Sometimes you just need some chocolate. Our chocolate cravings are more than just a sweet tooth, but have some genuine health reasons behind them. This healthy adaptogen truffle recipe satisfies those cravings while it improves focus and lessens stress.

There’s no need to wait for Valentine’s Day or a special event (although they do make a great gift). Any chocolate lover would enjoy this truffle recipe any day of the week!

Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe

There are a lot of truffle recipes out there. Some call for white chocolate, peanut butter, or even cream cheese with oreo cookies. A lot of these candy recipes though are so sweet and full of sugar and are something my family avoids.

Instead, I’ve opted for a dark chocolate truffle recipe that only contains a few simple ingredients and is low in processed sugar. The star of the show here is really the mushrooms though. Yes, you heard me right!

We’re using adaptogenic mushrooms that help with energy, focus, and overall health. While I like drinking my mushrooms in coffee, this mushroom blend is in a cocoa powder base.

Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Thirty years ago if someone told me I’d be putting mushroom powder in my candy I’d think they were a little off their rocker. Medicinal mushrooms have exploded in popularity in recent years and it’s easy to see why. There are plenty of different options out there, but I like these blends from Four Sigmatic. The mushrooms are high quality and pre-cooked so their nutrients are ready to use.

Four Sigmatic has a few different blends to choose from, but I used their Focus mushroom blend in these truffles. I felt like the blueberry and cocoa powder complemented the dark chocolate nicely. You can also opt for their Mushroom or Adaptogen blends too for different health benefits.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s in the Focus blend mushroom powder:

• Lion’s mane: Benefits the central nervous system and promotes digestion. Also, increases energy, nourishes the gut, and more.
• Cordyceps – An adaptogen that boosts energy and athletic performance. It’s also anti-aging and immune-boosting, supports healthy blood sugar levels, and may protect the liver.
• Bacopa monnieri – A native Indian herb that’s a nootropic, may protect against brain diseases, and has anti-anxiety properties.
• Rhodiola – An adaptogenic herb that positively impacts mood and lessens anxiety. It also improves energy, stamina, and brain function.
• Vitamin B12 – This vitamin is crucial for energy and brain health. B12 supports the nervous system and is necessary for mental health. It may also help with nerve related pain.
• Blueberry – High in antioxidants and polyphenols that support a healthy brain and fight off free radical damage.

What Are Adaptogens?

I’ve been mentioning the word adaptogens, but what are they really? In short, adaptogens are substances that help our body better cope with stress. That doesn’t mean we can push ourselves to the limit, and just pop a few adaptogen supplements though.

The best way to use adaptogens is to incorporate them as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle along with rest. So kick your feet up and enjoy an adaptogenic truffle (or two!).

What’s in the Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe?

Other than the mushroom blend, I’ve also included some raw honey to sweeten and cocoa powder to thicken. The honey adds enough sweetness without the blood sugar spikes. And the cocoa powder is high in antioxidants with a little caffeine kick. I also added just a little bit of canned coconut milk for a better texture.

You can omit the coconut milk for more honey if you prefer, or use up the extra milk in this strawberry ice cream recipe. This homemade Irish cream with coconut milk is equally delicious.

The Best Chocolate

A truffle is only as good as the chocolate used to make it. My other truffle recipe uses chocolate melted together with heavy cream and coconut oil. I use a cookie scoop to place the chocolate mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and coat them with cacao powder. For these homemade chocolate truffles though we’re making filled chocolate with a hard shell.

I prefer to use at least 70% dark chocolate for that rich, chocolatey flavor. And it helps cut down on excess sugar too. Bittersweet chocolate might be a little too dark though since the filling is only mildly sweetened.

If you prefer something sweeter, like milk chocolate, then that’s an option too. I add a little bit of coconut oil to help it melt better on the stove and prevent the chocolate from burning.

Instead of using chocolate bars and messing with chopped chocolate, I just use chocolate chips to make life easier. Whatever you pick, high-quality chocolate makes for a better truffle.

Truffle Recipe Flavors

I used orange essential oil, but here are a few more options:

The above measurements aren’t hard and fast rules. Add about half of the amount to the filling and adjust to taste.

Adaptogen Chocolate Truffles

Katie Wells

These smooth and creamy chocolate truffles feature adaptogenic mushrooms to help boost health.

Prep Time 15 mins

Chill time 30 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Servings 14 truffles

Calories 63 kcal

Instructions 

Truffle Filling

• In a small bowl stir together the unsweetened cocoa powder, the 1 TBSP and 2 tsps honey, and the rest of the truffle filling ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or the back of a metal spoon to work everything together until smooth.

• Put the filling into the freezer to firm up for 5-10 min

Chocolate Coating

• Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil together over very low heat in a saucepan or double boiler. Stir continually to combine.

• With a small spoon, fill 14 of the cavities in the candy mold about 1/3 full with the melted chocolate. Use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate up the sides of the mold.

• Put the chocolate mold into the freezer for 5 minutes or until the chocolate is hardened.

Assembling the Truffles

• Remove the mold from the freezer and fill each cavity with the truffle mixture filling, leaving about 1/8 inch at the top. Put it back in the freezer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the filling is mostly firm.

• Take the mold back out of the freezer and spoon a little more of the melted chocolate on top of the filling. Make sure the chocolate is spread out and touching the edges so the chocolate coating seals in the filling.

• Put the chocolates back in the freezer for another 5-10 min until completely hardened.

• Remove the truffles from the mold and store in a cool place or the refrigerator.

Notes

Notes: The filling will seem very dry at first, but keep working until it comes together. Add a little more honey or milk a few drops at a time if the mixture is too dry. 
The exact size and number of truffles will depend on the mold you use. Mine held about 1 TBSP in each cavity. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1trufflesCalories: 63kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 7mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 22IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

Sources:

1. Bokelmann, J. (2022). Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri): Leaf, Medicinal Herbs in Primary Care, Elsevier, Pages 211-216.
2. Buesing, S., Costa, M., Schilling, J. M., & Moeller-Bertram, T. (2019). Vitamin B12 as a Treatment for Pain. Pain physician, 22(1), E45–E52.
3. Cheng, A., et al. (2014). Polyphenols from blueberries modulate inflammation cytokines in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. International journal of biological macromolecules, 69, 382–387.