Chocolate Orange Truffle Wedges

Hannah Sunderani
Jan 18, 2017
4 min read

These Chocolate Orange Truffle Wedges are one of my most favourite sweet treats. They really are so truffle-like. An effortless bite exposes a soft interior with a rich and chocolatey overload that fills your mouth with goodness. It's a chocolate truffle bliss - in the form of a wedge!

And in addition to being delicious, what's better for our bodies and piece-of-mind than knowing these truffles are healthy!? They are made of a combination of dates, cocoa powder, almond butter, chia, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Then, they're dipped in a thin layer of orange dark chocolate and sprinkled with orange zest. Of course you can always leave out the chocolate coating, but a little chocolate now and then never hurts. I love how it offers that crunchy coating that so well contrasts its soft interior. And given it's citrus season I couldn't help but make this dessert an orange delight! That freshly squeezed orange is the perfect touch for a tangy taste, as well as the orange zest sprinkle. I've also used almond meal in this recipe, which was leftover from making homemade almond milk this weekend. It's a small point of pride being able to re-use this meal, because it's typically relegated to the compost, and that "thunk" noise as it drops from hands to bin has really started to settle into my guilty conscious! If there's a way to repurpose food I'm all for it! Take my recent Almond Meal and Cauliflower Flatbread for example, and with this new recipe we just went from using these almonds for beverage, to main, and dessert! Home run baby!

In fact, this sweet treat is perfect for any time of day, and it hits the spot without the guilt. Whether it's an after dinner sweet-tooth, a mid-day pick me up, or a booster before your workout these truffles are the go-to. In my opinion, it's always best served with hot coffee or tea (just like classic truffles). And when the time comes I really can't help but stop everything I'm doing and focus entirely on each delightful bite. The five minutes of peaceful indulgence are beyond worth it.

Of course, these truffles can also be enjoyed in any shape - wedge or round. I like the look of the cheeky wedge; a little Terry's Chocolate style if you know what I mean. Although it's a little more effort, so if you're pressed for time feel free to roll them into bite sized balls instead of wedges. Just think of them as little kumquats instead of orange slices! Whatever shape or size I promise they are just as delicious.

So be kind to yourself and dedicate those five minutes of heaven to one of these healthy but decadent Chocolate Orange Truffles Wedges. I know I will - actually, better make it 10 minutes!

Chocolate Orange Truffle Wedges

Makes: 24 wedges, or 12 truffle balls | Prep Time: 25 mins| Freeze Time: 2-3 hours

Ingredients:

3 tbsp chia seeds
6 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
12 medjool dates, pits removed
1/2 cup almond meal*
3 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp agave
3 tsp almond butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
water for boiling
150g vegan orange dark chocolate
1 tsp coconut oil, plus more for rolling
The zest of 4 oranges

*Almond meal is the leftover almond pulp after making homemade almond milk. Instead of tossing the pulp, use it as almond meal in this recipe. It can be damp when using; there's no need to dry it out, or pre-bake it. Just try to get out as much of the milk as possible when making nut milk, as I'm sure you will because who wants to miss even an ounce!

Directions:

Begin by adding freshly squeezed orange juice to chia seeds. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to make an egg-like substance.
In a food processor add your dates, almond meal, cocoa powder, coconut oil, agave, almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt and orange/chia egg. Blend until smooth and doughy in texture.
Transfer to a cutting board and separate the truffle dough into three equal amounts. Then roll the dough into three balls.** Place on a tray lined with parchment paper and transfer to the freezer to harden for 1-2 hours. (To stop the dough from sticking to your hands you can rub a little coconut oil onto your palms before rolling).
When truffle balls are hardened remove from freezer and gently cut truffles into wedges - do this by cutting the truffle balls just as you would an orange ; in half, then quarters, then eighths. Place wedges back onto paper lined tray and back in the freezer for 30-45 minutes to chill.
When chilled add 2 inches water to a medium pot and bring to a simmer. Place a large glass bowl on top of the pot making sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water. Add orange chocolate and coconut oil to the bowl to melt, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
Remove truffle wedges from freezer and insert them into the melted chocolate with a spoon. Roll the truffles in the chocolate to coat entirely, then place back on the tray. Sprinkle with orange zest. Continue process until all truffle wedges are coated in chocolate.
Place truffles wedges in the fridge or freezer to harden, approx.15 minutes. Then serve.

**Alternatively, instead of making orange wedge shapes, you can make traditional round truffles: For Step 3, instead of rolling dough into three larger balls, roll them into bite-sized balls, (makes approx. 12 bite-sized balls).

Approvals: