Cinnamon-Sunflower Truffles
Ali Segersten Jan 07, 2010 54 comments
When you're removing common trigger foods and recalibrating your system, simple snacks like these cinnamon-spiced truffles can make all the difference. They’re made from just four pantry staples: raw sunflower seeds, soft dates, extra virgin olive oil, and a generous spoonful of cinnamon.
This combination is more than just delicious. Sunflower seeds offer vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats to support brain and immune function. Cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar and adds warmth and sweetness without any added sugar. Dates provide fiber and minerals, while the olive oil adds a smooth richness—and supports absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.
These truffles come together in minutes and store beautifully in the fridge. Just one or two can carry you through an afternoon lull, soothe a sugar craving, or offer a satisfying post-workout refuel. My kids love them as an after-school snack, and I often reach for one when I want something grounding and gently energizing.
If you’re currently in the early stages of the Elimination Diet, know that it’s completely normal to feel a little “off” at first. Sometimes symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or digestive discomfort arise as your body begins to detox and recalibrate. This is a powerful time to support your gut with living foods like raw sauerkraut or other fermented vegetables. These introduce beneficial bacteria to your microbiome and help ease the transition as your inner terrain shifts.
And while deep healing is underway, small acts of nourishment—like making these truffles—can become a touchpoint for steadiness and care.
Cinnamon-Sunflower Truffles
These truffles are a grounding, naturally sweet snack to keep on hand during the Elimination Diet—or anytime you need a nourishing bite. You'll need a food processor to make these. If you are not following the elimination diet then try using different nuts or seeds. Pecans, almonds, or cashews would be delicious. I found that these truffles are even better on the second day; if they last that long!
- Place the sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and sea salt into a food processor fitted with the "s" blade. Process until seeds are very finely ground. It only takes a minute or so.
- Then add the pitted dates and olive oil. Process again until combined and sticky. Only add the maple syrup if need be. Your dates may be moist enough and you might not need extra sweetener. Check to see if you can form a truffle by rolling some of the mixture in your hands. If it falls apart then add the sweetener and process again.
- Scoop out the sunflower mixture by the large spoonful and roll into balls. Then roll in shredded coconut.
- Store in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Use this recipe in our Meal Planner
About the Author
Alissa Segersten, MS, CN
Alissa Segersten, MS, CN, is the founder of Nourishing Meals®, an online meal-planning membership with over 1,800 nourishing recipes and tools to support dietary change and better health. As a functional nutritionist, professional recipe developer, and author of The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, Nourishing Meals, and co-author of The Elimination Diet, she helps people overcome health challenges through food. A mother of five, Alissa understands the importance of creating nutrient-dense meals for the whole family. Rooted in science and deep nourishment, her work makes healthy eating accessible, empowering thousands to transform their well-being through food.Nourishing Meals Newsletter
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Comments
Thank you so much for all the work you do & information you do on your site for others!!
Being just found out I am celiac I am overwhelmed!! Just doing one day at a time & one recipe at a time, I keep coming back to your site.
I was wondering if your book is available in Canada(British Columbia)?
Also looking for a eating plan for a day, what to eat & how much, if you are able to guide me to such.
I am gluten free, dairy free, & egg free also no almonds, or nutritional yeast.
Thank you again!!
Those look wonderful! I'll have to try them.
I've been doing the elimination diet for 6 days now and I am still experiencing intense stomach cramping and diarrhea. (I had this even before I started the diet, which is why I'm doing it: )
The only thing new that I've added to my diet is quinoa. I've been eating it every morning for breakfast. Is it possible that I am allergic or have a sensitivity to quinoa? Thanks for any advice!! I'm getting rather desperate here . . .
Wow, how terrific are those! Elimination diet or not. I definitely want to try those, Ali.
Thanks,
Shirley
Can you use coconut oil in this recipe instead of olive oil and still be okay for elimination diet?