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It’s about time I lay off the butter.
…well, just for today. 
It’s been way too long since I shared a healthier recipe with you.
Have you ever had a Lara bar before? Lara bars are my favorite type of healthy snack bar. They are all-natural, vegan, gluten free, and made 100% with whole, natural foods. My favorite flavors are Chocolate Chip Brownie and Cherry Pie. The bars usually only contain nuts, dried fruits, and other whole foods.
I made little bite-sized “truffle” balls over the weekend that reminded me of Lara bars, but without the $2+ price tag. As much as I love healthy snack bars and such, buying them from the store really adds up. If I eat 5 per week at the office, that’s $10 just for work snacks! By making my own, I save money AND I have complete control over the quality of ingredients.
With Valentine‘s Day coming up, I know some of you will appreciate a healthier option to typical chocolate candies and desserts.
My little chocolate bites are vegan and gluten free with no added sugars and made with only 5 easy ingredients: dates, peanuts, sunflower seeds, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. That’s it! I call them brownie truffles because well, they are super fudgy, dense, and moist. Pure energy in quite the natural state! I popped a few of these bites before the gym on Sunday night. I ran like lightning.
I’m not vegan, nor do I follow a gluten free or raw diet, but I love natural treats like these. I have quite a few readers asking me for vegan and gluten free recipes, so I’m happy to share a recent creation with you today. You’ll need a blender or food processor to make them.
I made three different kinds of the truffles: (1) plain, (2) rolled in cocoa powder, and (3) rolled in coconut. You could even roll them in crushed peanuts, crushed pumpkin seeds, or mini chocolate chips.
The base of this recipe is pitted dates. I love dates! They are a natural sweetener, also known as nature’s candy. 
There is NO added sugar in these bites; the only sweetness comes from the dates. Pure dates are one of my favorite snacks. Try stuffing them with peanut butter and mini chocolate chips. Simply incredible!
I bought the dates in the produce section of the grocery store. You’ll need 14 whole dates. Some of the dates I bought were much firmer than others, so chopping them all up into small pieces made them easier to blend. You could even soak the dates in warm water to make them softer.
Put the chopped dates and the vanilla extract into the blender/food processor first. 2 hefty teaspoons of vanilla extract. I’m never shy adding vanilla extract to my recipes! The little bit of liquid helps to break up the dates so that is why I add both first. Next, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender. You don’t want to add the cocoa powder last or you’ll have quite the mess all over your blender. The cocoa powder, dates, and vanilla extract give the truffle bites their intensely fudgy taste.
The final two ingredients are peanuts and sunflower seeds. I used salted dry-roasted peanuts here because I love how they taste with the sweet dates and cocoa powder. Salty/sweet chocolate treats will always steal my heart!
Mix everything together in your blender/food processor. This is the food processor I have. It also works as my blender and is very affordable serving as both.
You’ll have to start and stop the food processor a few times and scrape down the sides to really get everything going. It took me about 4-5 minutes to get the ingredients into a thick dough-like lump. It sort of resembles a very thick oily cookie dough when it is done blending together. Keep blending until you reach this point. With this dough, you’re going to roll Tablespoon sized balls with your hands. Once you have them in 18 balls, you can roll each ball into cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or leave them plain.
The bites rolled in cocoa powder were my favorite! The surface of the balls engulfed all of the cocoa powder, making them taste even more fudgy!
These energy bites a chocolate fudgy flavor, but if you’re looking for an extreme chocolatey truffle, then these aren’t for you. They taste like chocolate, but are made with dates. Not pure chocolate. Still with me? They are a healthier alternative to a box of chocolates. If you’re looking for an intense chocolate dessert, try my Ultimate Fudge Brownies or Death by Chocolate Cookies.
I love how simple, elegant, and decadent tasting these bites are. Eating one kinda makes me feel fancy. Bonus points that they are made with whole, natural ingredients, and do not contain a trace of processed sugar. Gosh knows I’ve been in a sugar coma lately. What up Red Velvet Swirl Brownies!
Get your sweet & chocolate fix without the sugar crash!
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makes 16-18 bites
Ingredients
- 14 whole, pitted dates
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup dry-roasted salted peanuts (or any type of peanut, salted or unsalted - your preference)
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- optional for rolling: cocoa powder, shredded coconut, crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- First, make sure your dates are soft. You may soak them in warm water (and drain them) for 15 minutes before putting into the food processor or blender. OR you may chop them up into very small pieces so they blend easily.
- Put all of your ingredients into the blender or food processor, in the order listed, and blend for 4-5 minutes or until a thick oily “dough” ball is formed. The dough will be oily from the seeds and nuts. You will have to scrape down the sides of the blender/food processor a few times to get all of the dry ingredients to the bottom. Once a dough is formed, scoop the dough (about 1 Tablespoon each) and roll into a smooth ball with your hands.
- If rolling into cocoa powder, coconut, etc: spread rolling ingredients onto a plate and roll the moist dough ball around to fully cover.
Notes
*Store bites at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Recipe source: sallysbakingaddiction.com
© Sally’s Baking Addiction. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or link back to this post for the recipe.
How can you not feel fancy eating one?
Want some more healthy dessert or snack options? I have plenty that would be perfect for Valentine‘s Day!
Healthy Oatmeal Raisinet Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola Bars
Caramel Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites
Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola
Skinny Strawberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
Baked Banana Bread Donuts with Dark Chocolate Glaze
Skinny Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cupcakes
{ 98 comments… read them below or add one }
Okay, so, I loooove dates, and I also enjoy Lara bars. I always keep dates on hand, so it’d be easy to whip these up in no time! Awesome recipe, Sally!!
Colleen @ What’s Baking in the Barbershop?! recently posted..Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
Give these a try Colleen! You won’t be disappointed, esp if you love dates like I do!
These look so, so good, Sally! Like you, I LOVE Larabars but can’t afford them on a regular basis. These energy bites are the perfect solution! I received a food processor for Christmas and have been a little overwhelmed about using it (so.many.parts.!). However, I think these will be the first thing I make with it! Cannot wait!
I got a food processor for Christmas too! I love getting kitchen stuff as presents.
Let me know if you try these Cory – I’m a huge fan of lara bars, just not how much they end up costing me over time.
These look good! I need to try “healthy” recipes, definitely too much butter, chocolate and cream in my life! Started swimming again so maybe I should start “baking” healthy. Beautiful pictures as always Sally! Have a fabulous week
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen recently posted..Salted Caramel Heath Bar Stuffed Brownies
I was a swimmer for 12 years Elizabeth! I haven’t swam in a long time. Freestyle was my stroke.
Thank you for the photo compliment! And let me know if oyu make these sometime!
I made something like this recently!! Dates, walnuts, cocoa powder and vanilla extract… I made them into little “fudge squares.” SO good! I want to make all different varieties…I love a nice, healthy raw vegan treat. I love how something so healthy can really taste so fudgey and delicious
Shaina recently posted..Culinary Judging at Flavors of Boca (Part 1)
I should make these into fudge squares/brownie shapes sometime Shaina! I went with peanuts instead of walnuts. I’m sure your squares are amazing!
This was my blog, circa 2009-2010. I have a post called bites and balls with like 30+ no-bake versions of little ball recipes. At the time, Skylar was teething (wow!) and I remember letting her kind of gnaw on date-balls. And so I had double duty by making so many. Except my photography sucked then. And yours is stunning!
I love making at-home things like this and never again do I buy prepared bars! I mean…once you get spoiled on the flavor of homemade, no storebought can compete. Plus the $$ savings!
Averie @ Averie Cooks recently posted..Blueberry and Cream Cheese Muffin Top Bread
Skylar’s has grown up so much! And yes, I adore making my own at home. Once time I even made these with a bit of peanut butter and jelly tossed into the blender too. So fun and easy to experiment with dates and nuts.
LOVING these, Sally! I love having work snacks on-hand, but I’m not willing to shell out $$$ for something I can inhale in just a few bites. These are the perfect solution! Love the pics with the bites taken out–looks like I’m right there!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Chocolate Brownie Waffles
Crap. Now I need To buy a food processor. Look out world!
Excited to try these! Loving you as usual. Xoxo and happy V day to you and Kevin!!
Katy! Happy Vday to you too! And I still need to post something about my favorite kitchen tools. Haven’t forgotten about that for you!! xoxo
These look soo good!! i’ve been trying to stay away from snacks… but these would be perfect in small doses. i could still appease my appetite for snacks but still stay on a healthier side.
thank you for sharing a great recipe!
I usually pop one or two of them when I need a quick bite. They are packed with so many good things and always bring my energy back up! Thanks Miruh!
I love eating raw/vegan whenever I can and these sound like something I would love! I bet my babies would even like these! Great recipe – even sans peanut butter
Back For Seconds recently posted..Raspberry Oreo Truffle Crack
Oh don’t worry, I’ve added pb to these before too
It’s been a while since I’ve had a healthy chocolate desssert–thanks for sharing!
Mimi @ Culinary Couture recently posted..Pizza Pasta Pie
Wonderful recipe and healthy! I have some dates that are looking to be used! Going to give this recipe a try!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers recently posted..Grilled Chipotle Chicken with Chipotle Cream Sauce – SRC
Let me know how you like them Jennifer!
I love these kind of snacks. Dates! What a great idea. Usually I use honey for natural sweetening but this would change it up nicely.
Regina @ SpecialtyCakeCreations recently posted..Strawberry Oreo White Chocolate Fridge Cake
These look so fudgy!! I need more dates in my life!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. recently posted..Red Velvet Rice Krispie Treats
I never would have believed that date bites could possibly taste as good and dessert-y as they do until I finally tried a version. Now I’m hooked! Can’t wait to try out your variation – I love the flavor of sunflower seeds – awesome idea to add them, Sally!
Jess recently posted..Chai Spice Granola with Almonds and Coconut
It’s so hard to believe how dessert-y they truly do taste until you have one! That’s why I love these. They are secretly dessert-like.
Thanks Jess as always!
I used to eat the cherry pie Lara bars ALL. THE. TIME. I was quite addicted. I bet these would be good with some dried cherries too! YUMMY recipe Sally!
aimee @ shugarysweets recently posted..Toffee Chocolate Chip Valentine’s Day Cheeseball
I’ve definitely had way too much sugar (and an uncharacteristic amount of butter, blaming your recipes!) lately. Nice to see something healthy that looks so tasty.
Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies recently posted..Vegan Banana French Toast
Glad you appreciate the healthier recipes Kelly! I always question whether or not to post the healthier things that I eat b/c I fear they will be boring for most readers. I appreciate the comment!
I’m so with you on eating healthy, vegan snacks. I was just at Target yesterday looking for something to hold me over while in class all day, and could barely find anything that wasn’t loaded with sugar or unnecessary carbs. So I stuck with the Lara bars- at least it’s all natural sugar! But I love the fact that you created a recipe- very diet friendly
I will definitely be making these in the near future!
P.S- congratulations on your engagement!!
Thanks Lisa!! That’s great to hear. I always rely on store bought Lara bars, but now these are just so much easier and cheaper to make at home. Thank you for the congrats!! Let me know how you like these. Thanks Lisa!
I’ve made my own blueberry Larabars before, and they are awesome. I’m with you though – the chocolate chip brownie is the best kind by far. I totally need to give this a try!
Eva @ Eva Bakes recently posted..Chinese steamed sticky rice cakes (nián gāo)
I need to try a blueberry version next Eva! Genius!
I love truffles, I love sunflower seeds and I love peanuts! These sound amazing. Definitely something to try.
Emma xx
Emma, thanks for saying hi! Let me know if you ever give these a whirl.
Good idea for squeezing in a healthy recipe! There has to be something to balance out all of the butter and sugar I’ll be consuming this week (and next week.. hello clearance chocolate!). I love Lara bars, so I know i’ll love these too, especially with coconut flakes!
Monica recently posted..Strawberry Macarons
These are right up my alley! I love using dates as a sweetener, they are nature’s caramel. Thanks for posting a healthier, vegan-friendly treat, I will definitely be making these for myself on Valentine’s Day. <3
Anna {Herbivore Triathlete} recently posted..Polar Bear Series~10 Miles
I actually haven’t had a Lara bar but I would gladly devour these than those bars any day of the week!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..Turkey Meatball Sliders
I used to eat those bars all the time, but you are right so expensive, and not in the budget now. But a bite sized energy ball made at home with cocoa powder surrounding it? I could get used to these pretty quickly! I am loving the bowls in your pictures!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted..Trick or Treat Tuesday #6
Thanks Jocelyn! I got them from Anthropoligie. http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-tabletop-dinnerware/873036.jsp
These look so good, it’s hard to believe their healthy!!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) recently posted..Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas
Girl, yes, yes, yes! These look great. And I love that they are healthy. I’ve been making a variety of different Lara bars for awhile now, but haven’t tried these. I need to run out and get some dates and then I’m ready to go!
Jill recently posted..Chocolate Covered Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
Let me know how you like them Jill! I love Lara Bars!
Ok – so these little bites looks like dessert! I can’t believe they’re healthy!! I mean, talk about the best “trick your family into eating healthy” recipe ever!! pinning!!
Meghan @ The Tasty Fork recently posted..Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch & Chocolate Bars
I agree 100% on all things – can’t believe they are good for you. Thanks for the pin Meghan!
OMG STOP IT SALLY! 5 ingredients!? GF?! CHOCOLATEY?! ahem. lol I’m just so excited I accidentally landed on my caps lock
My nana has celiac and these would be PERFECT for her. Delicious, nutritious, and GF without all the crazy ingredients. You are a sweet genius my friend 
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain recently posted..College Cooking 101: Upgrade Your Mac and Cheese!
hahah Jess landed on your caps lock. You crack me up! I love that there are no weird or strange ingredients in these. simple and straightfoward!
I love date sweetened treats so much more than banana sweetened ones. These truffles look sinfully good, Sally!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet recently posted..Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
These look fantastic Sally…like you I’m a bit of a health nut at heart, so healthy, tasty snacks with no suspect ingredients is great by me!
Joy @ Baking-Joy recently posted..Banana peanut butter chip muffins
It’s hard to even believe your healthy recipes are healthy because they all look so amazing!!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites
Thanks Ashley! That’s so sweet of you.
These look incredible! I would love to try them sometime soon! Thank you for sharing
Jamie recently posted..Lemon Blueberry Scones
Making my own version of Larabars has been on my list for forever! These look so perfect–especially the ones rolled in coconut. I love that they’re chocolate, but with no added sugar. These are totally right up my alley, and I want to make like 500 varieties and never buy the ones from the store ever again!
Ari @ Ari’s Menu recently posted..Cookie Butter Cookie Dough Bars
I know what you mean Ari! I already have so many variations in my head to play around with.
Wow these look stunning! I love the healthi-ness of them too. So perfect. And I am in love with that bowl! So gorge!!!
Carla @ Carlas Confections recently posted..Kale & Broccoli Quinoa
Thank you Carla! I got the bowls from Anthropologie.
These look absolutely divine! My hubby and I are chocolate lovers but it never hurts to add a healthy “bite” into the mix every now and then! I especially like the idea of rolling them in coconut… And since they’re healthy that means we can eat a whole box of them, right
Hey Allison! Thanks so much. I am a huge chocolate lover too. Especially if peanuts and coconut are involved.
And yes, eating one after the other after the other is OK in my book!
Can you believe I’ve never had a date? I need to try them. And these bite! I love little bites like this to get me through the afternoon!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..Red Velvet Cheesecake Loaf
Lara Bars have the best flavors! I hate the other energy bars that taste like sand. These Chocolate Truffle Energy Bites are so cute! Perfect for a late afternoon pick me up when I am craving sugar.
Nicole @ youngbrokeandhungry recently posted..Red Velvet Marble Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting
Nicole, you took the words right out of my mouth! Energy bars that taste like sand. Very gritty and a horrible consistency. It’s so nice to make them at home, having control over the ingredients, cost, texture and taste!
Such an interesting idea! I think it would be fun to try different extracts…maybe maple or orange? I love the cute little heart plate and the way you captured the look of cocoa powder!
Hey Caley! Adding orange extract sounds amazing. You should give it a try! And maple… wow. Even better my friend.
Oh Sally! These are right up my alley! Heck yes I’m making these VERY soon.
ashley – baker by nature recently posted..Couscous with Arugula Asiago Pesto and Herb Roasted Tomatoes
I love dates and I’ve started working out again after an injury so these would be great to make! Thanks Sally
Liz recently posted..Cranberry & Grapefruit Scones
Ceasing workouts because of injuries is the worst Liz. I’ve broken a lot of bones, so I feel ya. I love dates too! Let me know if you give these a try.
OMG– the ones with the coconut! I could eat these every day and be a happy little clam. Gorgeous pictures, too!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..Valentine Heart Chow
Thanks Hayley, as always my dear dear friend. Thinking of you. xoxo text me if you need anything.
I love Lara bars! Cherry Pie flavored is my fave too
These look like a nice economical way to break my pricey Lara bar habit!
Maggie @ A Bitchin’ Kitchen recently posted..Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes
Hey there Maggie! I completely agree. These are just so much cheaper than store bough!
I love everything about these!
Erika @ The Hopeless Housewife recently posted..Erika Monroe-Williams Behind the Scenes of “The Taste” on ABC
I made something very similar the other day. I also added rices krispies for the texture. It’s really amazing how delicious and satisfying these fruit truffles are and how much healthier
.
cookingrookie recently posted..Crunchy Nutella Bites
Adding rice krispies is a great idea! I’m going to have to try that. I love adding texture to practically everything.
These look delicious! I love Larabars, hate how expensive they are. These are a perfect (and delicious!) pre-workout snack. Can’t wait to try.
Rachel @ Bakerita recently posted..Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
I love how versatile these are, Sally! I can make some how my husband would like them and some how I would like them! Definitely will be making these to have on hand after a workout!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction recently posted..Raspberry White Chocolate Streusel Bars
This is one of those recipes that I’d have to make while the kids weren’t home. Because I totally wouldn’t share. Not even a crumb.
Karly recently posted..ArchetypeMe: The Big Reveal (and a giveaway!)
Um, that comment was meant for the big chocolate cookie. I must have clicked the wrong comments button.
Going away now. Don’t mind me.
Karly recently posted..ArchetypeMe: The Big Reveal (and a giveaway!)
this is why I love you.
What?! No added sugar?! You go, you! And these pictures are awesome! I love this recipe. Yay for healthier recipes.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking recently posted..White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse – Even He Can Do It!
I knew you’d love these Erin! I was waiting for you to see them =)
I love vegan and gluten free treats too! It is great to make something healthy and yummy! Dates are one of my favorite snacks and baking ingredients. So delicious
Laura Dembowski recently posted..Individual Slutty Blondies
Awesome Sally! Lara bars are the bomb, but I don’t buy them. Making them homemade is great except for the brief moments when you feel like your food processor is going to flip off the counter! Those few seconds of stress are worth it though…
Have a great weekend!
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen recently posted..What I Wish I Was Eating on Valentine’s Day
Ha! I agree Loretta. And I don’t buy many Lara bars (only sometimes) b/c I can make these at home!
Ohh, I love these, Sally!! They sound very Larabar-ish, and I love Larabars. I know it sounds weird but I absolutely love to snack on dates — they’re truly a “nature’s candy!”
lol I always snack on dates! With a smear of peanut butter
Thank you for this recipe! I just made them this afternoon and I’m so happy with how they turned out AND it was easy! The texture was much smoother than I expected, kind of like raw cookie dough, but much healthier
I found your blog a few months ago and I’ve tried about 10 of your recipes and I’ve never been disappointed. Thanks!
Hey Jessica! Wow, thank you for the very sweet comment. I’m so glad you follow my blog and are loving the recipes you make. Please let me know any time you make something, I just love hearing about it.
I love these truffles so much!
Thank you so much! They taste amazing! Didn’t have any sunflower seeds on hand so I just left them out and they tasted fine.
I didn’t believe it was possible to make something chocolaty and sweet without any sugar or butter! Will definitely make these again.
Hey Shai! That’s great to hear. Thanks for the report back! I’ll have to try these without sunflower seeds one time.
These look amazing, and I really want to try them! I was just wondering what kind of dates to use, Medjool or Deglet noor? Or does it matter? And is it okay to use dried dates?
I’ve made them with both- try medjool, I favored those!
I love lara bars! Apple pie is my favorite! I’m such a fruit nut
Have a Happy Easter Sally!
Mary Ellen recently posted..Sticky Bun Cake
Hope you had a great Easter Mary Ellen! Lara Bars are so good!
Those look delicious, but it got me wondering…have you ever made brigadeiro? If so, I’d love to know your recipe!
Hi Haley! No I have not.
I love it. Thx from Bremen Germany
Michael recently posted..Chips aus Süßkartoffeln schnell und lecker
Just made these and I really like them. They ended up being very versatile, which I love. I didn’t have plain nuts so I substituted peanut butter and added some oats and walnuts to make up for the lack of peanuts and sunflower seeds. The dates made it wonderfully sweet and it wasn’t difficult to handle. Thanks much for the recipe!
Love the changes you made, Katy! Your bites sound wonderful. I just made these again with a few different ingredients and will be posting them soon!
Deeee-lish Sally!!!
Thanks Tony!
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