I’ll be the first to admit it. Dates used to scare me.

I’m talking about the pruney, weird looking fruit.

Just by looking at them, they looked like what I call ‘a texture nightmare’. I am a complete texture person. If a texture doesn’t jive with me, I’ll probably never eat it. (Who else is a texture person?)

It all changed when Alison introduced me to Larabars (every Larabar product is made with dates). When I finally got the courage to try one, I was impressed with the texture AND the taste.

Nowadays, I can eat a date right out of the bag.

I’m pretty sure dates are soooo tasty because they are 80% sugar. (1)

You hear the “but” coming, right? Okay, good, because there is a HUGE “but”.

Yes, refined sugar can increase our blood sugar, raise our triglycerides, cause oxidative stress to our bodies and make add extra unwanted weight. BUT not dates.

Several research studies provide evidence that dates actually improve triglyceride levels and oxidative stress levels! The study also confirmed there are no adverse effects on blood sugar or weight when eating dates. (1)

And surprise, surprise, dates have plenty of phytochemicals (cancer-fighting nutrients) that Wholesome raves about over and over again.

Thank goodness I became a date fan, or else I would be missing out on some pretty delicious plant-based sweets and awesome nutrition benefits!

And that is the very reason why I would like to introduce you to my No-Bake Chocolate Date Truffles!

This recipe is for you if you…

• Love dates
• Haven’t had dates but are looking for a great recipe to try them in
• Are eliminating or reducing your refined sugar intake
• Want a healthier dessert option for you and the family

I have to give almost all of the credit to Oh She Glows because I adapted her Easy Chocolate Hemp Protein Balls recipe to fit my own taste preferences and what I had on hand.

And a huge thank you to my friend Angelina who sent me a three-pound box of dates!

Be sure to let me know what you think about the truffles and share them on Instagram with @wholesomellc.

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No-Bake Chocolate Date Truffles

Makes 12 small truffles | Recipe adapted from Oh She Glows

ingredients

* I use a mixture of medjool and halawi dates.

** 3 tablespoons for mixture, 1 tablespoon for topping

*** I don’t like the taste of coconut, so I used refined coconut oil

1 cup lightly packed pitted dates*

6 tablespoons hemp hearts

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, divided**

1 tablespoon coconut oil**

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

2 tablespoons creamy nut butter

2 tablespoons millet

directions

Place the pitted dates in a food processor and process until a ball forms.

Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a pan on medium-low heat. Once melted, add two tablespoons of millet. Continue to stir millet until toasted. About 4-5 minutes.

Add the hemp hearts, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, remaining coconut oil (2 teaspoons), salt, and nut butter to the processor. Process until thoroughly combined and almost smooth. The dough should be sticky and form into a ball easily. Next, fold in the toasted millet until distribute evenly. The dough should be sticky and shouldn’t be crumbly when you form a ball.

Line a tray with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Shape the dough into balls and place them on the tray.

Roll each ball in the remaining cocoa powder until completely coated. You can top it with other ingredients if desired.

Freeze the balls for 20 minutes until firm or simply enjoy right away! The balls will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a week and in the freezer for 4 to 8 weeks.

Tag @wholesomellc on Instagram when sharing your creation!

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Reference:

1. Greger, M. M.D. “Are Dates Good For You?” NutritionFacts.org, 14 Dec. 2010, nutritionfacts.org/video/are-dates-good-for-you/.