Vegan Choc Protein Truffles

I absolutely love making protein balls (otherwise known as bliss balls), but I have to say, these are next level. They are so 'next level' I needed to find another word to describe them as they are rich in flavour, but not too sweet, they packed full of protein and nutrition, but taste so decadent. The closest food I could think of to best describe them were... truffles. Chocolate, Vegan, Raw, Protein Truffles.

These are the type of snacks you will always want to have handy in your refrigerator. They make great post-workout snacks, a healthy yet indulgent dessert, a fantastic lunchbox addition or simply, as I like to refer them to as, the 'any time, any day' energy booster. I mean, they are made up of Dates, Nuts, Coconut Oil, Cacao, and Maca, it's basically a super-superfood snack.

These Protein Truffles are gluten-free, high in protein, and dairy-free. This batch is also super easy to make as all the ingredients go into a large bowl of a food processor, you whirl them up and then you roll in Cacao (or Desiccated Coconut). I also love that they are a no-bake recipe too!

Ingredients:

9 large Medjool Dates (pitted)

½ cup of Walnuts (soaked for 2 hours prior)

½ cup of Cashews (soaked for 2 hours prior)

2 tablespoons of melted Coconut Oil

1 scoop (40g) of your choice of Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder (my recommendation is Macro Mike, Chocolate Peanut flavour - please find a link attached at the bottom of the page if you'd like more information)*

1 tablespoon of Maca Powder

2 tablespoons of Cacao Powder for dusting the truffles (or Desiccated Coconut if you'd prefer)

Method

After both the cashews and walnuts have been soaked, rinse them well and then transfer them into a food processor with the Dates and process well.

Whilst the mixture is processing, add the coconut oil and continue to process the mixture until you reach a smooth consistency.

Add the Maca Powder and Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder and blend away.

Remove mixture from the processor into a bowl and refrigerate for an hour.

Roll the protein truffle mix into small balls (approximately 1 tablespoon in size) then roll in Cacao Powder or Desiccated Coconut.

Store in the refrigerator and you're done - too easy!

Health Benefits

Maca

This Peruvian superfood balances hormones, and in turn reduces anxiety, and mood swings, boosts immunity, and increases bone density and strength.

Rice/Pea Protein

Good sources of vitamin B & fibre, contains complete amino acid profiles, and both are known to be alkaline-forming.

Peanut Protein

An excellent source of Niacin and Manganese. High in protein and fibre, and low in fat and calories.

Cacao Powder

This powder is high in antioxidants (great for anti-aging), whilst being a good source of magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium.

Cashews

These nuts assist with metabolic function, they are a great source of protein, rich in minerals, mood-boosting, and they benefit heart health.

Walnuts

Another very special nut! These are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, they are known to lower blood pressure, improve sleep, improve memory and boost brain activity.

Dates

Sweet, juicy and full of fibre! Dates are known to improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and contain bone-strengthening minerals.

* Macro Mike Protein Powder is Vegan-friendly, gluten-free, 100% natural and packed full of taste. After many years of working in the sports supplement industry, I have tried countless Vegan Protein Powders and Macro Mike is by far my favourite. You won't find any grittiness (and that is rare in Vegan Protein!), nor will you find any artificial ingredients. These products are filled with simple, quality ingredients and the range of flavours is so good you will want to incorporate these proteins into all of your baking! For a direct link to the Choc Peanut Protein I use for my protein balls, please head to the link below.

https://macromike.com.au/collections/all/products/chocolate-peanut-butter-vegan-protein-1kg

Happy baking!