A combination of nut butter, chocolate, dates, and maca root powder adds up to a high-protein snack. This recipe for vegan maca chocolate nut butter truffles, AKA energy balls, uses just a few wholesome ingredients for a truly delectable treat.
The distinctive flavor of maca root powder has been described alternatively as caramel-like, reminiscent of butterscotch, and malty. No matter how your palate perceives it, maca is a fantastic addition to sweet treats like these vegan truffles.
This recipe makes about 12 to 14 1-inch truffles.
A few maca root basics and tips
The root (or tuber) vegetable maca, a member of the species Lepidium meyenii, has been grown in the mountains of Peru and Bolivia for millennia.
Maca root’s benefits have long been valued by indigenous cultures in its countries of origin. More recently, its use as a superfood has spread worldwide. Be aware that other than the verifiable vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and multitude of other nutrients contained in maca, other reported benefits are largely anecdotal. Learn lots more in this article, “All About Maca Root.”
Where to buy maca root powder: Look for maca at your local natural foods store. If they don’t carry it, ask if they’ll special order if for you. Of course, you can also shop online; simply search for “where to buy maca root.”
Maca can also be purchased directly from distributors like The Maca Team. It’s best to choose Fair Trade, which helps to ensure that those harvesting and processing it are paid living wages and work under fair labor practices. Learn lots more in our Guide to Maca.
Ingredients for Vegan Maca Truffles
- Peanut butter or other nut butter (cashew is great!)
- Vegan chocolate chips
- Medjool or deglet noor dates
- Wheat germ or hemp seeds (or half of each)
- Maca root powder (preferably yellow, AKA blond)
- Cacao or cocoa powder, sesame seeds, and/or finely crushed nuts for rolling (optional)
Explore more …
- 5 Easy Smoothies Made with Maca Root Powder
- 10 Easy Ways to Use Maca Root Powder in Food and Beverages
- Delectable Vegan Date Energy Balls & Truffles
Vegan Maca Chocolate Nut Butter Truffles
This recipe for vegan maca chocolate nut butter truffles, AKA energy balls, uses only a few wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or your favorite nut butter (cashew is great!)
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup pitted medjool or deglet noir dates
- 1/2 cup wheat germ or hemp seeds, or half of each
- 2 to 4 tablespoons maca root powder (preferably yellow, AKA blond), as desired
- Cacao or cocoa powder, sesame seeds, and/or finely crushed nuts for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients except the optional ingredients for rolling in a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth. You may have to stop the machine and reach in with a spoon or cake spatula a couple of times to scrape down the sides of the work bowl and break up clumps.
- Roll into approximately 1-inch balls. Roll them in cacao or cocoa powder, sesame seeds, and/or crushed nuts if you’d like. Arrange on a plate.
- Refrigerate for about an hour, or until firmed up. Keep any not eaten immediately in a covered container in the refrigerator.
If you like these easy vegan truffles, you may also enjoy …
Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles
See more delectable vegan desserts & sweets
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