If you’re a chocolate lover, read this post! If you’re in a hurry, go straight to the video and recipe, I don’t mind. Just don’t miss the chance of learning how to make your own healthy version of the world-famous “Baci Perugina“. That’s the stuff Italian chocolate dreams are made of. These ridiculously easy and quick Healthy Chocolate Truffles will become a go-to treat for you and those you love. Parola mia! You have my word!
WHAT THE HECK ARE BACI PERUGINA???
In case you’re not Italian, or you have never had the chance to sample these yummy treats, Baci Perugina are dark chocolate truffles with toasted hazelnuts. Because they are made with nuts, these kisses (Baci in Italian) are also considered pralines. No matter what you call them, they have the perfect ratio of gooey, crunchy, salty, sweet, and OMG. On top of it, Perugina, the Italian confectionery that created them in 1922, decided to wrap each chocolate kiss in a love note, using famous quotes and poetic verses. This sweet gimmick makes Baci Perugina the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day and anniversaries. Sigh!
HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES… ITALIAN STYLE!
Well, I don’t know if this is the proper Italian style per se, but since I am Italian, this is my own recipe, and the original Baci Perugina are Italian, I declare these nutritious goodies Italian. I must say that my truffles look so much like the original Baci, one might forget they are healthy, organic, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and totally vegan. Look at the visual comparison below and let me know what you think in the comments.
Here below are my own truffles again. One more shot to show you how they look like when they are whole. They look just like Baci Perugina, but mine are a bit bigger because I’m greedy that way.
My recipe is super easy and NO BAKE. You’ll need a food processor to combine all the ingredients. I have been using and abusing my trusty Cuisinart for over 20 years, so I highly recommend it. Once you have combined all the ingredients (except the dark chocolate) to form a coarse paste, scoop out 10-12 balls and roll them until smooth.
You’ll also need a toaster oven or a regular oven to toast the hazelnuts. It takes just a couple of minutes, so keep a vigilant eye on them. Most of the hazelnuts will go into the food processor with the other ingredients, but set aside enough whole hazelnuts to top each truffle (see photo below).
To melt the dark chocolate, place it in a bowl inside the microwave for about 1 minute. Alternatively, use the double-boiler method (a container holding hot water into which a pan is placed for slow cooking). You will dip each truffle in the melted chocolate. Each truffle will be thoroughly coated like you see below and placed on a cooling rack to set (TIP: place some parchment paper under the rack to catch the chocolate drippings; you can lick it clean later). Freeze the truffles until the chocolate completely hardens. This waiting part is the hardest thing about making healthy Baci.
INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
What you see is what you get! Here is your shopping list to make these amazing healthy balls of goodness:
- Hazelnuts (these are similar to the ones I buy at the store)
- Pure Cocoa Powder
- Organic Dark Chocolate (organic like this brand is best because it contains all those good-for-you flavonoids)
- Coconut Oil
- Medjool Dates
Basically, these truffles/pralines are packed with superfoods and nutrients without any empty calories. It’s the best of both worlds. The dates, rich in fiber and antioxidants, are just sweet enough to flavor the chocolate. No need to add any other sweetener. Amazing! The coconut oil adds some buttery texture, so no need to add butter. I know!
WATCH HOW TO MAKE MY HEALTHY “BACI PERUGINA”
I could say so much more about these wonderful chocolate treasures, but I decided to spare you and just show you how easy and foolproof it is to make them at home. Go ahead and give it a try!
Yes! That is it. Like I said, no baking. They look like a million bucks and taste like a healthy zillion bucks, but they take very little work and even fewer skills. I promise! Grab the full recipe below and share it with the people in your life who need sweet kisses 💋
HEALTHY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES (BACI PERUGINA)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup toasted hazelnuts
- 9 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp pure cacao powder
- 2½ oz dark chocolate (85% or more) melted
Instructions
- Pulse all ingredients except the Dark Chocolate in a food processor until a coarse paste forms
- Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to make 10-12 balls. Roll in your hands to smooth out
- Top each truffle with a whole toasted hazelnut
- Melt the Dark Chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave for about 1 minute (or use a double boiler on your stove)
- Dip each ball in the melted chocolate and turn around to coat. Place Baci (truffles) on a cooling rack or a plate lined with parchment paper
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes or until chocolate has completely hardened. Buon appetito!
Notes
Nutrition
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