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French Chocolate Truffles

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

Create scrumptious French truffles with silky dark chocolate ganache. Just a few ingredients deliver an incredible homemade experience.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:54:15 GMT
A cozy plate filled with diverse chocolate truffles, some coated with sprinkles, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder, placed on a rustic wood table surrounded by festive pine leaves and cinnamon sticks. Pin it
A cozy plate filled with diverse chocolate truffles, some coated with sprinkles, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder, placed on a rustic wood table surrounded by festive pine leaves and cinnamon sticks. | chefmelt.com

Homemade Dark Chocolate Truffles

I stumbled upon these decadent treats in a small Parisian boutique, and they've become my go-to dessert ever since. The velvety center dusted with cocoa takes me straight back to that unforgettable experience. My relatives always tell me they're just as good as the ones from expensive chocolate boutiques, and I can't help but agree.

Why You'll Love Them

The Secret Delight Each mouthful delivers pure chocolate heaven. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you'll create something truly extraordinary. Nobody believes how incredibly silky these turn out until they try them.

Great Gift Option These delicious little bites make wonderful presents during the holidays. Wrap them in cute containers and enjoy watching people's reactions after their initial taste. Once you start making them, everyone will beg for more.

Must-Have Components

  • Chocolate: Premium dark chocolate around 60% cacao. Pick bars you'd enjoy eating by themselves for the best flavor in your finished treats.
  • Dairy: Heavy whipping cream with full fat content creates that dreamy smooth texture. A bit of unsalted butter brings extra indulgence we can't resist.
  • Taste Boosters: A splash of real vanilla extract and just a dash of sea salt really bring out the chocolate's natural goodness.
  • Outside Layers: Fine cocoa powder sifted thoroughly. You might want some crushed nuts or grated coconut nearby for variety.

Making Your Truffles

Get Your Chocolate Ready
Cut the chocolate into tiny, uniform bits so it melts properly. Put it in a heat-safe bowl that gives you plenty of room to stir.
Warm Up The Cream
Add your cream to a small pot and warm it over medium heat until small bubbles form around the sides. Don't let it come to a full boil - you just need it hot enough to melt the chocolate pieces.
Create The Filling
Pour the warm cream over your chocolate chunks and let everything sit untouched for 60 seconds. Then stir from the middle outward until you get a shiny, uniform mixture. Mix in vanilla and salt with one last stir.
Let It Set
Put plastic wrap right on top of your mixture to stop a film from developing. Cool it in your fridge for at least 4 hours but overnight works too, until it's firm enough to work with.
Form Your Truffles
Use a teaspoon or small scoop to portion the chilled mixture. Quickly roll between your hands into round balls. Work with small amounts, keeping the rest cold in the fridge.
Add The Covering
Roll each ball in whatever coating you prefer - cocoa, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut. Set them on a parchment-lined tray and chill for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Topping Ideas

My cooking space transforms into a chocolate factory during truffle-making days. While cocoa powder gives that traditional look, broken nuts add delightful texture. During the holidays I sometimes use smashed peppermint sticks, and my children love colorful sprinkles. I occasionally blend coconut with cocoa for a unique coffee-inspired appearance.

Helpful Tips

The key to fantastic truffles is cutting your chocolate into very small pieces so everything melts evenly. Mind your cream carefully - tiny bubbles at the edge are what you want, not a rolling boil. Try to keep your hands cool while shaping since the mixture sets better. Always eat them at room temp to enjoy their full flavor.

A white plate holds an assortment of chocolate truffles, some coated in cocoa powder and others with sugar or a smooth chocolate shell. Pin it
A white plate holds an assortment of chocolate truffles, some coated in cocoa powder and others with sugar or a smooth chocolate shell. | chefmelt.com

Storage Advice

These tasty treats will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to seven days if they don't disappear before then. Stick them in the refrigerator to extend their life. My trick for big gatherings? I make them in advance and freeze them for up to three months. Just don't forget to let them warm up to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes good chocolate important?

Using rich chocolate with 60–70% cocoa content ensures great taste and a better finish.

→ Why refrigerate the ganache?

It thickens in the fridge, making it easier to roll into perfect truffle shapes.

→ Is freezing truffles an option?

Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container for up to three months in your freezer.

→ Why use cold hands for shaping?

It keeps the warmth from your hands from melting the chocolate as you roll them.

→ What coatings are fun to try?

Roll them in cocoa powder, sprinkle with chopped nuts, or dip in melted chocolate for variety.

French Chocolate Truffles

Whip up these classic French truffles featuring a creamy ganache heart made from smooth dark chocolate and velvety cream.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
160 Minutes
Total Time
190 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 17 Servings (17)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 125ml thick cream.
02 Pinch of fine sea salt.
03 226g bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cocoa).
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence.
05 A coating of your choice.
06 20g softened unsalted butter.

Instructions

Step 01

With a sharp knife, chop the bittersweet chocolate into tiny pieces to allow for smooth melting.

Step 02

Gently heat the cream in a pot on medium heat until small bubbles start forming along the rim.

Step 03

Pour the heated cream over the chopped chocolate, and toss in the softened butter. Leave it as is for now.

Step 04

Let the chocolate and cream sit for about 3-5 minutes without touching to let it melt naturally.

Step 05

Use a wooden spoon to slowly stir everything together until it becomes a shiny, smooth mixture.

Step 06

Mix in the vanilla and a sprinkle of sea salt until it's completely blended.

Step 07

Place plastic film directly on the ganache to keep a skin from forming.

Step 08

Pop the ganache into the fridge for at least 3 hours, or freeze it for about an hour, until it's firm.

Step 09

Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to pick up little amounts of the chilled ganache.

Step 10

Lay those portions onto a baking sheet that’s been lined with parchment paper.

Step 11

Stick the shaped portions in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to make them sturdier.

Step 12

Quickly roll each portion into smooth balls using cool, clean hands.

Step 13

If the truffles start getting too sticky or warm, put them back into the freezer for a short time.

Step 14

In a shallow bowl, pour the coating material of your choice.

Step 15

Roll the truffles one by one in the coating until they’re evenly covered.

Notes

  1. Classic cooking from France.
  2. You’ll need good-quality chocolate!
  3. You can freeze what you don’t eat right away.
  4. Lots of coating options to choose from!

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls.
  • Sheet of parchment paper.
  • A sturdy saucepan.
  • Ice cream scoop.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream, butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 102
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 1 g