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Home » Lost in Food

Dark Chocolate Truffles

Modified: Jan 23, 2025 by Lesley · Published: Dec 21, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

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Rich and indulgent homemade dark chocolate truffles, a delicious sweet treat and perfect served with your after dinner cup of coffee.

Rich dark chocolate truffles are the perfect sweet treat for those, like me, who don't have an overly sweet tooth but enjoy a good quality chocolate. Homemade chocolate truffles are a real treat and you can get creative and flavour them in a variety of different ways.

Homemade chocolate truffles are made with dark chocolate and are far more suited to my bitter palette than many of the overly sweet truffles that you can buy. This easy chocolate truffles recipe without condensed milk is not too sweet. In fact when I see condensed milk in a recipe I often move right past - it's just too sweet for me.

Now to be fair these simple truffles can't really be called baking. They're a very simple melt, stir and set job, making them an ideal cooking activity with kids. Then it's a simple case of trying to decide what to coat them with.

This recipe makes around 45-48 homemade chocolate truffles. However, the mixture is easily frozen, ready to take out when you have guests over for dinner. They also make the perfect host gift next time you are having dinner with friends.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • What is a chocolate truffle?
  • Why are they called chocolate truffles?
  • Why you'll love this recipe:
  • How to make chocolate truffles:
  • Recipe ingredients and substitutions:
  • Flavour variations:
  • Can I make ahead Dark Chocolate Truffles?
  • Useful hints and tips:
  • Pin the recipe:
  • Additional recipe suggestions
  • Dark Chocolate Truffles
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Notes

What is a chocolate truffle?

A chocolate truffle is sweet treat, a thick chocolate ganache that is rolled into balls then dusted with cocoa powder, or coated in chocolate.

Why are they called chocolate truffles?

Chocolate truffles are called truffles as they are thought to resemble the shape of a truffle mushroom. Other than that they bear no relation to the woodland fungus whatsoever!

Why you'll love this recipe:

  • Our dark chocolate truffles are indulgent and not too sweet.
  • These versatile truffles can be coated in a variety of different flavour coatings.
  • Homemade chocolate truffles are easy to make with very little cooking required.
  • They make a great gift! Prepare earlier in the week and store in an airtight container to gift later.

How to make chocolate truffles:

Ingredients to make chocolate ganache including dark chocolate, double cream, cocoa powder and salted butter.
Dark chocolate broken into small pieces in a glass bowl.
  • Break up the chocolate into small pieces and place into a large bowl and set aside. 
Warmed double cream being poured over top of dark chocolate pieces in a heat proof bowl.
Warmed double cream over top of dark chocolate pieces to melt the chocolate for ganache.
  • Add the double cream and butter to a saucepan, place over a low heat stirring gently until the butter has completely melted.
  • Pour the cream and butter mixture over the chocolate.
A whisking mixing warmed double cream and dark chocolate in a bowl.
A rich dark chocolate ganache with a texture of ribbons ready to be chilled before whisking.
  • Stir the cream through until the chocolate has melted and the mixture has formed into a thick paste. 
  • NOTE: If you wish to add any additional flavourings to your truffles, this is the stage to do so.
  • Now set aside to cool, then cover and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours or overnight.
  • NOTE: You can also freeze the mixture at this stage for making truffles at a later date. Simply defrost in the fridge when you are ready to finish.
Using a melon baller to take portions of chocolate ganache to form balls before being turned into truffles.
Small balls of chocolate ganache ready to be rolled in cocoa powder or crushed nuts to make truffles.
  • When ready to serve, remove the truffle mixture from the fridge and leave to sit for half an hour.
  • Use a melon baller or a teaspoon to give you even sized scoops of chocolate, then roll the mixture into small balls in the palm of your hand.
  • To finish, roll the truffles in cocoa powder or the coating of your choice (see some suggestions below) and serve.

Recipe ingredients and substitutions:

  • Dark Chocolate is used for our homemade chocolate truffles, we used a 54% dark chocolate but you can go for a higher percentage dark chocolate if you prefer a really bitter chocolate. Don't be limited to only using dark chocolate either, you can use any variety of chocolate and substitute the dark for milk or white chocolate. Fancy adding a flavoured chocolate, then do so, this is a really adaptable recipe.
  • Double Cream (heavy cream) gives the truffles the velvety texture. Do not be temped to add single cream it is simply to thin and your truffle mixture will not set.
  • Unsalted Butter can be replaced with salted butter and helps to make the truffles set.
  • Cocoa Powder is used to coat the truffles just before serving. You can coat the truffles with many other coatings like crushed nuts, chocolate vermicelli, desiccated coconut, whatever takes your fancy.

Flavour variations:

This is a very easily adapted recipe so you can get really creative with the flavours. What I often do is make the base truffle, then split the mixture into 2 or 3 different bowls and flavour each one differently.

If you want to add in additional flavours the point to do this is when the chocolate has melted into the hot butter and cream mixture. At this point the truffles are a thick paste and this is the ideal time to stir through additional flavours. Here are some suggestions for you:

  • Bitter chocolate truffles with grated stem ginger and stem ginger syrup and coated in crush almonds
  • Dark chocolate truffles with brandy, dusted in cocoa powder
  • After dinner mint inspired truffles flavoured with mint extract
  • White chocolate truffles flavoured with rum and lime zest and coated in dessicated coconut
  • Dark or milk chocolate flavoured with orange with added orange liqueur, orange zest and dipped in melted chocolate
  • Dark chocolate truffles flavoured with a shot of espresso coffee, vanilla extract and dusted with cocoa powder and touch of ground cinnamon
A decadent plate of handmade chocolate truffles dusted in cocoa powder and chocolate sprinkles on a pink mottled plate with a pink linen to the back right.

Can I make ahead Dark Chocolate Truffles?

This recipe is a great make ahead sweet treat. Make the truffles and once shaped allow them to cool completely. They area best stored or frozen at this point before they are coated. When ready to serve take the truffles and cover them in the coatings that you want to use.

  • Fridge: these dark chocolate truffles can be made 3 days ahead and kept in a covered container in the fridge until you are ready to coat.
  • Freezer: alternatively place the truffles in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to finish, remove from the freezer and defrost thoroughly before coating.

Useful hints and tips:

  1. Use a melon baller or teaspoon to scoop out the truffle mixture, as this helps to make even sized truffles.
  2. Roll the truffles while the mixture is stills warm as it is more pliable and easier to form into even shaped balls.
  3. Gluten free and ideal for coeliacs or anyone following a gluten free diet. Just check the label on the chocolate you are using to ensure there is no gluten added.
  4. Allergy advice: gluten free, egg free, soya free and nut free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.

Pin the recipe:

Additional recipe suggestions

If you like this recipe then why not try:

  • Chocolate Florentines
  • Lemon Madeleines
  • Brandy Snaps with Clementine Cream

With very little actual cooking required, this is a great recipe to get the kids helping out in the kitchen. My Fun Baking with Kids post is full of great recipe suggestions for baking with children.

Dark Chocolate Truffles

A rich chocolate truffle with a dusting of cocoa powder.
4.73 from 11 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Chill time: 1 hour hr
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
Servings: 25 truffles
Calories: 85kcal
Author: Lesley Garden

Ingredients

  • 200 g dark chocolate
  • 200 ml double cream
  • 30 g unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoon cocoa powder

Instructions

  • Break up the chocolate into small pieces and place into a large bowl and set aside. 
  • Add the double cream and butter to a saucepan, place over a low heat stirring gently until the butter has completely melted.
  • Pour the cream and butter mixture over the chocolate and stir until the chocolate has melted. The mixture will come together into a thick paste. 
  • Leave aside to cool, cover and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours or overnight. [At this stage you can freeze this mixture. Simply defrost in the fridge when you are ready to finish.]
  • When ready to serve, remove from the fridge and leave to sit for half an hour. Use a teaspoon and roll the mixture into small balls in the palm of your hand. Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or crushed nuts if using and serve.
  • Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge.

Notes

These have been dusted in cocoa powder, you could also use desiccated coconut or chopped nuts.
Nutrition Facts
Dark Chocolate Truffles
Amount Per Serving
Calories 85 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 14mg5%
Sodium 5mg0%
Potassium 70mg2%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 151IU3%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 12mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

• Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only •

Course : Baking
Cuisine : British
Keyword : chocolate truffle, petite four
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Comments

  1. Chloe says

    January 20, 2022 at 11:16 pm

    5 stars
    Such a welcome and delicious gift!

    Reply
    • Lesley says

      January 21, 2022 at 9:34 am

      Aren't they just, I'd happily accept a gift of homemade truffles.

      Reply
  2. Cat says

    January 05, 2022 at 9:42 pm

    5 stars
    Oh wow. Decadent and delicious treats that anyone would love.

    Reply
    • Lesley says

      January 06, 2022 at 7:48 am

      Thank you Cat, these are a simple to prepare sweet treat.

      Reply
  3. Choclette says

    December 21, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    5 stars
    Snap, I've just posted chocolate truffles too. Homemade really are the best and you're absolutely right about them not being overly sweet. Perfect for gifting this festive season. Mine all went off in the post a few days ago. Have yet to find out if they arrived in good condition!

    Reply
    • Lesley says

      December 21, 2021 at 4:39 pm

      They do indeed make great gifts over the festive holidays. I also like to keep some in the freezer, ready to coat if I have friends or family popping round to visit.

      Reply
  4. Jo Keohane says

    December 21, 2021 at 1:27 pm

    5 stars
    I always used to make homemade truffles but haven't done for years!! These look amazing and not too difficult. Lovely recipe, thanks for making.

    Reply
    • Lesley says

      December 21, 2021 at 4:38 pm

      Thank you Jo, it's such a straight-forward recipe and great for the kids to help out too.

      Reply

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Recipe Rating




4.73 from 11 votes (7 ratings without comment)

Hi, I’m Lesley.

I’m the blogger, cook and creator behind Lost in Food.

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