read the ingredients, which should be recognizable and few. Our favorites are from Source Naturals: True Whey and Whey to Health, but there are other good brands you might be able to locate more easily. Take a look at the ingredients in Source Naturals whey protein products, and use them to compare with others.
Be sure to use unsweetened natural coconut, not the moist type with added sugars and preservatives. The individual ingredients are not cheap, but a little goes a long way.
WARNING: This recipe only makes 12, but it’s very easy to double the recipe if you want more!
Prep Time | |
15 minutes |
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Easy!
Expensive
Serves:12people
Serving Size:1 truffle
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There's no need to feel guilty about eating these nutrition-packed "truffles." Serve them with fresh fruit for an elegant yet healthful finish to a special dinner, or wrap them up as a lovely food gift.
Tools:medium bowl, measuring cups and spoons, knife and cutting board (if chopping nuts)
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- 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
- 1/3 cup nut butter (peanut or almond recommended)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened whey protein powder or non-dairy version
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped nuts
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs or mini chocolate drops
- 1 tablespoon dried fruit*
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut or cocao/cacao powder
- Heat butter or coconut oil in the microwave for 30 seconds, until partially melted. (Use the medium bowl if it’s microwave safe.) Combine butter, nut butter, protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut, and honey in a medium bowl.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is well incorporated. (The oil content of nut butters varies. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more butter, nut butter or honey. If it’s too oily, add more coconut.)
- Stir in remaining ingredients, except garnish.
- Form into 1-inch balls. Place additional coconut in a shallow bowl or plate, and roll the balls in it to coat.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. These become sweeter and more flavorful as they rest; we recommend making them the day before.
*Chef’s Tip: Use small dried fruit like goji berries, currants or raisins.
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