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French Chocolate Truffles Recipe

4.7 from 77 reviews

Delight in these classic French chocolate truffles made with rich dark chocolate, creamy ganache, and a touch of vanilla. Smooth, indulgent, and coated in cocoa powder, they offer a luxurious treat perfect for gifting or enjoying as a decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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
  • Cocoa powder or desired coating for rolling

Instructions

  1. Chop the Chocolate: Finely chop the dark baking chocolate and place it in a medium-sized heatproof bowl to prepare for melting.
  2. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer, avoiding a full boil.
  3. Combine Cream and Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate, add the softened butter, and let the mixture sit undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes to soften the chocolate.
  4. Make Ganache Smooth: Stir the chocolate and cream mixture gently but thoroughly until the ganache is completely smooth and glossy.
  5. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the depth of flavor in the ganache.
  6. Chill the Ganache: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the ganache surface to prevent skin formation, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or in the freezer for about 1 hour until firm.
  7. Scoop the Ganache: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, portion out the chilled ganache and place the scoops onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Freeze Portions: Freeze the ganache portions on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes so they are easier to handle.
  9. Shape the Truffles: Quickly roll each frozen ganache portion between your palms to form smooth, round truffles.
  10. Coat the Truffles: Roll each truffle in cocoa powder or your preferred coating until fully covered, then store them in the refrigerator until serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute the cocoa powder coating with chopped nuts, powdered sugar, or shredded coconut for variety.
  • Use high-quality chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for the best flavor and texture.
  • Truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Allow truffles to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
  • For a quicker set, chilling in the freezer is effective but monitor so truffles do not freeze solid.

Keywords: French chocolate truffles, chocolate truffles recipe, chocolate ganache, French dessert, homemade truffles