Peanut butter. Chocolate. Baconish Bits. These truffles from Baconish by Leinana Two Moons are like a grownup version of peanut butter cups. They are surprisingly easy to make and super fun to box up and give as gifts. They make a great Father’s Day present for Dad!
Chocolate-Peanut Bacon Truffles
Makes 28 truffles
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons Baconish Bits (recipe follows)
- 2/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
- Additional Baconish Bits and/or Coconut Bacon, for garnish
Preparation
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an electric mixer to combine the peanut butter, melted butter, and confectioners’ sugar. Fold in the Baconish Bits. Scoop out 1 teaspoon of the mixture, roll into a ball with your hands, and place the ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Place the chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until melted, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Dip the peanut butter balls in the melted chocolate. I find it easiest to use 2 small dessert forks to roll the balls in the chocolate and then lift them out, letting the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place the truffles back on the parchment sheet. Sprinkle a few Baconish Bits or place a flake of Coconut Bacon on top of each truffle while the chocolate is still warm.
Chill the truffles in the refrigerator another 20 minutes to set the chocolate. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat—the truffles will soften and melt if left out too long.
Baconish Bits
Makes about 1 cup
It’s fairly easy to find accidentally vegan bacon bits at the grocery store, but they may contain preservatives and other questionable ingredients. These bits are easy to make yourself, healthier, and taste so much better than the store-bought kind.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup texturized vegetable protein (TVP)
- 2 tablespoons safflower or other neutral-tasting vegetable oil
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the boiling water, tamari, maple syrup, liquid smoke, ketchup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix in the TVP and stir until it is evenly coated.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron). Add the TVP and cook until it is dry, dark brown, and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the TVP to cool. Store Baconish Bits in an airtight container about 1 week.
From Baconish © 2016 by Leinana Two Moons. Used with permission from Vegan Heritage Press.
