Raw energy truffles are one of our favourite snacks/desserts. They are vegan, completely added sugar or sweetener-free (you get all the sweetness from the dried fruit), the dried coconut and the cacao lift them to another level (closer to the real chocolate truffles) and the lemon juice give that perfect zing.
These truffles are one of our guests’ favourite desserts at the retreats and we’re thrilled to share this very simple recipe with you!
4-5 handfuls of dried fruit (I usually use prunes, apricots, raisins and cranberries, I personally do not like dates, but feel free to use them too!)
Water for soaking
Lemon juice of half a lemon
3-4 spoons of dried coconut flakes (fine ones) + some for coating
2-3 spoons of cacao or chocolate powder
Put the mixed dried fruit in a bowl, cover with water. Now, if you want to speed up the process – cover with hot water and leave for 3-4 hours, but I would recommend covering it with cold water and leaving for half day or best overnight. If you do the hot water process wait until the fruit gets to at least room temperature once drained before you go on.
Drain the fruit, using a food processor blend it to a soft mass (there can be some chunks left, it does not have to be too soft!)
Transfer the mixture into a bowl, squeeze in the lemon (it balances the sweetness really good!), add cocoa or chocolate, coconut flakes and mix it all well.
Add some coconut flakes into a small plate (you will keep re-filling as you go), get your hands wet and start rolling the little balls. If you have a lot of patience – the smaller the better – but I think it is fine to speed the process up and make bite size or even larger balls (it save time!).
Once you form a ball with your hands roll in the coconut to get it coated evenly. Place on a plate and once all are done put in into the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
*Note: you can add ground nuts into the mass or use them for coating too. Alternate coconut and nuts for a beautifully looking result.