Decadent Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Decadent Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Introduction
Rich dark chocolate truffles infused with bright orange zest and citrus essence. These blissful bites melt in your mouth with a perfect balance of deep cocoa and refreshing orange flavor! Elegant enough for gifting yet simple to make at home.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tbsp orange liqueur or fresh orange juice
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for coating
Instructions
- Place chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
- Pour hot cream over chocolate and let stand undisturbed for 2 minutes. Add softened butter, orange zest, orange liqueur, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Gently whisk the mixture from the center outward until smooth, shiny, and fully combined.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap, pressing wrap directly onto surface of ganache. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm enough to scoop.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to portion truffles. Roll quickly between palms to form smooth balls.
- Place cocoa powder in a shallow dish. Roll each truffle in cocoa until completely coated. Shake off excess.
- Transfer finished truffles to parchment-lined container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Perfect Texture: Ensure ganache is thoroughly chilled before scooping. If mixture becomes too soft during rolling, return to refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Zest Control: Use only the colored part of orange peel when zesting. Avoid bitter white pith.
- Coating Variations: Try rolling truffles in powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or tempered chocolate for different finishes.
- Shelf Life: Store finished truffles airtight in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal per truffle (approx)
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 13g
- Sodium: 25mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead? A: Yes, but reduce cream to 1/3 cup as milk chocolate has more sugar and fat.
- Q: How do I achieve perfectly round truffles? A: Work quickly with cool hands, and dip a melon baller in hot water between scoops.
- Q: Can I freeze these truffles? A: Yes. Freeze in single layer before transferring to airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Q: What can substitute orange liqueur? A: Use 2 tsp fresh orange juice plus 1/2 tsp orange extract for alcohol-free version.