Dark Chocolate Truffles

These dark chocolate truffles recipe are ultra creamy and very rich in chocolate, made with only 3 ingredients, no chocolate lover will resist. Make this ultra-easy and quick recipe perfect for Valentine's Day or Christmas.

this recipe

Attention, we are not talking about the truffle (mushroom) but this little chocolate treat coated with cocoa powder.

Jump to:

• What are truffles?
• Why you'll love this recipe
• More Truffle Recipes
• Which chocolate to use for truffles
• Ingredient Notes
• Materials Needed
• How to make homemade dark chocolate truffles
• Coating ideas for homemade truffles
• Storage and freezing
• Tips for this recipe
• Recipe Variations Ideas
• FAQ - Frequently asked questions
• More Ball Recipes
• Dark chocolate truffles

What are truffles?

The chocolate truffle is mainly composed of 2 ingredients, chocolate and cream, so it's technically a chocolate ganache, the same one we use in pastry, but with different proportions and a very creamy texture.

Why you'll love this recipe

Chocolate truffles are very popular during the holiday season and are often offered at Christmas or Valentine's Day. But have you ever tried to make them at home?

Much better homemade, prepare your chocolate truffles with this quick and easy recipe and you'll have the added satisfaction of offering a unique gift to your loved ones during the holidays.

• Decadent Chocolate Flavor: Dark chocolate truffles offer an intensely rich and bittersweet chocolate flavor that's incredibly satisfying for chocolate enthusiasts.
• Creamy and Velvety Texture: These truffles have a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture that's both luxurious and indulgent.
• Endless Variations: Dark chocolate truffles can be customized with various coatings like cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or flavored powders, allowing for endless flavor combinations.
• Perfect for Gifting: They make delightful gifts for special occasions or as a token of appreciation, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness to any celebration.

More Truffle Recipes

Which chocolate to use for truffles

Basically, chocolate truffles can be made with any kind of chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. The higher the percentage of chocolate the more full-bodied and rich in cocoa you will get.

Afterward, in the ganache-making process, we will try to find the right balance between the chocolate and the cream to have a texture that is both firm and melting in the mouth.

It will be necessary to use cooking chocolate which is also called couverture chocolate, it has a high percentage of cocoa butter, and it melts more easily unlike chocolate chips which resist the heat of the oven and which we use better in cookie recipes.

Ingredient Notes

*You will find the quantities and complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of the page.

• High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for premium chocolate or a baking chocolate bar with a cocoa content of at least 54% (semi-sweet chocolate). Finely chop the chocolate for a smooth, rich truffle base.
• Heavy Cream: Choose full-fat heavy cream with a minimum fat content of 30% or opt for heavy whipping cream. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, enhancing the truffle's luscious consistency.
• Butter (Optional): While not essential, adding a small amount of butter contributes to a creamier texture, elevating the overall mouthfeel of the truffles.
• Vanilla Extract and Salt (Optional): For enhanced flavor and depth, consider including vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. These optional ingredients complement the chocolate's richness, creating a well-balanced truffle experience.

Materials Needed

Ice cream scoop

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How to make homemade dark chocolate truffles

Ganache mixture

• Finely chop the dark chocolate with a knife and place in a medium bowl.
• Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
• Add the warm cream and softened butter to the bowl containing the chopped chocolate and let stand for a few minutes.
• Then mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the melted chocolate mixture is smooth.
• Add the vanilla flavoring and salt (optional) and mix again to incorporate.
• Cover the truffle mixture in contact with plastic wrap and let stand in the fridge for at least 3 hours until the ganache is completely chilled.

Roll up truffles

• Scoop cooled ganache with an ice cream scoop or tablespoon and place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Place the baking sheet with chocolate truffles in the freezer for about 10 minutes to make them harden a little.
• Then quickly roll the truffles balls between your hands to give them a nice round shape.

Coating the truffles

• Roll chocolate truffles in unsweetened cocoa powder several times until fully coated.
• Do the same for the other coatings, then place the truffles on a plate or in mini paper cups and place them in a storage box.

Coating ideas for homemade truffles

Feel free to mix and match these coating ideas to create a variety of truffles with different textures and flavors, or get creative and come up with your own unique coatings.

• Cocoa Powder: Roll truffles in unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic and slightly bitter contrast to the sweet filling.
• Chopped Nuts: Coat truffles with finely chopped nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios for a delightful crunch.
• Shredded Coconut: Roll truffles in shredded coconut for a tropical and slightly sweet outer layer.
• Powdered Sugar: Dust truffles with powdered sugar for an elegant and sweet finish.
• Crushed Cookies: Roll truffles in crushed cookies like Oreos or graham crackers for a cookie crumb coating.
• Melted Chocolate: Dip truffles in melted chocolate and let them set for a glossy and indulgent shell.
• Sprinkles: Decorate truffles with colorful sprinkles for a festive and fun appearance.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Perfect for the holiday season, coat truffles in crushed candy canes for a minty and crunchy coating.

Storage and freezing

At room temperature: Homemade truffles can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or in a glass jar for about 1 week.

You can also place them in the refrigerator for longer conservation.

In the freezer: You can freeze chocolate truffles up to 3 months in the freezer, packed in storage bags. Let them come back to room temperature.

Tips for this recipe

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Start with high-quality dark chocolate (preferably with a cocoa content of at least 60-70%) for the best flavor and texture.
• Even Chocolate Chopping: When chopping chocolate, ensure it's finely and evenly chopped to melt smoothly and create a creamy ganache.
• Warm Cream, Not Boiling: Heat the heavy cream until it's just simmering, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Avoid boiling the cream to prevent scorching the chocolate.
• Stir Gently: When combining the cream and chocolate, stir gently and steadily in the center to create a smooth and shiny ganache.
• Chilling Time: Allow the ganache to cool and set properly by refrigerating it for a few hours or overnight. This makes it easier to handle when shaping the truffles.
• Scooping and Rolling: Use a melon baller, cookie scoop, or spoon to portion out the ganache evenly. Roll it between your palms to shape into round truffles.
• Hand Temperature: Keep your hands cool by rinsing them with cold water before rolling the truffles. This helps prevent the chocolate from melting as you work.
• Serve at Room Temperature: Allow truffles to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This enhances their flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations Ideas

Coffee-Infused: Add finely ground coffee or espresso powder to the ganache for a delightful coffee-flavored truffle.

Raspberry Filling: Incorporate raspberry puree or jam into the ganache for a fruity and tangy twist.

Orange Zest: Add grated orange zest to the ganache for a refreshing citrus flavor.

Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped toasted nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans) into the ganache for added texture and flavor.

Alcohol-Infused: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Baileys, Grand Marnier, or Amaretto, to the ganache for an adult twist.

Coconut Delight: Mix shredded coconut into the ganache for a tropical-inspired truffle.

Earl Grey Tea: Steep Earl Grey tea bags in the cream before making the ganache for an aromatic tea-infused truffle.

Gingerbread Spice: Blend gingerbread spice mix into the ganache for a festive and warming flavor.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Can I make dark chocolate truffles without heavy cream?

While heavy cream is a common ingredient in truffle ganaches, you can explore alternative options like coconut cream or dairy-free milk for a dairy-free or vegan version.

How to harden sticky chocolate truffles?

Place them in the freezer for a few minutes to harden and roll them into balls more easily.

How do I prevent my truffle ganache from becoming too soft?

Properly chilling and setting the ganache in the refrigerator before shaping and coating the truffles helps maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming too soft.

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