Decadent Vegan Chocolate Almond Nuggets
A healthier alternative to decadent chocolate truffles, this chocolate almond nugget recipe is a must-try! It has chewy dates that bring about a caramel-like taste, raw almonds for a bit more density and nutritional value, plus coconut shreds for a moist texture and sweet taste. ENJOY!
- Only 5 Ingredients
- Vegan
- Gluten-Free
Health Benefits
These chocolate almond nugget are full of healthy fats and antioxidants. They’re a great, healthier alternative to other sweet desserts one would normally eat. But let’s dive in a little deeper to see what kind of health benefits we’re reaping when consuming these decadent chocolate nuggets.
Fiber
Dates contain 2 grams per ounce. Almonds contain 3.5 grams per ounce. Coconut contains 3 grams per ounce. Cacao powder even has 2 grams per tablespoon!
Antioxidants
Dates contain 3 major antioxidant powerhouses:
1. Flavenoids, powerful antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and have been studied for their potential to reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of cancer.
2. Carotenoids, proven to promote heart health and may also reduce the risk of eye-related disorders, such as macular degeneration.
3. Phenolic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, phenolic acid may help lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Almonds also contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin E, but the antioxidants are mostly found in the skin on the outside of the almond. For this reason, I wouldn’t advise using blanched almonds that have the skin removed.
Coconut contains a high amount of phenolic acid compounds as well. helping protect cells from damage and death caused by oxidative stress.
Blood Sugar Control
Instead of driving blood sugar up, this sweet treat could actually help manage your blood sugar.
Dates have the potential to help with blood sugar regulation due to their low glycemic index, fiber and antioxidants.
Almonds contain a high amount of magnesium, which could help significantly lower blood sugar levels and improves insulin function.
Coconut contain a good amount of arginine, which is an amino acid that’s important for the functioning of pancreatic cells. Pancreatic cells release the hormone insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels.
Cacao powder also contains a good amount of flavenoids, which may help increase insulin sensitivity.
Labor Help
Dates have been studied for their potential to promote and ease late-term labor in pregnant women.
This is one I truly stand by as I believe it helped a lot with my labor progression. For my first and only child, my labor lasted less than 10 hours and I progressed to 10 cm quicker than my doctor thought possible. Eat those dates, pregnant mommas!
*I ate about 3 medjool dates per day starting around week 32*
Chocolate Almond Nugget Recipe
Enjoy this healthy, decadent treat! We ate them within 1-2 days because they are ADDICTING. But no need to feel guilty for eating them all because remember all those amazing health benefits! Enjoy and can't wait to hear how this chocolate almond nugget recipe goes for you.
What You’ll Need
- Medjool Dates
- Unsweetened Coconut Shreds or Flakes
- Cacao Powder
- Raw Almonds
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips (my favorite brand here)
How To Make Chocolate Almond Nuggets
To begin, you must soak the almonds and dates for at least 10 minutes. This makes them softer and easier to blend and form into dough. Otherwise, they might stay hard and not blend as well.
Once the almonds and dates are soaked, add these two ingredients along with the coconut and cacao powder to a blender or food processer and blend until it forms a ball or separate chunks. Be sure to mix well.
Then, scoop the mixture into a bowl, cover the bowl and refridgerate for 15 minutes.
While that’s in the fridge, melt your chocolate and get your confectioners’ sugar ready.
Take out the coconut mixture and form a tablespoon each into separate ball shapes.
Dip teach ball into the melted chocolate to either cover fully or just one side.
Dust the confectioners’ sugar over these chocolate balls then transfer to the fridge.
The chocolate almond nuggets will be ready to enjoy within the hour!
How To Store The Chocolate Almond Nuggets
Store the chocolate almond nuggets in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one-week or at room temperature, however, the chocolate may be a little bit soft.
Freeze them by arranging them on a baking sheet (so they don’t stick together) and placing them in the freezer. Once they are frozen remove them from the baking sheet and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw them out in the refrigerator or enjoy them frozen.
Chocolate Almond Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates
- 1 cup raw almonds
- ¾ cup flaked or shredded coconut unsweetened
- 1 ½ tsp cacao powder
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips dairy-free
Instructions
- Place the dates and almonds into separate bowls and pour hot water over them. Let sit for 10 minutes so they become soft.
- Place the dates, almonds, coconut, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cacao powder into the food processor and blend until you have a sticky blob. Divide and process again briefly to make sure that ingredients are well-distributed.
- Scrape the blob out onto a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for about 15 minutes.
- Melt your chocolate and get the confectioners’ sugar ready.
- Scoop out a heaping teaspoon of the coconut mixture, form into a round shape, and dip into your melted chocolate then place on parchment paper. You can fully cover or only cover half with chocolate as I did.
- Dust each nugget (or as many as you want) with cacao or confectioners’ sugar.
- Place these in the freezer for 1 hour and then enjoy or transfer to the fridge to save for later.
This looks yum! Will definitely make one of these days!
SO YUM! Let me know how it goes!