Ferrero Rocher Truffles

Many people cannot resist the delicious, rich chocolate, hazelnut confectionary wrapped in shiny gold. The exceptional flavours that burst in your mouth after one bite is enough to leave you wanting more.

I have been good for a while so I believe it is time to create something a little more indulgent. I have been asked to make a raw version of Ferrero Rochers, so I thought why not rise to the challenge. I am a big fan of both chocolate and hazelnuts so my hand really didn’t need much twisting. Plus, I have made Ferrero Rocher cupcakes in the past (which you can find on my blog) that had simple, little Ferrero Rocher truffles sitting on the frosting, and they were not hard to make at all. However, I wanted to create Ferrero Rocher truffles that were a little more complex.

My version of a Ferrero Rocher definitely mirrors the flavours and textures of the conventional. I have ensured that the hazelnut and chocolate essences are strong enough to make a statement and really pack a punch. Additionally, I have complemented this perfect flavour combo with enticing textures, such as the creaminess from the centre and crunchie outer layer. However, if you want to create a centre that is creamier, you can substitute the hazelnut meal with hazelnut butter. I make hazelnut butter myself from blitzing roasted hazelnuts in my food processor. But you can also buy hazelnut butter from the health food store if you prefer.

A lot of people believe that eating wholesome, plant-based food is quite extreme and would only help you to lose weight. However, not only can eating this way aid you towards shedding weight, it most importantly makes you feel amazing! Creating delicious desserts that taste just as good, if not better than junk food, and makes you feel energetic and lively at the same time is the best thing you can ask for! These Ferrero Rocher truffles are packed with raw cacao powder and good fats from the hazelnuts and coconut oil. Plus, there is no refined-sugar!

Raw, cold-pressed cacao powder is the purest form of chocolate that you can find. This superfood provides a wealth of antioxidants and essential vitamins, particularly magnesium, calcium, zinc, and potassium. These medicinal properties are vital for great heart-health; however, they also support cardiovascular function and neutralize free radicals due to the high levels of antioxidants. But what I love about cacao the most is how effectively it stimulates endorphin and serotonin levels! What an effective mood-booster!

This treat could not be any easier to assemble! Although it will get your hands a little messy, it is all part of the fun!

Ferrero Rocher Truffles

GF DF V P

Serves 10 - 12

INGREDIENTS

Truffles

- 10 pitted dates

- 1/3 cup almond meal

- 3/4 cup hazelnut meal

- 1/2 cup hazelnuts (whole)

- 1/4 cup cacao powder

- 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

- 1 tsp vanilla essence

Topping

- 3/4 cup hazelnuts (roughly chopped)

- 3/4 cup vegan chocolate

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees on fan bake. Steam or boil the dates until they become soft. Remove the skin of the dates and roughly chop them. Use a blender to blitz the dates into a puree. Mix all of the ingredients together until smooth and sticky. Roll one tablespoon of the mixture into balls and place one whole hazelnut inside each truffle. Leave the truffles aside.

To make the topping, put the hazelnuts into the oven for 10 minutes until golden brown. Take as much of the skin off of the hazelnuts and then roughly chop them. Melt the chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Mix the melted chocolate and roughly chopped hazelnuts together until completely combined. Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate. Place the truffles into the fridge to allow the chocolate to set.