Raw Protein Power Carob Hemp Truffles
These raw protein power carob hemp truffles are a five-ingredient, no-bake vegan dessert that doubles as a post-workout snack. You blend soaked dates, carob, and hemp protein powder until creamy, roll the mixture into balls, dust them in carob, and chill. They are super-creamy, melt in your mouth, and ready in about 10 minutes with nothing more than a food processor.
I made these last week as a post-workout snack. I craved something sweet but didn’t want to ruin my workout diet, so I opted for a raw vegan dessert instead of reaching for the usual. Truffles are my absolute favorites because they’re so easy to make and ready in 10 minutes or less. I’ll admit I just couldn’t help myself and ate them all — I think Costin got 3 or 4 too, but the rest were mine!
A Look at the Five Ingredients
Each ingredient here pulls its weight, which is why such a short list works. The dates are the binder and the sweetener all in one — soaking them for 15 minutes softens the flesh so they blend into a smooth caramel-like paste instead of staying chunky. Pick soft, plump dates (Medjool are ideal); if yours feel dry, give them the full soak and they’ll come back to life.
Carob powder gives that deep, naturally sweet, chocolate-like color and flavor without any caffeine, and it does double duty as the coating. Hemp protein powder is what turns a date truffle into a protein-packed snack — it has a slightly earthy, green note, which is exactly why the carob and dates around it matter so much for balance. The optional healthy sweetener is there only if you want them a touch sweeter, and the rum extract is my little trick: I added it to enhance the chocolatey taste even more. A small amount goes a long way. For more ways to use the main flavor here, browse my recipes with carob powder and other hemp recipes.
Tips for Getting the Texture Right
The whole recipe lives or dies on the consistency of the blend, so process the mixture until it’s truly super-smooth before you stop. If the dough feels too wet or sticky to roll, add a little more carob or hemp protein a teaspoon at a time until it holds its shape. If it’s too dry and crumbly, that usually means the dates needed more soaking — add a splash of the soaking water and blend again.
When you shape the truffles, lightly damp hands keep the mixture from sticking. Roll each ball, then drop it onto a plate of carob powder and turn it to coat evenly. The coating isn’t just for looks — it keeps the truffles from feeling tacky and gives a clean, cocoa-dusted finish.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These are a great make-ahead snack. Chill them in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving so they firm up and the flavors settle — though if you’re impatient like me, you can serve them right away. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they hold up well for several days, and they freeze nicely too if you want a longer-lasting stash. I like making a batch ahead so there’s always a protein-rich bite waiting after training.
If you love this kind of quick raw dessert, you’ll want to try my creamiest raw chocolate truffles, these raw almond chocolate truffles, and the raw exotic avocado truffles. For more post-workout fuel, pair a couple of these with my intense workout high-protein smoothie or dig into the full collection of high-protein vegan recipes.
If you make these carob hemp truffles, I’d love to know whether you snuck in the rum extract or kept them plain — leave a star rating and a comment below and tell me how many actually survived past the first taste-test.
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Raw Protein Power Carob Hemp Truffles
Ingredients
- 10 dates pitted, soaked in water for 15 minutes and halved
- 3 Tbsps carob powder + some more for coating
- 3 Tbsps hemp protein powder
- ½ Tbsp healthy sweetener of choice optional – I wanted them just a little bit sweeter
- ½ Tbsp rum extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients in your food processor or blender. Process until super-smooth.
- Put 2-3 Tbsps carob powder on a plate.
- Shape the truffles and coat them in carob powder.
- Store in fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving…or just serve them right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Every ingredient is plant-based: pitted dates, carob powder, hemp protein powder, an optional healthy sweetener, and rum extract. There is no honey, dairy, or egg, so they are fully vegan and naturally raw.
Carob has a deep, naturally sweet, chocolate-like flavor but no caffeine and no bitterness. It is milder and a bit toastier than cocoa, which is why these truffles taste rich without needing much added sweetener.
Hemp protein is what makes these a protein-packed post-workout snack, but you can swap it for another vegan protein powder you like. Flavor and texture will shift slightly, so add it gradually and check the dough holds its shape before rolling.
No, it is optional. I add a little to enhance the chocolatey taste, but the truffles work perfectly without it. Leave it out entirely for an alcohol-free, kid-friendly version, or swap in a splash of vanilla.
Sticky dough usually means it needs a little more carob or hemp protein, added a teaspoon at a time. Dry, crumbly dough means the dates needed more soaking, so add a splash of the soaking water and blend again until smooth.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay good for several days. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead and pull out a protein-rich bite whenever you need one.
Ever since I gave up on coffee I keep searching for energy balls to keep me going during the day and these are some of my favorite. So easy!!!
Glad you liked the recipe! 😀