Bite-sized decadent treats, that are as simple as they are delicious.
Table of Contents
We have once again come to a place where I think I should apologize; my sweet tooth is going to once again take over and wax poetic about sweet treats. I love anything sweet – candy, ice cream, desserts, and pastries, there is never a time when I won’t, at the very least, try something sweet.
This is exactly how I tried chocolate truffles for the first time. I had often heard about chocolate truffles but had never had the opportunity to try them until one of my cousins got married. At her wedding, during dessert, there was not just a tiered cake with a little bride and groom on top, but surrounding the cake on the dessert table were little dusted chocolate truffles. I fell in love, so sweet and rich, delicate, and decadent, and easy enough to eat with just one or two bites. I knew immediately I had to find a recipe so I could make them at home when I had parties and now you can make a perfect chocolate truffle at home too.
The origin of chocolate truffles is disputed but one story traces back to Christmas 1895 when French patissier Louis Dufour invented something new for his customers. Dufour rolled ganache into balls and dusted them with cocoa powder, creating a sweet soon much enjoyed by the upper crust.
This recipe does not skimp on flavor. Rich and bold, with a strong dark chocolate taste. The perfect blend of sweet and bitter, with the welcome addition of whatever you top it with. You will fall in love with this delicious treat. It’s perfect for any party, the holidays, or just because.
Are Chocolate Truffles Healthy?
The key to the healthiness of these chocolate truffles is their base ingredient of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is often considered a superfood as it’s high in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc. Dark chocolate has been proven to protect blood vessels and reduce inflammation making it a heart-healthy treat. This recipe contains no additional sugars, and the heavy cream adds proteins and calcium. Like anything that is this delicious you do not want to overindulge, everything in moderation. You can also make these chocolate truffles vegan by substituting your heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
What is ganache?
Ganache, to put it simply, is melted chocolate blended with cream to make an emulsion. You will see ganache as an ingredient in a number of desserts. The density and consistency of your ganache will depend on the ratio of chocolate to cream. Some ganache, like that used for chocolate truffles, is dense and semi-solid, while others can be almost liquid. The flavor of your ganache is also determined by the chocolate you use, for this recipe we use dark chocolate.
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- Toppings: unsweetened cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or melted chocolate for coating
INSTRUCTIONS
Chop
Prepare chocolate.
Heat
Simmer cream, pour over chocolate.
Chill
Refrigerate mixture until firm.
Roll
Form into balls and coat with toppings.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Your chocolate truffles should be enjoyed at room temperature but if you are going to store them, I recommend refrigerating your truffles in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. If you do freeze them, be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bring them to room temperature before enjoying.
There are so many options for toppings on your chocolate truffles. Aside from cocoa powder, you can also top them with your favorite chopped nuts like peanuts, almonds, or walnuts. I have previously topped them with crushed candy canes for a minty hint to my truffles.
You can use an ice cream scoop. Or you could even spoon your ganache into your hands and roll into balls that way.
Serving Suggestions
As I’ve said chocolate truffles are a perfect dessert or sweet treat at any party. I recommend serving them with coffee, tea or perhaps a Strawberry Milkshake for the younger guests. If you want even more intense chocolate flavors to go with your truffles, then perhaps try a Vegan Hot Chocolate instead.
If this recipe has ignited a new love for all things chocolate, take a look at these Salted Chocolate Brownie Bites, this Chocolate Banana Bread or these Chocolate-Covered Pretzels.
Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dark chocolate 70% cocoa, finely chopped
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional
- Toppings: unsweetened cocoa powder crushed nuts, or melted chocolate for coating
Instructions
-
Place finely chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl.
-
Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to gently simmer, then pour over the chocolate.
-
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes without stirring. Then, add butter and vanilla extract if using, and stir until smooth.
-
Cover the mixture with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until firm.
-
Once chilled, use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out portions of the truffle mixture. Roll into balls with your hands.
-
Roll the truffles in your choice of toppings such as cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or melted chocolate until evenly coated.
-
Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray and chill until set. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
The post Chocolate Truffles appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.
