Vegan Caramel Truffles with Tracey Bregman – Holiday Sweetness, Guilt-Free!
Hey friends! I am so excited to share this holiday-inspired recipe for Vegan Caramel Truffles, created alongside Emmy Award winning Tracey Bregman. These rich, creamy bites are made with wholesome ingredients like medjool dates, dark chocolate, and a silky homemade vegan caramel sauce that’s completely dairy-free. This caramel sauce is what really makes these truffles stand out, adding a hint of coconut and caramel flavor that’s perfect for festive celebrations.
Bringing in Holiday Cheer with Tracey Bregman
Let me tell you a bit about the lovely Tracey Bregman, Emmy award-winning actress from The Young and the Restless, who made creating this recipe such a joy. Tracey isn’t just an incredible actress; she’s also a passionate wellness advocate and a dear friend who brings light to everything she does. Having embraced a plant-based lifestyle for years, Tracey knows all the best tricks for making food that’s both healthy and indulgent. Working together during the holiday season—especially on sweet treats like these truffles—has been so inspiring and fun. Check Tracey out on Instagram to see all the amazing things she is doing!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Caramel Truffles
These truffles have it all—rich medjool dates as a natural caramel base, creamy peanut butter for extra richness, and a dark chocolate coating that brings it all together. But the highlight here is the vegan caramel sauce. Made with coconut cream and coconut sugar, this sauce has a velvety smooth texture and deep caramel flavor that’s completely dairy-free! It’s the perfect finishing touch, making these truffles a truly decadent treat you can feel good about.
Vegan Caramel Truffles
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Equipment
- Food Processor
- melon baller
- microwave-safe bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh medjool dates pitted
- 1 tsp flakey sea salt such as Maldon
- ¼ cup Christine’s vegan caramel sauce click title to get the recipe
- ¼ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup 70% cocoa dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- ¼ cup cup freeze-dried strawberries crushed
Instructions
- If your dates aren’t soft, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain thoroughly and pit if needed, then add to a food processor.1 lb fresh medjool dates
- Pulse the dates until they form a loose ball. Break apart the ball and pulse a few more times to ensure that the dates are thoroughly chopped. If the dates are not mixing well, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until a rough paste or ball forms. Note: be careful not to add too much water.
- Break apart the ball of dates and add sea salt and pulse again to incorporate. Taste and adjust salt if desired.1 tsp flakey sea salt
- Using a small melon baller to keep the size consistent, scoop small portions and roll into mini balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil to the peanut butter and microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to soften then stir the peanut butter into a peanut sauce. Next warm the vegan caramel sauce in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to soften. Add a little water if needed to soften.2 tbsp coconut oil, ¼ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- Next, Drizzle peanut butter or caramel on top of each truffle. Freeze again for another 30 minutes until the peanut butter and vegan caramel forms a semi-firm shell.¼ cup Christine’s vegan caramel sauce
- Heat the dark chocolate chips with remaining coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals.1 cup 70% cocoa dark chocolate chips, 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Remove truffles from the freezer and dip each one in the melted chocolate using a fork. Drizzle off excess chocolate and place back on the baking sheet. Quickly top each truffle with a sprinkle of freeze dried strawberries, sea salt, or your favorite crushed nuts. It is recommended to work on one truffle at a time as the dark chocolate solidifies quickly. The process is dip, remove excess chocolate, replace on the baking sheet and sprinkle topping, and repeat.¼ cup cup freeze-dried strawberries
- Place truffles in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
- For softer truffles, let them come to room temperature before serving. Store in a freezer-safe container in the fridge or freezer. Makes about 20 truffles.
- Optional: For a cocoa powder coating, roll each truffle in dark cocoa powder after Step 6. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and chill overnight for best results.
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Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Caramel Truffles
To get that perfect truffle texture, here are a few tips that Tracey and I love:- Soak the Dates if Needed
If your dates feel a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before blending. This softens them up, making it easier to create a smooth, caramel-like texture. - Use a Melon Baller for Consistency
A melon baller helps keep each truffle the same size, making them look beautiful and making it easy to dip them in chocolate later on. - Have Fun with the Toppings
Sprinkle freeze-dried strawberries, flakey sea salt, or crushed nuts on top after dipping. Not only does it look festive, but it also adds a little extra flavor and texture!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these truffles:- Food Processor
A food processor is essential for blending the dates into a smooth paste. It’s the key to getting that perfect caramel texture for the truffles. - Melon Baller
Using a melon baller keeps your truffles even in size, making them easy to dip and giving them a uniform look. - Microwave-Safe Bowl
For melting the chocolate and coconut oil, a microwave-safe bowl works perfectly. Melt in short intervals to avoid burning.
Health Benefits of Vegan Caramel Truffles
These truffles aren’t just delicious—they’re actually packed with nutrients that make them a great option for guilt-free indulging.
- Medjool Dates for Natural Sweetness and Fiber
Medjool dates are nature’s caramel, providing a rich, sweet flavor without any added sugar. They’re high in fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. According to The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, dates are loaded with antioxidants, making them a great natural sweetener that also supports immune health. - Dark Chocolate for Antioxidants and Heart Health
Using 70% dark chocolate not only adds a rich flavor but also brings in flavonoids—antioxidants that help protect the heart. Research from Harvard Medical School suggests that moderate amounts of dark chocolate can support blood flow and may even reduce blood pressure, which is especially beneficial for women over 50. - Coconut Oil for Healthy Fats and Quick Energy
Coconut oil in these truffles adds healthy fats that can provide a quick energy boost without a spike in blood sugar. Coconut oil is high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized quickly and provide sustained energy. Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that MCTs can support metabolic health, making these truffles the perfect energizing treat.
These Vegan Caramel Truffles are the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and indulgent—and with the homemade caramel sauce, they’re totally next level! Tracey and I loved creating these truffles together and can’t wait for you to try them. Let us know how they turn out, and feel free to add your own favorite toppings.