French Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Introduction

French chocolate truffles are rich, creamy, and melt in your mouth. Made with simple ingredients, these elegant treats are perfect for special occasions or a delightful homemade dessert.

Ingredients

• 226 g (8 oz) dark baking chocolate (60–70%)
• 125 ml (½ cup) heavy cream (full-fat)
• 20 g unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a medium bowl.
2. Step 2: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just starts to simmer.
3. Step 3: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate, add the butter, and let it sit for 3–5 minutes to soften the chocolate.
4. Step 4: Stir the mixture until the ganache is completely smooth and glossy.
5. Step 5: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.
6. Step 6: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the surface, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or freeze for 1 hour.
7. Step 7: Using a spoon or small scoop, portion out the ganache onto a lined baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Freeze the tray for 10–15 minutes to firm up the ganache.
9. Step 9: Quickly roll each portion between your hands to form round truffles.
10. Step 10: Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or your preferred coating until fully covered.

Tips & Variations

• Use a variety of coatings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or powdered sugar for different flavors and textures.
• If your hands get too warm while rolling, chill the ganache portions again to make shaping easier.
• For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or rum to the ganache before chilling.

Storage

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Allow refrigerated or frozen truffles to come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to enjoy their best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, but keep in mind the truffles will be sweeter and less intense in cocoa flavor.

How do I prevent the ganache from being grainy?

Make sure to chop the chocolate finely and pour hot cream over it, allowing it to melt slowly. Stir gently until smooth to avoid graininess.

French Chocolate Truffles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 128 reviews

These French Chocolate Truffles are rich, velvety, and incredibly smooth, made with dark baking chocolate and a luscious creamy ganache base. Perfect for an elegant dessert or a luxurious treat, these truffles are coated in cocoa powder for a classic finish. The recipe requires minimal ingredients and uses a stovetop method to gently melt the chocolate and cream into a silky ganache, then chilling and shaping the mixture to create perfect bite-sized indulgences.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: About 20 truffles 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ganache

• 226 g (8 oz) dark baking chocolate (60–70%)
• 125 ml (½ cup) heavy cream (full-fat)
• 20 g unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt

Coating

• Cocoa powder (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Chop the chocolate: Finely chop the dark baking chocolate and place it into a medium heatproof bowl to prepare for melting.
2. Heat the cream: Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat just until it begins to simmer, taking care not to boil the cream.
3. Combine cream and chocolate: Immediately pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate, add the softened butter, then let the mixture sit undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
4. Stir to form ganache: Gently stir the mixture until smooth and fully combined into a silky ganache without lumps.
5. Add flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
6. Chill the ganache: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ganache to prevent a skin from forming, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or speed up by placing it in the freezer for 1 hour until firm enough to scoop.
7. Scoop the truffles: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, portion the chilled ganache into small dollops on a lined baking sheet.
8. Freeze for shaping: Place the tray of ganache portions in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to firm them up for easier handling.
9. Shape the truffles: Quickly roll each chilled ganache portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls.
10. Coat the truffles: Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until fully coated, then place on a tray to set before serving or storing.

Notes

• Use high-quality dark chocolate (60–70%) for best flavor and texture.
• Ensure the cream does not boil to avoid grainy ganache.
• Chilling times can be adjusted depending on your schedule but ensure the ganache is firm enough to scoop and shape.
• Truffles can be coated with other toppings like chopped nuts, powdered sugar, or shredded coconut for variety.
• Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Allow truffles to come to room temperature a few minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: French Chocolate Truffles, chocolate ganache, homemade truffles, dark chocolate dessert, French dessert truffles