I have very fond memories growing up and going to the old Frederick & Nelsons (in Seattle) for those shiny green hexagon boxes filled with divine little minty truffles. I think I may be really dating myself now as that store has been closed for AGES!!
With a lengthy ingredient list on an inherently simple recipe…..the warning bells go off in my head!!
Vegan truffles are ridiculously simple to make. The only time consuming part is in how you choose to finish them off…hand dipping chocolates is messy and time consuming.
Simply sublime soft, minty, dark chocolate goodness. Smooth, creamy and soft on the inside with a lovely crunchy chocolate shell.
I experimented with several recipes, and although all were enjoyed, I picked the one with the healthiest ingredients and fewest allergens.
Hello beautiful, it is so nice to finally meet you…allergy-friendly Frango Mint Truffles! (Every taste tester swooned over these…in case you needed any convincing!)
Vegan truffles ingredient notes:
With such simple ingredients, it is important to pick a good tasting, higher quality chocolate. Don’t get cheap, low quality ingredients here: they are essential to the end taste.
A couple of my favorite brands I regularly buy (there ARE MORE, LOOK FOR THE “FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED” LOGO):
Vegan chocolate truffles flavor options:
If you prefer another flavor over mint, just sub extracts!
- orange
- raspberry
- vanilla
- chocolate
Hand dipping chocolate truffles note:
The chocolate dipped version was not only cleaner and easier to store, it also more closely resembled the Frango Mints of my past!
So while it might take some more time than a bar version, the results are worth it!
Plus, they make a great homemade Christmas gift!
Want more vegan chocolate candy recipes?
- My Raspberry Truffles use an unusual ingredient!
- These Salted Chocolate Nut Clusters are not only ridiculously easy (and fast!) to make, they are DEEElish!
- I died and went to heaven with these paleo Twix bars! Almost uncanny how close they taste to the orig!
- My kids love to make my homemade peanut butter cups...like maybe a little TOO often!
Vegan Chocolate Truffles Recipe:
If you make these chocolate truffles, be sure to come back and leave a comment!
Vegan Chocolate Mint Truffles - aka Frangos
Ingredients
- 8 oz dark chocolate chopped (I used a Trader Joe's brand, there are many to choose from)
- 1/3 cup raw cashews
- 1/3 cup non dairy milk
- 1 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or a couple of drops therapeutic grade peppermint essential oil (or any extract of your choosing)
Chocolate Coating
- Cocoa powder for dusting OR omit if using the melted chocolate coating.
- 8 ounces dark chocolate
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or spectrum shortening
Instructions
-
Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until melted, stirring after each time segment. When the chocolate is mostly melted, just continue stirring it until smooth rather than microwaving it longer. If you make the chocolate too hot, it will seize and clump. Set aside.
-
In a food processor or high powered blender, blend the cashews and water or milk until creamy.
-
Pour the melted chocolate in, along with the extract or peppermint oil and blend until smooth and creamy (or if you like some nutty texture, don't puree the cashews as long, leaving some chunks to them).
-
Spread into a wax paper lined 8 x 8 pan. I only spread it out about into 2/3 of the pan as I wanted the truffle chunks thicker. Or if you will be rolling balls, it doesn't matter which pan you use or how thick you spread it!!
-
Set in the freezer for about 20 minutes. When good and firm, remove the pan and lift the wax paper out. Cut into desired shapes. If rolling balls, grab a chunk and roll away in your palms!
-
These can be served as is or sprinkled with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for cleaner eating.
Hand Dipping Truffles
-
Melt the 8 ounces of chocolate with the 2 teaspoons of Spectrum Shortening or coconut oil and hand dip the chocolates. I like to throw a cube of shaped the truffle mix into the melted chocolate, scoop it out with a fork, tap on the side of the container to shake off the excess, then use a wooden skewer to get it off the fork and onto the wax paper/baking mat.
-
Cool dipped truffles on a non stick baking mat or piece of waxed paper.
-
Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Any of the links in my posts may be affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might make a commission. Your support is much appreciated and pays for the cost of running this free resource!
I’m in love with this recipe and it’s simple ingredients. I’ll take this over store-bought chocolate any day!
I know a couple of people (or much more than a couple) that I’m gonna have to make these for. They look delicious!
These look positively decadent and perfect for handmade holiday gifts!
Oh my gosh! I totally am having a memory about Frangos . . . my Grandmother would always have them at her house over the holidays! Your recipe looks aaahhh-mazing and I’m totally going to try it!
They look so sinfully delicious! I love mint flavored truffles. It adds a lovely refreshing flavor to the rich chocolate. Yummy !
These are so yummy! The texture is so perfect – love the chocolaty minty goodness.
I admit that I’ve never had Frangos, but your recipe sounds delicious! I love how some the ingredients are, too. I’m gonna have to give this one a try!
Ooh… I grew up on Frangos too! What a delicious (and healthier) version… I can not wait to make these truffles!
Oh, I need this in my life! What a beautiful creation out of a few ingredients.
Yes, I am lazy too; but these are so pretty and impressive! Good job with that beautiful finish! I need to make them now too; my kids will swoon! 🙂
Chocolate and mint is one of my favourite combinations! These look fab!
Woah yes, want! Love that they are dairy free!
Oh my, I’m drooling at this recipe! Chocolate and mint are the best combo and I can’t wait to try this out.
I don’t need much convincing when it comes to chocolate & mint! These are a must make!
These look aaaaamazing. I think they’re calling me….
Ok that was way easier than I was envisioning! Thank you for the fun recipe!
Truffles are irresistible this time of year! These would be great for any party!
Such a nice treat for the holidays, I’m always up for chocolate!
I have always wanted to make homemade truffles and these look truly delicious!
Chocolate mint is one of my all time favorite flavor combos!
These sound wonderful Tessa!
Hi! I can’t wait to give this a try! I’m getting the ingredients I need today and am curious to know what types of non dairy milk any of you have used in this. Any suggestions as to what tasted great to you? Thanks!! Happy Holidays!
Hi Brenna…I have always used So Delicious Coconut Milk. You really won’t taste whichever milk you do choose, so use what you have! Come back for feedback when you’ve made them…it is always helpful to other readers and valuable for me!
These look amazing! Perfect for the holidays, too.
Thanks for linking up to Thank Your Body Thursday!
Tessa,
These look DELICIOUS, as usual =]! We just found out that my kids are also gluten refined sweetener sensitive so these will make them happy campers! I love that they have cashews. Any protein and fat I can get into a treat makes me feel much better about serving it in the first place. Merry Christmas!
Hey Alison! How did you find out your kids can; tolerate refined sweeteners and gluten? I am curious! Yes, I have many ingredients filled with healthy fat I try and get into my kids…anyway I can!! If you need any help navigating gluten and sugar free…you know i am here to help!
YUM, I think they used to sell them at Marshall Fields as well. Amazing, I remember the taste so well 🙂 Got this tweeted and pinned!
YUMMY! Great pics too!
These look great! I love that you haven’t added any additional sweeteners and use healthy fats. And I have a fridge filled with Trader Joe’s dark chocolate (we just had a store open locally) so I can’t wait to try them!
How excited are you Marya? YAY Trader Joes! Please let me know what you think, your feedback is valuable!
Hi Tessa,
This may very well be one of my favorite dessert recipes from you my friend. I’m in that very rare mode where I’m craving chocolate and these are gorgeous and making my mouth water…seriously!
Well done!!!
Hugs to you,
–Am
Rare mode for chocolate?! I i wish i could relate to that…and I am sure your hubby does too Amber!
Thank you for Linking to Show Me Your Plaid Monday’s! I am pinning every post that links up to my Pinterest Page for all to see. I hope that you will return each week!
This just gave me a wonderful idea for Christmas gifts! Thank you for sharing with us this month 🙂
@ Kalinda..isn;t that truth? I haven't even looked at those boxes in over a decade….but these brought it all back to me…you how your brain can tie a memory to taste….
They look absolutely gorgeous. It used to be a big deal to go get Frango mints when we visited Chicago. Now that they're everywhere it'sjust nnot the same.
I have been wanting to make truffles and this sound so super easy and I love that you made a cashew cream to add to it. Brilliant idea.
Hi Tessa! Just wanted to let you know I included your truffles in my post "Allergy Friendly Holiday Cocktail Party" today. They look delicious!
http://allergyfreecookery.blogspot.com/2011/12/allergy-friendly-virtual-holiday.html
Thanks!
Lisa @ Allergy Free Vintage Cookery
I LOVE HOW VERSATILE THESE TRUFFLES ARE T0O. I WAS THINKING A RASPBERRY ONE WOULD BE AMAZING…OR A TOASTED COCONUT…
So, I a accidentally bought the 60% less salt, ROASTED cashews at Trader Joes and decided to use them anyway. The worked wonderfully. These truffles were so easy and yummy, I think I'm going to try a hazelnut truffle next. Yum!Kirsten
Come to A Themed Baker's Sunday for this next week's theme: Christmas! Actually, this theme will continue until Christmas weekend! Hope to see you there!
Cupcake Apothecary
http://cupcakeapothecary.blogspot.com/2011/12/themed-bakers-sunday-16.html
My, such lofty praise Laura!! It's my husband's job to say such things…but I REALLY appreciate hearing it from you!
Tessa-you are a genius in the kitchen! Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous too. Can't wait to make these truffles!