Fuel on the Fly: The Ultimate Single-Serve Protein Date Truffle

We all know the struggle: you need a powerful burst of energy before the gym, a satisfying bite after your workout, or simply a healthy snack that curbs that afternoon craving. Most pre-packaged options fall short—they’re either loaded with artificial ingredients, spike your blood sugar, or require you to compromise on taste.

But what if you could whip up a single-serve, protein-packed treat that tastes exactly like rich, indulgent cookie dough, all encased in a chewy, caramel-like layer?

At 99th Monkey, we're obsessed with simple, wholesome food that genuinely fuels your active life. That's why we're sharing the recipe for our current kitchen obsession: the Large Protein Date Truffle. This little gem is the perfect marriage of texture and flavour: a super moist, protein-rich cookie dough centre surrounded by a naturally sweet, thin date layer.

Whether you make one for an immediate energy boost or prep a few for the week, this truffle is the ultimate solution for healthy, satisfying fuel on the go.

The Allure of the Single-Serve Treat

While batch prepping is fantastic, sometimes you just need one perfectly portioned snack. The beauty of this recipe is its single-serve format, designed to give you maximum flavour with zero waste and complete control over your fuel.

This truffle is the ultimate triple threat:

1. Indulgent: It genuinely tastes like you’re eating unbaked cookie dough.

2. Balanced: It’s loaded with protein, healthy fats, and natural fibre.

3. Convenient: It takes less than five minutes to assemble and is perfectly portable.

It’s the ideal pre- or post-workout bite, a guilt-free dessert, or a healthy snack to stave off the mid-afternoon slump. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your active, macro-aware lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Protein Date Truffle

This treat isn't just a delight for your tastebuds; it's a strategic piece of fuel for your body. Here’s a quick look at its functional benefits:

• Packed with Protein (Approx. 17g): Essential for muscle synthesis and recovery, and highly effective for boosting satiety.

• Healthy Fats + Fibre: Provided by the 99th Monkey Almond Butter and Medjool dates, which help sustain energy and support digestion.

• Naturally Sweet Date Coating: The caramel flavour comes entirely from the fruit—no refined sugars needed.

• Gluten-Free & Macro-Friendly: Made with simple, clean ingredients that fit most dietary plans.

This truffle is proof that your "treat" can also be your "fuel."

The Recipe: Large Protein Date Truffle (Single Serve)

This recipe is intentionally simple and designed to be made with a minimal amount of fuss.

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients:

• 2 Medjool dates (approx. 30g total), pitted and flattened

• 20g vanilla whey protein powder (use a smooth-mixing powder for best results)

• 10g 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter (the smooth texture works best for the cookie dough consistency)

• 1-2 tsp water (to bind—start with 1 tsp and add slowly)

• Optional: Pinch of cinnamon or sea salt (enhances the flavour!)

• Optional: Cacao powder for dusting

Method:

1. Create the Cookie Dough: In a small bowl, combine the protein powder and the 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter. Mix thoroughly with a fork. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the mixture comes together into a soft, pliable, and slightly sticky cookie dough ball. Add your optional pinch of cinnamon or sea salt. Set aside.

2. Prep the Date Layer: Lightly spray a small piece of baking paper (or parchment paper) with cooking oil. Place the two pitted dates on the paper, slightly overlapping. Fold the paper over the dates and use a rolling pin (or a firm object like a glass) to roll them out until they form a very thin, flat sheet, roughly shaped into a square or rectangle. This rolling action creates the "caramel wrap."

3. Assemble and Wrap: Place your protein cookie dough ball directly in the centre of the flattened date sheet.

4. Shape the Truffle: Using the baking paper to help you, carefully wrap the date layer around the cookie dough ball, pressing and shaping it into a smooth, even truffle. The dates are naturally sticky and will seal easily.

5. Finish and Chill: For a cleaner finish and slightly firmer texture, dust the truffle lightly with cacao powder (optional) and chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

6. Enjoy!

The Science of the Fuel: Why This Combo Works So Well

The effectiveness of this single-serve truffle lies in the perfect macronutrient combination provided by the core ingredients. This is a fuel source built for performance and satiety.

The Power of Medjool Dates

The Medjool dates aren't just for flavour; they are a critical component of the fuel equation.

• Fast-Acting Carbohydrates: Dates are rich in natural sugars, providing simple carbohydrates that your body can quickly convert into glucose. This makes them an ideal pre-workout fuel source, giving your muscles the immediate energy they need to push through a tough session.

• Fibre and Potassium: Dates are high in fibre, which helps to slow the overall digestion of the snack, preventing a drastic sugar spike. They also contain essential minerals like potassium, an electrolyte crucial for hydration and preventing muscle cramping during exercise.

The 99th Monkey Advantage: Almond Butter

Our 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter plays a crucial role in both the truffle's flavour and its sustained energy release.

• Healthy Fats for Sustained Energy: Almond butter provides monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. While the dates offer instant energy, these healthy fats take longer to digest. This acts like a slow-release mechanism, ensuring your energy doesn't crash mid-workout.

• Essential Nutrients: Almonds are packed with Vitamin E (an antioxidant) and magnesium (important for energy production and muscle function).

• Moisture and Texture: The smooth consistency of our almond butter is essential for creating that moist, genuine "cookie dough" feel in the center.

Protein Powder: The Satiety Factor

The high protein content is what truly elevates this from a simple treat to a functional fuel. Protein is paramount for recovery, but its role in satiety is just as important. The 17g of protein in this small truffle ensures you feel full and satisfied, making it an excellent bridge between meals or the perfect recovery tool to start repairing muscle tissue immediately after a session.

Beyond the Bar: Making the Truffle Work for You

Whether you're making one or ten, this truffle fits seamlessly into different parts of your day:

• Pre-Workout Power: Eat it 20-30 minutes before hitting the gym. The simple sugars from the date provide the immediate energy you need, while the protein and healthy fats from the almond butter prevent a rapid crash.

• Post-Workout Recovery: The combination of simple carbohydrates (dates) and protein (whey and almond butter) is ideal for the crucial post-workout window, replenishing glycogen stores and kick-starting muscle recovery.

• Afternoon Snack: Ditch the processed biscuits. The high protein and fibre content make this a superior choice for stabilising blood sugar and fighting that 3 PM slump.

• Dessert Alternative: The rich flavour of the chocolate cookie dough and caramel date wrap makes this a genuinely indulgent bite, proving that you don't need a sugar bomb to satisfy a sweet craving.

Your New Favourite Grab-and-Go Fuel

The beauty of the Large Protein Date Truffle is its simplicity and its powerful punch. It’s a testament to the fact that the best fuel comes from clean, wholesome ingredients that work synergistically to support your body. By using our pure, high-quality 99th Monkey Almond Butter, you're ensuring that your decadent moment is also your most nutritious.

So, the next time you need a quick burst of energy, skip the crowded shelves of snack bars. Take five minutes, roll up one of these beauties, and power your day the smart, delicious way.

Have you tried this hack yet? Share your truffle creations with us on social media!