Easy Homemade Chocolate Truffles (3-Ingredients)

These easy homemade chocolate truffles are fantastic to make and perfect for any occasion. The easy recipe requires just three simple ingredients, and the flavors can be adjusted according to your preferences.

The recipe makes a generous amount of approximately 80 truffles, so it works perfectly as a Christmas gift. These easy, delicious chocolate truffles are an elegant, rich treat that everyone will love!

Check out my collection of desserts made with chocolate, where you can find a multitude of perfect recipes for entertainment and also some great ones designed for chocolate lovers, like this collection of fudge recipes, this super easy-to-make version of Raffaello Coconut Almond Confections, these awesome Chocolate Potato Chip Clusters or this unusual recipe for homemade chocolate that comes from Eastern Europe.

💝 Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Trusted recipe: As a seasoned patisserie chef, I bring you a chocolate truffle recipe that balances simplicity with gourmet elegance. I've made these truffles countless times, so I can vouch for this recipe's reliability.

• Excellent for the holidays: These chocolate truffles are perfect for special occasions, like the holiday season and Valentine's Day, making ideal festive gifts. You can prepare them in advance and freeze them, so you can be ready for that special occasion that calls for a sweet chocolate treat.

• Easy, straightforward recipe: If you're new to making chocolate truffles, you're in for a delightful experience. This recipe is notably easy and straightforward, not requiring any specialized tools, thermometers, chocolate tempering, or double coating.

🙋‍♀️ What is Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache is a blend of melted chocolate and heavy cream and serves as the main component in various chocolate treats, including truffles and cakes.

Related: Check out this Classic European Chocolate Ganache Meringue Cake Recipe.

Typically, chocolate ganache is made with two ingredients: equal parts (by weight) of good quality chocolate and heavy cream. You bring the heavy cream to a boil and pour it over the chocolate. The mixture is stirred or blended until smooth, then cooled. Sometimes flavors are added.

Based on the chocolate that will be used, the purpose of the ganache, and the temperature at which it will be served, the ratio of heavy cream to chocolate might be different. Chocolate ganache can be used in many ways, from glazing a cake, filling a torte, making a sauce for a dessert, or making chocolate truffles.

🍬 What is a Chocolate Truffle

A chocolate truffle is a type of chocolate confectionery made with a mixture of good-quality chocolate, heavy cream, and butter.

The chocolate truffles are chilled, rolled into balls, and then covered in cocoa powder. This is the traditional way they do it in Europe. There is no corn syrup or condensed milk mixed with chocolate (we call that fudge). A more sophisticated truffle is also coated in tempered chocolate and then rolled in cocoa powder.

The ganache should be firm enough to shape into balls. They're called "truffles" because they look like the black truffle mushroom found in forests around the world.

Adding flavors like alcohol, fruits, and nuts is common, but they usually keep their simple, rustic look. I often mix in different liquors like coffee, orange, cherry, rum, or brandy to flavor the ganache. This adds a nice kick, but remember, these alcohol-infused treats are more for adults than for kids.

📝 Key Ingredients

Best Chocolate for Truffles

Choosing the right chocolate is crucial for your truffles. Opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa solid content, ideally above 60%. This is referred to as bittersweet chocolate, which provides a rich and intense chocolate flavor, very important for luxurious truffles. Remember, the better the quality of the chocolate, the more decadent your truffles will be.

Avoid using chocolate chips as they often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly, which can affect the texture of your ganache.

Choosing the Right Cream

Cream is the second hero of this recipe. For the best results, use heavy whipping cream with a milk fat content of at least 32%. This high-fat content is key to creating a silky, delicious ganache. Avoid light cream or coffee cream, as their lower fat content won't give the ganache the right consistency for truffles, and it won't set properly.

The Role of Butter

Unsalted butter is my preference for this recipe. In the US, standard butter typically contains about 80% fat, which is perfect for this recipe. Butter adds to the richness and smooth texture of your truffles. If you have access to higher-fat European butter brands (like Kerrygold, Plugra, or Lurpak), they can add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

🍫 Flavor Variations and Options

I love experimenting with flavors in my truffles. Once, I tried a daring combination of chili and dark chocolate, and it was a surprising hit. Don't be afraid to experiment. Sometimes the most unusual pairings create the most remarkable flavors.

1. Liquor-Infused Truffles: dark rum, brandy, Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, Bourbon or whiskey are all good to bring more flavor. You can also use Grand Marnier for some citrousy flavor or Amaretto for a sweet almond .
2. Extracts and Spices: Add a few drops of vanilla, almond, peppermint, or orange extract to the ganache for a subtle flavor twist. Spices like cinnamon or a pinch of chili can add a unique warmth.
3. Nut Butters and Pralines: Incorporate almond, peanut, or hazelnut butter for a nutty truffle. Crushed pralines add both flavor and texture.

👩‍🍳 How To Make Easy Chocolate Truffles

Step 1. Finely Chop the Chocolate: Begin by chopping the chocolate into small, even pieces on a cutting board.  This ensures it melts quickly and evenly.

Step 2. Heat the Cream: Pour the heavy whipping cream into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium-high heat until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil, as overheating can affect the texture of the ganache.

Step 3. Combine Cream and Chocolate: Remove the hot cream from the heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This allows the heat from the cream to gently melt the chocolate.

After waiting, gently stir the chocolate mixture until it becomes a smooth, shiny ganache. If you're adding liquor for flavor, mix it in now.

Step 4. Cool the Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent condensation. Refrigerate the ganache for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, to firm up.

Step 5. Shape the Truffles: Once chilled, scoop out small amounts of ganache. You can use your hands, an ice cream scoop, or two teaspoons for this. Quickly roll them into balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Note:

A little mess is part of the fun when shaping truffles. You can wear gloves to keep things a bit neater, but embracing the chocolatey hands is part of the artisan experience!

Step 6. Chill the Truffles Again: Refrigerate the rolled truffles for 2-3 hours to set them properly before coating.

Step 7. Coat the Truffles: Prepare your chosen coatings in small trays. Roll the truffle balls in the coating, ensuring they are evenly covered. Variations can include cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes.

❄️ How To Store These 3-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles

If you do not consume them right away, keep them refrigerated in airtight containers. They last for about a week. Serve them at room temperature. The truffles also make a great gift for the holidays.

You can also freeze them for later. Store them for up to three months.

💡 Expert Tips and Troubleshooting

Making chocolate truffles can be straightforward, but sometimes you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some tips and solutions for common truffle-making challenges:

• Ganache Not Thickening: Ensure you're using the correct ratio of chocolate to cream. If the ganache is too runny, add a bit more finely chopped chocolate and stir until it melts and thickens.
• Truffles Too Sticky to Handle: If the truffles are too sticky, ensure they are adequately chilled before rolling. You can also dust your hands with cocoa powder or wear gloves to prevent sticking. (Common Cause: Overly soft ganache can result from insufficient chilling time or too much cream in the mixture.)
• Truffle Mixture Too Hard: Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
• Uneven Truffle Size: For consistent truffle size, use a small ice cream scoop or a measuring spoon. This helps ensure uniformity in size and appearance.

Do you have a favorite truffle flavor or a special twist of your own? Share in the comments!

Interested in also making some Rum balls? Here is a recipe.

🍪 More recipes with chocolate

📖 Recipe

Easy Homemade Chocolate Truffles (3-Ingredients)

Easy Homemade Chocolate Truffles to make for the holidays, Valentine's Day, or any day when you crave a decadent dessert.

5 from 11 votes

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Course: Chocolate and Confections

Cuisine: International

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes minutes

Servings: 80 truffles

Calories: 62kcal

Author: Gabriela

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Ingredients

• ▢ 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
• ▢ 18 ounces chocolate finely chopped bittersweet, with over 60% cocoa solids
• ▢ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into cubes and at room temperature
• ▢ Optional: 1 tablespoon your favorite liquor

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Chop the chocolate really small and place it into a bowl. Set it aside.
• Place the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Do not boil.
• Remove the heated heavy cream from the stove and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Allow it to stand for about five minutes so the chocolate has time to melt slowly. Start gently mixing until you form an emulsion. Add the butter and continue to mix until fully incorporated.
• If you are adding any kind of liquor to your ganache, add it now and mix well.
• Cover the surface of the ganache with foil and allow it to cool at room temperature. Place the ganache in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
• When ready to form the truffles, use either your hands, a small ice cream scoop, or two teaspoons. Take dollops of the ganache and roll them quickly to form balls. Place the chocolate truffles on parchment paper and refrigerate them again for 2-3 hours.
• Prepare small trays with ground nuts, cocoa powder, and anything else you wish to cover the truffles with. Roll truffles in the trays to fully coat. Place them in chocolate paper cups. Keep them refrigerated.

Notes

• Chocolate Choice: Use high-quality dark chocolate (above 60% cocoa) for the best flavor and texture.
• Cream Tips: Heavy whipping cream is ideal. Avoid low-fat creams to ensure proper ganache consistency.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add a splash of your favorite liquor, extracts, or spices for a personalized touch.
• Coating Choices: Roll truffles in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes for different finishes.
• Chilling Time: Allow enough time for the ganache to set in the fridge before shaping and coating.
• Storing: Keep truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve truffles at room temperature for the best taste and texture experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 2g | Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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