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French Chocolate Truffles

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

These classic French truffles combine high-quality dark chocolate with cream to create smooth, rich ganache centers. Simple ingredients but impressive results.

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Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:58:04 GMT
A plate of various chocolate truffles, decorated with sprinkles, coconut, and cocoa powder, is placed among cinnamon sticks and pine branches on a rustic wooden surface. Pin it
A plate of various chocolate truffles, decorated with sprinkles, coconut, and cocoa powder, is placed among cinnamon sticks and pine branches on a rustic wooden surface. | zestplate.com

Homemade Dark Chocolate Truffles

I stumbled upon these divine chocolate truffles in a small Parisian boutique, and they've become my go-to sweet treat ever since. The velvety ganache core dusted with cocoa powder always takes me back to that wonderful discovery. My relatives swear they're just as good as expensive chocolatier versions - and honestly, I think they're right.

Why You'll Love Them

The Luxurious Texture Each nibble of these truffles delivers pure chocolate heaven. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you'll create something truly extraordinary. My guests can't get over how incredibly silky and luscious these turn out.

Gift-Worthy Treats These gorgeous chocolate bites make wonderful holiday presents. Tuck them into cute containers and watch the joy when people taste them for the first time. Once you start making these, everyone will beg for more.

Essential Components

  • Chocolate: Premium dark chocolate around 60% cacao. Pick bars you'd happily eat plain - they'll make your truffles shine.
  • Dairy: Heavy whipping cream with full fat content creates that dreamy smooth texture. A bit of unsalted butter adds wonderful richness.
  • Taste Boosters: A splash of real vanilla extract and a tiny bit of sea salt - these subtle additions really bring out the chocolate's depth.
  • Outer Layers: Fine cocoa powder, sifted for best results. You might also want some finely chopped nuts or coconut flakes for variety.

How To Make Chocolate Truffles

Break Down the Chocolate
Cut your chocolate into tiny, uniform pieces for smooth melting. Put them in a wide heatproof bowl that gives you plenty of stirring room.
Warm the Cream
Add heavy cream to a small pot and warm it over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges. Don't let it reach boiling point - we just need it hot enough to melt the chocolate.
Create the Ganache
Dump the warm cream over your chocolate bits and let everything sit untouched for 60 seconds. Then stir from the middle outward until you've got a shiny, uniform mixture. Drop in vanilla and salt, then mix once more.
Chilling Time
Put plastic wrap right on top of your ganache so no skin forms. Stick it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight until it's firm enough to handle.
Form Your Truffles
Use a teaspoon or melon baller to scoop out bits of the cold ganache. Roll quickly in your hands to make little balls. Work with small amounts, keeping the rest cold in the fridge.
Add the Coating
Roll each truffle in whatever topping you've picked - cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut. Set them on a parchment-lined tray and chill for about 30 minutes before serving.

Creative Coating Ideas

My kitchen transforms into a chocolate playground during truffle-making sessions. Cocoa powder gives that traditional truffle look, but smashed nuts add amazing texture. During the holidays, I go for crushed peppermint, and my children adore colorful sprinkles. Sometimes I blend coconut with cocoa for a lovely two-tone effect.

Tips For Success

Great truffles start with finely chopped chocolate so everything melts evenly. Keep an eye on your cream - small bubbles at the edge are perfect but don't let it boil. Try to keep your hands cool while shaping the truffles so they don't get too soft. Always let them come to room temp before eating - that's when the flavors really pop.

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. | zestplate.com

Storage Solutions

These sweet treats will stay fresh in an airtight box for about a week, assuming they don't vanish before then. Stick them in the refrigerator if you need them to last longer. My party trick? I make them weeks ahead and freeze them up to three months. Just don't forget to warm them up to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use high quality chocolate?

Quality chocolate with 60-70% cocoa provides best flavor and texture.

→ Why chill ganache?

Chilling firms mixture for easier shaping into balls.

→ Can I freeze truffles?

Yes, freeze up to 3 months in airtight container.

→ Why use cold hands?

Prevents chocolate from melting while shaping truffles.

→ What coatings work best?

Try cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate.

French Chocolate Truffles

Traditional French chocolate truffles featuring a smooth ganache center made with quality dark chocolate and cream.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
160 Minutes
Total Time
190 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 17 Servings (17)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 226g dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa).
02 125ml heavy cream.
03 20g unsalted butter, softened.
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
05 Pinch sea salt.
06 Coating of choice.

Instructions

Step 01

Chop dark chocolate into very fine pieces using sharp knife to ensure even melting.

Step 02

Heat heavy cream in saucepan over medium heat just until bubbles form around edges.

Step 03

Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate and add softened butter without stirring.

Step 04

Let chocolate-cream mixture stand undisturbed for 3-5 minutes to allow chocolate to melt.

Step 05

Stir mixture gently with wooden spoon until completely smooth and glossy.

Step 06

Add vanilla extract and sea salt, stirring until fully incorporated.

Step 07

Cover ganache surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin forming.

Step 08

Refrigerate ganache for minimum 3 hours or freeze 1 hour until firm.

Step 09

Scoop small portions of chilled ganache using ice cream scoop or spoon.

Step 10

Place scooped portions on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 11

Freeze shaped portions 10-15 minutes to firm up.

Step 12

Quickly roll chilled portions between cold hands to form smooth balls.

Step 13

Return shaped truffles to freezer briefly if becoming too soft.

Step 14

Place chosen coating in shallow bowl for rolling.

Step 15

Roll each truffle in coating until completely covered.

Notes

  1. Traditional French recipe.
  2. Uses quality chocolate.
  3. Can be frozen.
  4. Multiple coating options.

Tools You'll Need

  • Saucepan.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Ice cream scoop.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • 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