Chickpea Truffles are rich, smooth, and incredibly creamy. This indulgent dark chocolate truffle recipe is vegan and gluten-free but you’d never believe it. They simply melt in your mouth and have the most unbelievable fudgy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These truffles come together in about 30 minutes, making them a convenient option for a homemade dessert.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only three main ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and budget-friendly.
- Diet-Friendly: As written, the recipe is vegan, dairy-free, grain-free, and gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to be nut-free by using seed butter alternatives.
- Healthy Indulgence: The truffles are low in sugar, with sweetness primarily from the chocolate chips, and can be made sugar-free by choosing appropriate chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup nut or seed butter (e.g., almond, cashew, sunflower seed, or granola butter)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess liquid and reduce sodium content.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips until smooth. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent burning.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, nut or seed butter, and melted chocolate. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Form Truffles: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
- Coat with Chocolate: While the truffles are firming, melt additional dark chocolate chips (about 1 cup) with a tablespoon of coconut oil to create a smooth coating. Once the truffles are firm, roll them into balls with your hands, then dip each into the melted chocolate to coat thoroughly. Return the coated truffles to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Set and Serve: Place the truffles back in the freezer for another 15-20 minutes to set the chocolate coating. Once set, they are ready to enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 18 truffles
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to the mixture for added depth of flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or granola butter instead of nut butter to accommodate nut allergies.
- Sugar-Free: Opt for sugar-free dark chocolate chips to reduce sugar content further.
- Additional Mix-Ins: Fold in finely chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes into the mixture before forming truffles for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the truffles in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I taste the chickpeas in these truffles?
No, the chickpeas provide a creamy texture but are neutral in flavor, allowing the chocolate and nut butter to dominate the taste.
What type of nut butter works best?
Almond and cashew butters are popular choices due to their mild flavors, but any nut or seed butter can be used based on your preference or dietary needs.
Are these truffles suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, by substituting the nut butter with seed butter like sunflower seed butter or granola butter, the recipe becomes nut-free.
How can I make the truffles sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter truffle, choose semi-sweet chocolate chips or add a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave to the mixture.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate can be used; however, this will increase the sugar content and may alter the vegan status if the milk chocolate contains dairy.
Do I need to peel the chickpeas?
Peeling the chickpeas is not necessary, but doing so can result in an even smoother texture.
Can I add flavors like mint or orange?
Absolutely, adding a few drops of peppermint or orange extract can create delightful variations.
How do I prevent the chocolate coating from cracking?
Ensure the truffles are not too cold when dipping into the warm chocolate coating, as extreme temperature differences can cause cracking.
What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
A high-speed blender can be used as an alternative, though you may need to scrape down the sides more frequently to ensure a smooth mixture.
Are these truffles suitable for children?
Yes, these truffles are a healthier alternative to traditional sweets and can be enjoyed by children. Ensure all ingredients used are appropriate for the child’s dietary needs.
These Chickpea Truffles offer a delectable way to enjoy a classic treat with a nutritious twist.
Print
Chickpea Truffles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 truffles
- Category: Dessert, Healthy Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Chickpea Truffles are a rich, creamy, and healthier take on classic chocolate truffles. Made with just three simple ingredients, these vegan, gluten-free treats are packed with protein and naturally sweetened, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup nut or seed butter (almond, cashew, sunflower seed, or granola butter)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
- 1 cup additional dark chocolate chips (for coating)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt 1 cup of dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring between each, or use a double boiler.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, blend chickpeas, nut/seed butter, and melted chocolate until smooth. Scrape down the sides to ensure a lump-free consistency.
- Form Truffles: Scoop small portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
- Coat with Chocolate: Melt 1 cup of additional chocolate chips with coconut oil. Roll the chilled truffles into smooth balls, then dip into the melted chocolate for a full coating.
- Set and Serve: Return coated truffles to the baking sheet and freeze for another 15-20 minutes. Enjoy once set.
Notes
- Flavor Enhancements: Add vanilla extract, sea salt, or cinnamon for extra depth.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a lower-carb treat.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7-10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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