Energy truffles of cocoa, amaranth, and walnut

Recipe for Energy Cocoa Amaranth and Nut Truffles

The energy truffles of cocoa, amaranth, and nut are a perfect healthy snack for those looking for a nutritious dessert without complications. With natural ingredients and superfoods, this homemade recipe is ideal for giving a boost of natural energy at any time of day.

Preparation time

The time you need to prepare these energy truffles is quite short, ideal for those who don't have much time but want a nutritious snack.

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: Not required
• Total: 30 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Servings: 18-20 truffles
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the energy truffles

• 1 cup pecan nuts
• 3/4 cup grated piloncillo (approx. 70-80 g)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup popped amaranth
• 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Extra cocoa powder, amaranth, or ground seeds for coating (optional)

If you don't have piloncillo, you can replace it with agave syrup or honey; however, piloncillo provides a sweetness and characteristic flavor of traditional Mexican cuisine that is difficult to match.

Utensils we will use

• Food processor or powerful blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and board for grating or chopping piloncillo
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Tray or dish for chilling
• Plastic wrap or lid for covering

Preparation

1. Prepare the piloncillo and walnuts

1. Grate the piloncillo: If your piloncillo is in a block, carefully grate it with a knife or grater to obtain a fine texture that will incorporate better into the mixture.
2. Process the pecan: Place the pecan in the food processor and process until it has a sandy texture. Do not turn it into butter; it should remain finely chopped to provide crunch.

2. Mix dry ingredients

1. Combine ingredients: In the bowl, mix the grated piloncillo, unsweetened cocoa powder, popped amaranth, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract if using. Stir well to integrate the flavors.

3. Incorporate wet ingredients and bind the dough

1. Add coconut oil: Add the coconut oil tablespoon by tablespoon while processing. This ingredient helps compact the mixture and gives it a creamy texture, but if the mixture is too dry, add a little more until you can form balls.
2. Mix until compact: The goal is that when you press the mixture between your fingers, it compacts without falling apart, which indicates it's ready to form the truffles.

4. Form and coat

1. Shape the truffles: With clean hands, form walnut-sized balls, compacting them so they don't fall apart.
2. Coat the truffles (optional): If you wish, roll the truffles in extra cocoa powder, amaranth, or ground seeds to give them a decorative finish and an extra touch of flavor.

5. Refrigerate and firm up

1. Resting: Place the truffles on a platter, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes so they firm up and their flavors concentrate.

To finish and serve

Before serving, check that the truffles are firm and compact. You can accompany them with a natural drink or coffee for a complete energy snack. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings because they don't require an oven or complicated preparation.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 65 kcal
• Proteins: 8. 1.2 g
• Fats: 4.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 5.5 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g

Values are approximate per truffle, and may vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size.

7 practical tips for preparing perfect energy truffles

For your cocoa, amaranth, and walnut energy truffles to always turn out perfect, keep these tips in mind:

• Do not over-process the walnuts: If you grind them too much, the mixture can become oily and difficult to handle.
• Use finely grated piloncillo: This facilitates incorporation and prevents lumps in the mixture.
• Control moisture with coconut oil: Add little by little until the desired texture is achieved.
• Refrigerate the truffles: This helps them compact and the flavors integrate better.
• Do not substitute bitter cocoa: It provides the sugar-free intensity that characterizes these truffles.
• Use popped amaranth for texture: It adds a crunchy touch and is a protein-rich superfood.
• If you don't use vanilla extract: You can use orange zest for a different aroma.

When is it ideal to enjoy cacao, amaranth, and walnut energy truffles?

This healthy snack is excellent for any occasion that requires a quick boost of natural energy. Perfect for the afternoon when you need to avoid a slump without eating processed foods, or for sharing at family gatherings or with friends. They are also ideal before or after exercise to recover energy in a delicious and nutritious way.

Comparative table with similar energy truffle recipes

Frequently asked questions about cacao, amaranth, and walnut energy truffles

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. After preparing these energetic cocoa, amaranth, and walnut truffles, tell us how they turned out, if you decided to use any substitute or variation, or what occasion you found ideal to enjoy them. Leave your comment and share your own little tricks!

Culinary glossary for cacao, amaranth, and walnut energy truffles

• Piloncillo: Traditional Mexican sweetener made from evaporated sugarcane juice, it has a flavor with caramel notes.
• Popped amaranth: Amaranth grains lightly puffed by heat, they provide crunchiness and are a superfood.
• Bitter cocoa powder: Cocoa without refined sugar, used to give intense flavor and antioxidants.
• Coconut oil: Natural fat extracted from coconut, it adds texture and moisture to the mixture.
• Food processor: Appliance that allows ingredients to be quickly crushed or mixed; at home you can use a powerful blender or a mortar and pestle.