Decadent Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt and Candy Cane Garnish Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate truffles are a rich, decadent treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. These bite-sized delights combine smooth ganache with a variety of coatings for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether coated in cocoa powder or dipped in chocolate with festive toppings, truffles are an elegant and indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Dutch cocoa powder
- 4 oz. melted dark chocolate
- 4 oz. melted white chocolate
- Flaky sea salt
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then whisk until smooth and glossy. Refrigerate the ganache until firm, about 1 hour.
- Step 2: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the firm ganache and roll it into smooth balls with your hands. Place the balls on the prepared sheet. Refrigerate again until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Step 3: For classic truffles, place Dutch cocoa powder in a small bowl. Roll each truffle in the cocoa powder to coat evenly. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 4: For chocolate-dipped truffles, dip each ganache ball into the melted dark or white chocolate. Place on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt or crushed candy canes. Refrigerate until the coating hardens before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture in your ganache.
- To make fruit-flavored truffles, add a teaspoon of flavored liqueur or fruit extract to the ganache before chilling.
- If rolling ganache gets sticky, chill your hands or use a small scoop to help shape the truffles smoothly.
- Experiment with toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or powdered sugar for different textures.
Storage
Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze truffles for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make truffles without heavy cream?
Heavy cream is essential for the smooth texture of ganache. Substituting with milk or other liquids may result in a less creamy consistency.
How do I prevent truffles from melting too quickly?
Keep truffles refrigerated until ready to serve and store them in a cool place, especially in warm weather. Using high-quality chocolate with a higher cocoa content also helps truffles hold their shape better.
Print
Decadent Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt and Candy Cane Garnish Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: About 24 truffles 1x
Description
Decadent and rich Chocolate Truffles made with smooth dark chocolate ganache, coated in Dutch cocoa powder or dipped in melted chocolate, then garnished with flaky sea salt or crushed candy canes for a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients
Ganache
- 8 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Coatings & Garnishes
- 1/3 cup Dutch cocoa powder
- 4 oz. melted dark chocolate
- 4 oz. melted white chocolate
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- Crushed candy canes, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Ganache: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate mixture and allow it to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to soften the chocolate. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm.
- Shape Truffles: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the chilled ganache and roll each scoop into a smooth ball between your palms. Place the truffle balls on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate again for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Coat with Cocoa Powder: Place Dutch cocoa powder in a small bowl. Roll each truffle in the cocoa powder until fully coated. Return the truffles to the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Optional Chocolate Dipping: For an elegant variation, dip the truffles into melted dark or white chocolate. Place the melted chocolate in a small bowl, dip each ball until coated, and then sprinkle with flaky sea salt or crushed candy canes for flavor and texture. Set dipped truffles back in the refrigerator until the coating hardens.
- Serve and Store: Keep the truffles refrigerated until serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for best flavor.
- If desired, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Be gentle when rolling the truffles to keep them smooth and uniform in shape.
- Truffles can also be dusted with powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut as alternative coatings.
- Allow dipped truffles plenty of time to harden in the fridge to maintain their shape and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Chocolate truffles, dark chocolate, holiday treats, gourmet chocolates, dessert balls, cocoa powder truffles, chocolate ganache
