Date and Nut Bites (gluten free, dairy free, paleo, and vegan)
When this recipe was first created I wanted to call these tasty morsels “Meg’s Balls”… LOL… My sisters laughed at the idea of me offering my delicious balls for others to enjoy. So we settled on Date and Nut Bites because, well, that’s what they are!
Think chocolate truffle meets Ferrero Rocher, only completely guilt free with lots of benefit. Low in sugar and perfect to eat anytime of the day. These superfood bites are sweet and satisfying!
I first got inspired after eating raw truffles at a local restaurant The Source Cafe, a healthy foodie restaurant in Hermosa Beach. After perusing cookbooks and a few of my favorite foodie bloggers sites, I landed on this specific nut and date ratio. Since creating this recipe, I have swapped out almonds for macadamia nuts, cashews for hazelnuts, added peanut butter instead of almond, and many many more variations. Use this for guaranteed success or get creative and make these your own! We can’t wait for you to try!!
Scroll down for full recipe and watch our recipe video HERE!
Cacao and cocoa come from the same source—the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree—but they differ significantly in terms of processing, nutritional value, and health benefits. Cacao refers to the raw or minimally processed version of the cacao bean, while cocoa is the result of roasting cacao beans at high temperatures, often with added sugar, milk, and other ingredients in commercial chocolate products.
Cacao is considered a superfood because it retains a high concentration of antioxidants, flavonoids, and essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc. These nutrients support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function. Cocoa, on the other hand, undergoes higher heat processing, which reduces its antioxidant content. However, it still provides some health benefits, particularly when consumed in its purest form (such as unsweetened cocoa powder or dark chocolate with high cacao content).
Health Benefits
Raw cacao is linked to improved cardiovascular health, thanks to its high flavonoid content, which helps lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation. It also has mood-boosting compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine (PEA), which can enhance focus and reduce stress. Cocoa, especially when processed with added sugar and dairy, loses some of these benefits and may contribute to inflammation, weight gain, and blood sugar imbalances.
Best Choices for Health
If you’re looking for the most healthful option, raw cacao nibs, cacao powder, or dark chocolate with 70% or higher cacao content are ideal. Cocoa can still be a good option if it’s unsweetened and minimally processed (such as Dutch-processed cocoa powder). However, highly processed milk chocolate and sugary cocoa products provide fewer benefits and may even have negative health effects.
Ultimately, cacao is the better choice for maximum nutrition, but pure cocoa can still be part of a balanced diet when consumed mindfully.
Maybe you love chocolate and want a decant easy to make dessert, try our Chocolate volcano‘s! For lemon lovers, try our lemon cake! You can also make our Curry family tradition Valentine’s Day heart shaped linzer cookies!

Chocolate Date Nut Bites
(gluten free, paleo and vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup cashew or macadamia nuts, toasted
- 1 cup walnuts or hazelnuts (skin removed), toasted
- 3 Tbsp. cacao powder, not cocoa
- 3 Tbsp. almond butter, softened
- 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. Celtic sea salt
- Dash of vanilla (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat over to 350-degrees. Place cashews on a baking sheet and then bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown, or place in pre-heated skillet with a pinch of sea salt and toast the nuts until fragrant and nicely browned. About 2 min.
- Place cooled nuts and spices into food processor and pulse until nuts are in tiny pieces.
- Next add almond butter, coconut oil, and vanilla and pulse until combined. NOTE: Ingredients should form together in to a dough like ball.
- Use a tablespoon and scoop mixture into palm of hand.
- Roll dough together to form a golf size
- Eat as is, or refrigerate for 10 minutes until chilled.
- Store in a glass air tight container in fridge.
- Makes about 20 bites depending on size of your balls.