Lighten the Christmas overload with fruity no-cook treats.

Lighten the festive overload with fruity no-cook treats.

It can be pretty easy to overindulge at Christmas time, especially with so many sweet treats on offer. Who can resist a fruit mince tart, traditional pud or Great Aunty Agatha’s old-school rum balls? We’re happy to partake of any or all of the above, but if you feel like something a little lighter after Christmas lunch, these raw treats will deliver. Best of all, you don’t even need to turn the oven on.

A combination of dried fruit and coconut gives the truff les an excellent texture, one that contrasts beautifully with a raw chocolate coating. But if you prefer, you could opt out of the glazing and simply roll them in extra cacao powder instead.

The raw Christmas cake is something of a hybrid – it steers close to the original, but is a little like a panforte in its density and richness, so a little sliver goes a long way. You can also change up the proportion or variety of dried fruits to suit your taste – dried peaches or apricots would be great in the mix. And if you can find unsulphured and organic dried fruits, all the better.

Soak dates in a bowl of warm water to soften (15 minutes), then drain. Process almonds, coconut flakes, cacao powder, maple syrup and ½ tsp sea salt in a food processor until finely chopped, then add dates and pulse to combine. Add coconut milk, pulse until mixture starts to come together, then add sour cherries and cacao nibs, and pulse to combine. Roll into walnut-sized balls and place in freezer until firm (30-40 minutes).

For raw chocolate coating, melt coconut oil and maple syrup in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir in cacao powder until smooth and combined and refrigerate until slightly thickened (10-15 minutes).

Dip truffles in chocolate coating and transfer to a tray, scatter with a little extra coconut and refrigerate until coating sets, Truffles will keep in an airtight container for 3 weeks.

Note Dried sour cherries are available from select delicatessens; substitute dried cranberries.