Chocolate Truffle Dessert Recipe

This decadent homemade Chocolate Truffle Recipe is an easy no-bake dessert option that comes together with just 5 ingredients. These rich and fudgy truffles can be covered in your favorite toppings and a smooth chocolate coating to finish them off!

Easy Homemade Chocolate TruffleS

Need a low-effort, low-stress dessert that’s ultra decadent and good for gift-giving? You thought it was too good to be true, but these chocolate truffles beg to differ! They’re so easy to make and customize to your liking.

You can make these truffles with white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or multiple different kinds! And you can dress them up with toppings like shredded coconut, crushed nuts, cocoa powder and more. The best part? You don’t even have to touch the oven. This recipe will have you making delicious chocolate truffles for every occasion!

What Are Truffles?

Truffles are the ultimate bite-sized balls of chocolate. They’re made with ganache, or a mixture of melted chocolate and cream, and they’re often rolled in toppings or coated in more chocolate. With this truffle dessert recipe, you can add toppings, a chocolate coating or both. If you’re wondering how truffles got their name, it’s because they look like truffle mushrooms!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll love the short and sweet ingredient line-up for this recipe. It couldn’t be simpler!

• Chocolate: Finely chopped.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: To form the ganache.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Half a teaspoon of espresso powder or ground coffee makes these truffles extra rich and chocolatey. And don’t worry, you won’t taste the coffee at all!
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: To intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate Wafers: If desired, for coating the truffles.
• Toppings of Choice: Feel free to add toppings like sprinkles, shredded coconut, cookie crumbs or a sprinkle of sea salt to your truffles. Get creative with it!

What Kind of Chocolate to Use?

It’s best to use a high-quality chocolate bar for truffles. Brands such as Ghirardelli, Dove and Lindt are all readily available options. I also love the Trader Joe’s 1 pound chocolate bars. The finer you chop the chocolate, the easier it will be to melt. Do not use chocolate chips, as they won’t melt into the proper consistency.

How to Make Chocolate Truffles

Making truffles is pretty much a matter of melting chocolate and letting it cool again. In other words, it’s super easy!

• Combine Chocolate, Salt & Espresso Powder: Place the chocolate, salt and espresso powder in a heat-proof bowl. Set aside.
• Heat Cream & Add to Chocolate Mixture: Heat the cream in the microwave at 50% power for 60-90 seconds until hot, but not boiling. Pour over the chocolate and allow to sit for at least 5 minutes, untouched.

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• Stir, Add Vanilla & Chill: Stir the chocolate and cream until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours (or overnight) until the chocolate is firm.

• Form Truffles: Remove the chocolate from the fridge and let it sit for 20-30 minutes at room temperature, until you can easily scoop the chocolate without it breaking apart. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to make balls of chocolate. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Roll the balls of chocolate between your hands until a round, smooth ball is formed. Then roll in toppings, if desired.

• To Add a Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers at 50% power in 30 second intervals; stir after each interval and continue until the chocolate is melted. Reduce microwave time as needed so the chocolate does not burn. Use a fork to dip the truffle in the chocolate, covering it completely. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set.

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Tips for The BEst Truffles

These quick tips will help you get the hang of making this truffle dessert in no time. Be sure to check them out!

• Wear Gloves: Rolling the truffles can get very messy since the heat from your hands warms the chocolate. I recommend wearing disposable gloves, frequently rinsing them off with cold water, then wiping them with paper towels to clean. You may need to roll the truffles 2 or 3 times to get a good shape. If you’re having difficulty shaping, move onto another one and come back to it later.
• Serve at Room Temperature: These truffles are best served at room temperature. If you do keep them in the fridge, I recommend bringing them to room temperature before enjoying them.
• What If the Cream Didn’t Fully Melt the Chocolate? If you find that not all the chocolate has melted from the heated cream, heat the mixture in the microwave at 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring each time until melted.
• Why Won’t the Toppings Stick to the Truffles? If your toppings aren’t sticking to the truffles, roll them quickly between your hands and try again. This should soften them up a bit so the toppings stick.

Decorating Ideas and Adding Liquor

A truffle is such an easy dessert to decorate, and I have tons of fun ideas! You can also add liquor to your truffles for a boozy twist.

• Add a Chocolate Drizzle: If you want to apply a chocolate drizzle over your truffles or truffle coating, first wait until the chocolate has set. Then, fill a small piping bag or Ziploc bag with 2-3 tablespoons of melted chocolate and cut off the tip/corner of the bag. Drizzle the chocolate over the truffles and allow it to set.
• Add Bling: If you’re making truffles for Christmas or another holiday, try decorating them with gold leaf or edible glitter to make them pop!
• Dye White Chocolate for Colorful Truffles: Simply incorporating white chocolate into your truffles opens up a ton of decorating possibilities. You can dye melted white chocolate with your favorite food coloring, then use it as a coating or a drizzle!
• To Add Liquor: Truffles infused with alcohol are so amazing! Wait until the melted chocolate has cooled to the touch, then stir in 1 tablespoon of liquor. Flavors like rum, bourbon, Irish cream or Kahlua are great options if you’re not sure where to start.

How to Store Truffle Candies

I recommend storing your truffles on the counter first, since they’re best served at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you still have some after 4 days, you can transfer them to the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let refrigerated truffles come to room temperature before enjoying.

Can I Freeze These?

Yes, you can store these chocolate truffles in the freezer! They’ll last for up 3 months if stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw frozen truffles overnight in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.

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More Chocolate Desserts to Try

Want more indulgent chocolate treats? These recipes are just what you need.

• Chocolate Covered Oreos
• Super Moist Chocolate Cake
• Chocolate Pudding Pie