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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Chocolate Truffles

    Chocolate Truffles

    Published: January 25, 2017 · Modified: Nov 2, 2021 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Rich, creamy, and indulgent, these homemade Chocolate Truffles are perfect for any occasion. These delightful little bites of chocolate are so easy to make and will melt in your mouth. Coat the truffles with cocoa, sprinkles, or nuts to make them look just like a bakery’s.

    A plate with a pile of chocolate truffles with different coatings. A few in front.
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    Pinterest graphic of rows of chocolate truffles with assorted coatings.
    Pinterest graphic of a plate with a stack of chocolate truffles with one in front.
    Pinterest graphic of a plateful of chocolate truffles, a bite taken out of the top one.
    Pinterest graphic of a plate of chocolate truffles.
    Pinterest graphic of a plateful of chocolate truffles with some in front.

    Made with only a handful of ingredients, these delicious no-bake chocolate truffles are smooth, fudgy, and luscious. Homemade truffles may seem a little intimidating as they’re always so expensive at the store, but they’re super easy to make. They are essentially bite-sized balls of chocolate ganache. There are so many ways to customize the coatings, making them the perfect homemade gift for the holidays. This easy truffle recipe is also the ultimate party treat, as you can make them ahead of time. Try making my bon bons recipe, homemade peppermint bark, or oreo cookie balls if you want another edible gift idea.

    What You Need to Make This Recipe

    Ingredients needed to make chocolate truffles.

    Chocolate — you can use any type of chocolate to make truffles, from semi-sweet chocolate to dark chocolate and even white chocolate. I recommend using high-quality pure chocolate baking bars as they melt smoother than chocolate chips.

    Heavy cream — you must use heavy cream as milk, half and half, or a lower fat cream will lead to the chocolate not fully setting up as it relies on the fat from the heavy cream.

    Toppings — the best part about making chocolate truffles is rolling it in all the fun toppings. I love coating them with sprinkles, nuts, or cocoa powder. The coating helps keep the truffles from sticking to each other as well.

    How to Make Chocolate Truffles

    Set of two photos showing chocolate chopped and combined with cream.

    1. Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a large heat-proof bowl.

    2. Add the heavy cream to the chopped chocolate.

    Set of two photos showing vanilla extract added to chocolate and then transferred to a loaf pan.

    3. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in a large bowl above simmering water. Stir frequently until the chocolate is smooth, fully combined, and glossy. Remove from the pot and stir in the vanilla.

    4. Pour the ganache into a loaf pan or small baking pan. Chill for about 1 hour or until the ganache is firm to the touch but your finger can press into it without much force.

    Set of two photos showing chocolate rolled and coated in cocoa.

    5. Scoop the chilled ganache into 1 to 2 teaspoon-sized portions. Roll between your palms to create a ball and place it on a lined plate.

    6. Roll each ball into the coating of your choice and return to the fridge to chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.

    Rows of chocolate truffles with different coatings on them.

    Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

    • Wearing rubber gloves or coating your hands in some cocoa powder will make rolling the truffles less messy.
    • Chopping chocolate into finer pieces adds surface area and lets the hot cream melt it on a lower heat setting, and decreases the chance of burning. I use a sharp chef’s knife, but a serrated knife is great if you have one as it prevents the chocolate bar from breaking into tiny shredded shards.
    • As you don’t bake the chocolate truffles, use real vanilla extract as you’ll be able to taste the difference.
    • Use a cookie scoop to make perfectly uniformed truffles.
    • If your hands run warm, your kitchen is hot, or your ganache is too soft, scoop the chocolate ganache onto a lined sheet pan and freeze for a bit before rolling.
    • If the ganache is still too soft, you will have to gently reheat the mixture and add more chopped chocolate to it.
    • If your ganache is too firm to roll, let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes and try again.

    A plate with a stack of chocolate truffles and one in front.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do these chocolate treats contain real truffles?

    No, they do not. Chocolate truffles get their name because they look like truffles, the mushroom-like fungus, not because they contain any.

    How do I store these?

    Truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Since the chocolate ganache is made with cream, it will not last at room temperature.

    Can I flavor the ganache?

    You can! If you want to add liqueur to the ganache, let the chocolate cool enough, so the heat does not burn off the alcohol. You can also steep the heavy cream with add-ins such as cinnamon sticks or mint leaves. Extracts such as coconut, peppermint, or almond are great additions as well.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • A glass of chocolate mousse with whipped cream and shaved chocolate with a spoonful eaten and a spoon inside.

      Chocolate Mousse

    • A hot chocolate bomb topped with sprinkles

      Hot Chocolate Bombs

    • A plate with a chocolate lava cake with the molten center pouring out.

      Chocolate Lava Cake

    • A platter of chocolate covered strawberries decorated in different ways.

      Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    • A photo of a chocolate eclair cut to expose the custard filling

      Eclairs

    If you’ve tried this homemade Chocolate Truffle recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A row of coated chocolate truffles.
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    5 from 31 votes

    Chocolate Truffles

    Smooth, creamy, and rich, these homemade Chocolate Truffles are so addictive. You won't be able to stop at eating just one!
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Chill Time 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time 2 hours
    Servings 32 balls
    Calories 81kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • Large bowl
    • Parchment paper

    Ingredients

    • 12 ounces high-quality semi-sweet chocolate bars
    • ¾ cup heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • Cocoa powder, chopped toasted nuts, sprinkles

    Instructions

    • Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a large heat-proof bowl. Add the cream.
    • Fill a small pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low.
    • Place the bowl on top of the pot making sure the bowl isn’t touching the water. Stir frequently until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth, fully combined, and glossy. Remove from the pot and stir in the vanilla. Pour the ganache into a loaf or small baking pan.
    • Chill for about 1 hour or until the ganache is firm to the touch but your finger can press into it without much force. (It should feel like playdough.)
    • Line a plate or small baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
    • Scoop the chilled ganache into 1 to 2 teaspoon-sized portions. Roll between your palms to create a ball and place on the paper. (If your hands are naturally warm, it may help to wear nitrile or latex gloves when shaping the ganache.) Roll each ball into the coating of your choice and return to the fridge to chill until firm, at least 30 minutes. Truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months.

    Video

    Notes

    • Wearing rubber gloves or coating your hands in some cocoa powder will make rolling the truffles less messy.
    • Chopping chocolate into finer pieces adds surface area and lets the hot cream melt it on a lower heat setting, and decreases the chance of burning. I use a sharp chef’s knife, but a serrated knife is great if you have one as it prevents the chocolate bar from breaking into tiny shredded shards.
    • As you don’t bake the chocolate truffles, use real vanilla extract as you’ll be able to taste the difference.
    • Use a cookie scoop to make perfectly uniformed truffles.
    • If your hands run warm, your kitchen is hot, or your ganache is too soft, scoop the chocolate ganache onto a lined sheet pan and freeze for a bit before rolling.
    • If the ganache is still too soft, you will have to gently reheat the mixture and add more chopped chocolate to it.
    • If your ganache is too firm to roll, let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes and try again.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!

     

     

    « Bird’s Nest Easter Cake
    Chocolate Pear Cake »

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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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