Truffles are a decadent dessert that is often associated with chocolate, but did you know that you can make truffles with pumpkin seeds too? Pumpkin seed truffles are a delicious and healthy treat that you can enjoy guilt-free. These truffles are packed with nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and potassium. And the best part is that they are easy to make! Let’s take a look at how to make pumpkin seed truffles and its health benefits.

Health benefits of pumpkin seed truffle

Pumpkin seed truffles not only taste great, but they also provide a range of health benefits. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Here are some of the potential health benefits of pumpkin seed truffles:

1. Support heart health: Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats may help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Boost immunity: Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Zinc may help to strengthen the immune system and support wound healing.

3. Improve sleep: Pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium, a mineral that plays a key role in regulating sleep. Magnesium may help to improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of insomnia.

4. Promote healthy skin: Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This may help to reduce the risk of premature aging and keep the skin looking healthy and vibrant.

5. Support prostate health: Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of phytosterols, which may help to reduce the risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.

Also read: From cancer to heart diseases, pumpkin seeds can help you fight them all! Know 5 ways to add them in your diet

How to make pumpkin seed truffles?

Now that we know how healthy this dish is going to be, let’s take a look at its recipe!

Ingredients:

*1 cup pumpkin seeds
*1/4 cup cocoa powder
*1/4 cup maple syrup
*1/4 cup almond butter
*1 tsp vanilla extract
*A pinch of salt

Method:

1. Toast the pumpkin seeds

To roast pumpkin seeds, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool.

2. Grind the pumpkin seeds

Once the pumpkin seeds are cool, grind them into a fine powder using a food processor or a high-speed blender. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl or blender as needed to ensure that all the seeds are ground.

3. Add the cocoa powder

Add the cocoa powder to the ground pumpkin seeds and pulse until well combined.

4. Mix in the wet ingredients

Add the maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture and pulse until everything is well combined and forms a smooth, sticky dough.

5. Chill the dough

Transfer the dough to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

6. Roll the truffles

Once the dough is firm, use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the truffles. Roll the truffles into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.

7. Chill the truffles

Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or until firm.

8. Serve and enjoy

Once the truffles are firm, they are ready to eat! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Variations:

*You can also use pumpkin seed butter instead of almond butter to enhance the flavour of pumpkin.

*For an extra boost of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the mixture.

*For a chocolatey twist, you can roll the truffles in cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate before serving.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these healthy pumpkin truffles in no time. So why not give them a try and satisfy your sweet tooth while also getting a boost of nutrition?