Rich, creamy, and dusted with cocoa – these homemade chocolate truffles are the perfect indulgent treat, especially for National Truffles Day!
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There’s something incredibly luxurious about biting into a soft, velvety chocolate truffle. With a delicate cocoa dusting and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these little bites of heaven are surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a gathering, or simply treating yourself (as you should!), homemade truffles never disappoint.
What Is National Truffle Day?
National Truffle Day is celebrated every year on May 2nd in the United States. It’s a day dedicated to honoring the decadent, bite-sized confections we know and love — chocolate truffles!
Though the origins of the holiday remain a mystery, it’s widely embraced by chocolate lovers around the country. The chocolate truffle was first created in France in the late 1800s, inspired by the prized black truffle mushroom — hence the name. Traditional chocolate truffles are made from silky ganache (chocolate and cream), rolled into balls, and dusted with cocoa powder to resemble the appearance of real truffles.
Over time, this simple yet indulgent treat has evolved to include all kinds of flavorings, coatings, and textures — from liqueur-infused centers to crushed nuts and coconut coatings.
So whether you're making them from scratch or indulging in a box of artisanal truffles, May 2nd is the perfect day to celebrate the magic of chocolate.
Though the origins of the holiday remain a mystery, it’s widely embraced by chocolate lovers around the country. The chocolate truffle was first created in France in the late 1800s, inspired by the prized black truffle mushroom — hence the name. Traditional chocolate truffles are made from silky ganache (chocolate and cream), rolled into balls, and dusted with cocoa powder to resemble the appearance of real truffles.
Over time, this simple yet indulgent treat has evolved to include all kinds of flavorings, coatings, and textures — from liqueur-infused centers to crushed nuts and coconut coatings.
So whether you're making them from scratch or indulging in a box of artisanal truffles, May 2nd is the perfect day to celebrate the magic of chocolate.
Need a gift for that chocolate lover in your life?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Just 4 simple ingredients
- No baking required
- Can be customized with flavors like orange zest, espresso, or sea salt
- Naturally gluten-free
Classic Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Yields: 20–24 truffles
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients:
8 oz (225g) good-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao), chopped
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Yields: 20–24 truffles
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients:
8 oz (225g) good-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao), chopped
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Optional Add-Ins:
1 tbsp liqueur (like Grand Marnier, Baileys, or Kahlua) or Champagne
1/2 tsp espresso powder
Pinch of sea salt
Zest of one orange
1 tbsp liqueur (like Grand Marnier, Baileys, or Kahlua) or Champagne
1/2 tsp espresso powder
Pinch of sea salt
Zest of one orange
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1–2 minutes to melt, then gently stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract and any optional add-ins you like.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ganache for 1–2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out portions of ganache and quickly roll them into balls between your palms. Work fast to avoid melting!
Roll each truffle in cocoa powder to coat. For an extra decadent finish, you can also roll them in finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or powdered sugar.
Keep your truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1–2 minutes to melt, then gently stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract and any optional add-ins you like.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ganache for 1–2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out portions of ganache and quickly roll them into balls between your palms. Work fast to avoid melting!
Roll each truffle in cocoa powder to coat. For an extra decadent finish, you can also roll them in finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or powdered sugar.
Keep your truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
💡 Make It Yours
Want to mix things up? Try:
- Swirling in a bit of peanut butter before chilling
- Adding a hint of chili powder for a spicy kick
- Rolling them in matcha powder for a green tea twist
How to Store Homemade Chocolate Truffles
To make the most of your delicious creations, here are a few tips for storing chocolate truffles:
1. Refrigerate for Longer Freshness
Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from absorbing any fridge odors.
Shelf life in the fridge: Up to 2 weeks
2. Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving
Chocolate truffles taste best when the ganache is soft and creamy. Take them out of the fridge about 10–15 minutes before serving so they can come to room temperature.
3. Freeze for Later (Yes, you can!)
Truffles freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Shelf life in the freezer: Up to 3 months
To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before indulging.
1. Refrigerate for Longer Freshness
Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from absorbing any fridge odors.
Shelf life in the fridge: Up to 2 weeks
2. Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving
Chocolate truffles taste best when the ganache is soft and creamy. Take them out of the fridge about 10–15 minutes before serving so they can come to room temperature.
3. Freeze for Later (Yes, you can!)
Truffles freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Shelf life in the freezer: Up to 3 months
To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before indulging.
Pairing Tip
These chocolate truffles pair beautifully with a glass of red wine, a shot of espresso, or even a cup of tea for a cozy, elegant finish.
I hope you enjoy making – and eating – these chocolate truffles as much as I do! If you give this recipe a try, let me know how they turn out or tag your creations with #LivingLindaTreats on Instagram!
Happy truffle-making!
Happy truffle-making!
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