Chocolate Espresso Fig Balls are a 2-bite healthy no bake dessert. Prepared with dark rich cocoa, espresso, dried figs and toasty almonds for a guilt free, no added sugar, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan dessert.
One bite of these caffeinated bliss balls and you will be hooked and might have to go back for a second. It is completely okay as each ball rounds in at only 90 calories each. If staying caffeinated is your "JAM", try our Dairy Free Pumpkin Ice Cream Affogato and that will get you up and going.
Bliss Balls
Easy no bake dessert
No refined sugar
Freeze well
Can be made ahead
Make fantastic gifts
Vegan
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Kick of caffeine
Quick chocolate fix
Refuel your mid-day slump
We know that around 2p or 3pm our bodies want to go into hibernation. Do you feel wiped out and ready for a nap but have a honey do list longer than Santa? We totally get it and that is why we created these delicious healthy alternative Chocolate Espresso Fig Balls.
Toasted almonds give this ball an extra dose of protein to keep you feeling full. With a good jolt of caffeine and dark cocoa you will be ready to tackle the rest of your day.
When you are sitting at your desk at work, grabbing something from the vending machine may seem like the only alternative. However, think again dear friends. If you have 25 minutes, you can make a delicious batch of portable on the go Chocolate Espresso Fig Balls. They are lightly sweet with a good caffeine buzz.
Homemade gifts
This is a gift you can feel good about giving. These little Chocolate Espresso Fig Balls are gluten-free, vegan and dairy free. Wrap them up in a little box with a big red bow and give to all your family and friends.
These little treats are way better than any store-bought truffles. If you like the idea of making no bake treats for holiday gifts, you are going to love our No Bake Cranberry Bliss Balls.
Fabulous Figs
Do you like fig newtons? They are these little cookies that have a delicious figgy chewy center surrounded by a cookie dough. Our Chocolate Espresso Fig Balls are like kicked up fig newtons minus the carbs of the cookie dough.
You will want to soak your figs in hot water for about 15 minutes and drain before mixing in the food processor to make them soft and pliable. Don’t forget to remove the little stem from the fig as well.
We used Sun-Made California Mission Dried Figs. In addition, we also added in some dried dates to make a larger batch of treats. Dates are a great way to add sweetness and chewiness to a recipe. Be sure to try our Healthy Pumpkin Muffins (Dairy Free and Sugar Free)
No Refined Sugar
Both figs and dates are naturally sweet. However, when you add a dose of espresso powder and unsweetened cocoa powder, you may want to add in a little maple syrup or honey to sweeten to your desired preference. We will leave that up to you. Adding a little pinch of salt makes the natural sweetness from the figs and dates pop.
How to Store
If you have room in your freezer, we suggest storing your Chocolate Espresso Fig Balls in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat or have unexpected guests that pop by, just take out what you want out and place in a dish at room temperature. In about 15 minutes, they will be perfectly chewy and ready to eat.
The Magic of the Food Processor
Do you have a food processor? If not no worries as you can finely chop and use a mortar and pestle to combine the ingredients. However, if you have a food processor this recipe is a complete breeze.
First, grind the nuts. We used toasted almonds. However, you could use any nuts your little heart desires.
Next, add the soaked and drained figs, dates, instant espresso granules, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon, a pinch of salt and a drizzle of maple syrup (only if you wish) and puree in the food processor.
Roll into little 1.5 inch balls and dust with a little unsweetened cocoa powder and you are done. How easy was that?!
More delicious holiday cookies and treats...
Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies (GF, Vegan)
Chewy Black Sesame Cookies (GF)
60 Cookies From Around the World
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Chocolate Espresso Fig Balls
Ingredients
- 5.3 oz dried figs
- ¾ cup dried pitted dates
- Boiling water
enough to cover the figs and dates to soften - 1.5 cups dry roasted almonds
toasted - 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 teaspoon espresso instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
(optional or honey) - 2 teaspoon hot water as needed to get the mixture to blend
Instructions
- Remove the stems from the figs. Place your dried figs and dried dates in a bowl and cover with boiling water and let set for 15 minutes. (Set aside a few tablespoons of water for blending) Drain water from dates and figs. Set aside.
- In the meantime, put your dry roasted toasted almonds (or nut of choice) in the food processor and grind until fine granules. Do not over churn or your will have almond butter.
- Place your soaked and drained figs and dates into the food processor with your ground almonds. Add in unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso instant coffee, ground cinnamon, salt and maple syrup to sweeten as desired. Blend ingredients with food processor. You may need to scrape down the side of the food processor. This blending process takes about 1-2 minutes. You may need to add 1-2 teaspoons of the hot water used to soak the figs and dates to get the figgy paste moving in the food processor. Only add a very small amount of water. Your goal is a very thick paste that you can roll into balls.
- Remove blade from food processor. Roll your thick paste into about 1.5-inch balls and place on a waxed paper line baking sheet. Dust with a little unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Freeze or refrigerate until ready to serve. Chocolate Espresso Fig Balls can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can keep them in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. However, we like to freeze them as we prefer their firmer texture.
- When you are ready to serve your Chocolate Espresso Fig Balls, remove from the freezer and allow to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!
dianeskitchentable says
Now I'm just checking here - these little nuggets don't have to be just for kids right? They look really good & I have to say I love the name. I am so glad I'm done with the school thing - when I look back at all of the driving (my daughter was a competitive figure skater so we'd drive to the rink before school, then school, pick her up, back to the rink)... I just can't remember how I did it although i do miss the chats in the car.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Adults like these little truffles just as much as the kids. Great as pick up with the afternoon tea or coffee. Grab a few out the door on the way to work and it can double as a quickie breakfast. I am still doing the school thing but lucky for me we have public transport in HK and the kids can get there on their own but sometimes I tag along just because I do want that special time alone so that my teenagers can share their day. They grow up so fast and I don't want to miss a thing! Take care, BAM
Mich Piece of Cake says
Love this healthy treat, full of nuts and dried fruits! I was just checking out Angie's raw energy bars and yours really do remind me of that but in a ball form...
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks. I would love to see Angies raw energy bars. Can you please send me the link so we can share with the other readers? Great minds think alike. Take care, BAM
Kristy says
My children would love these. And I couldn't agree more - getting back into the swing of school is a shock to the system...no matter how well prepared we try to be! 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Kristy. We have just survived week one of the start of the school year. I think we just get out of practice and the kids brains are still on holiday. Take care, BAM
Alex says
Oh my god my mouth is watering just from seeing the pics... Thanks!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks for stopping by Alex. These little truffles only take about 15 minutes to make and no oven required. You got to love that. Take Care, BAM
kitchenriffs says
Really clever recipe! Who doesn't like truffles, and this looks to be an exceptionally healthy and tasty way to make them. Excellent recipe - thanks.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you! I just love experimenting in the kitchen. I think it helps me expand my culinary skills. Sometimes I have happy accident and sometimes just pure failures as new recipes are born. However, as we all do, I learn from them and that is the fun part. Thanks for supporting me along the way. Take Care, BAM
Choc Chip Uru says
What gorgeous little truffle balls my friend, perfect for school and the energy it requires, be it kids or parents 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Healthy World Cuisine says
Now for you I would certainly dip yours in 70% chocolate to kick it up a chocolate notch my dear chocolate guru. I hope your studies are going well. Take Care, BAM
ChgoJohn says
These will be great for the kids. Wait a minute. I've no kids. Yay! More for me!
Thanks, BAM!
Healthy World Cuisine says
No problem I can send 2 kids your way, straightaway. My hungry teenagers boys would love it at the Bartolini Kitchens with all that yummy food. You would never be able to get rid of them if you kept on feeding them. All the same, I hope you enjoy the truffles. Take Care, BAM
Marina@Picnic at Marina says
Oh, how wonderful! I love truffles made off dried fruits... 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you and I think you could consider adding dried cherries or any type of soft dried fruit you like to this combo. I guess I just need to get back into Bam's Test kitchen and give it a try. Take Care, BAM
yummychunklet says
For some reason, I can't see your photos, but the recipe reads like these treats would be rather delicious!
thecompletecookbook says
No, no, no, why did I have to see this recipe!!! I will not be able to resist making these!
🙂 Mandy
Healthy World Cuisine says
It will only take about 15 minutes of your time and it is relatively a guilt free snack so give it a go. Take care, BAM
Jeno @ Week Nite Meals says
I think these truffle will be making their way into my kitchen real soon, once my house is back in one piece again. Thanks for sharing Bam! My little girl is going to go ga ga over them!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Good luck with the kitchen saga.... and hoping it resolves soon. Take care, BAM
Norma Chang says
Wonderful treat, I will have a box of the ones dipped into melted 70% chocolate please.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Norma, sending a box your way...Take Care, BAM
Promenade Claire says
Count me in, especially if I don't hav eto turn the oven on ! A great snack-treat there BAM
Healthy World Cuisine says
These little truffles are easy peasy to make. Maybe 15 minutes flat from start to serving... You don't really need to let them set in the fridge for 15 minutes while they set. I just like them cold. You have to love that! Take care, BAM
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Joyce, I am sorry to hear this news about the hubby but I am glad I can help you with a few diabetic friendly recipes along the way. My hubby loved the truffles dipped in toasted almonds and I love the ones powdered in the unsweetened chocolate and my hungry teenagers just inhaled all of them. Take care, BAM
Joyce Barnes says
I made them today, we LOVED them, thanks!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Awesome! Chocolate Figgy Truffles also freeze great too. I will try to keep some diabetic friendly recipes coming your way. Take Care, BAM
Joyce Barnes says
Hi, Bobbi, my sweet -toothed husband has just been diagnosed diabetic, these look ideal. I'll let you know how they turn out. Joyce