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Decadent Chocolate Truffles: Velvet Ganache Balls with Toppings Recipe


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3.9 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These luscious chocolate truffles are made with a blend of high-quality dark and milk chocolate ganaches, creating a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Rolled by hand and coated with a variety of toppings like nuts, shredded coconut, crushed peppermint, cocoa powder, or dipped in melted chocolate, these homemade truffles make an elegant and decadent treat perfect for gifting or special occasions.


Ingredients

Dark Chocolate Ganache

  • 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate bar (60–72% cacao, such as Ghirardelli), finely chopped
  • 4 ounces heavy whipping cream

Milk Chocolate Ganache

  • 8 ounces high-quality milk chocolate (such as Ghirardelli melting wafers)
  • 3 ounces heavy whipping cream

Toppings and Coatings

  • Finely chopped nuts (optional)
  • Sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
  • Crushed peppermint candies (optional)
  • Cocoa powder (optional)
  • Melted chocolate for dipping or drizzling (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dark Chocolate: Finely chop the 8 ounces of high-quality dark chocolate into small, uniform pieces. Smaller pieces help the chocolate melt smoothly to form a silky ganache.
  2. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, gently warm 4 ounces of heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it simmers lightly with tiny bubbles around the edges. Avoid boiling to prevent burning.
  3. Make the Dark Chocolate Ganache: Immediately pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir slowly with a spatula until the mixture is smooth, thick, and glossy.
  4. Chill the Ganache: Let the ganache rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or until it is firm enough to scoop.
  5. Scoop the Truffles: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion tablespoon-sized balls of ganache onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill these scoops again for 20 minutes to firm up.
  6. Roll into Balls: Using clean hands dusted lightly with cocoa powder (if desired), roll each scoop into smooth, round balls. If the truffles become too soft while rolling, return them to the refrigerator briefly before continuing.
  7. Coat and Garnish: Roll the truffles in your choice of toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, crushed peppermint candies, or cocoa powder. Alternatively, dip them in melted chocolate for a smooth, elegant shell. Place the coated truffles on a wire rack set over a parchment-lined sheet pan to set completely.
  8. Serve or Store: Enjoy the truffles immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for longer storage.

Notes

  • Use high-quality chocolate with 60–72% cacao for best flavor and texture.
  • Be careful not to overheat the cream to avoid burning or boiling.
  • If the ganache is too soft to roll, refrigerate it longer until it firms up.
  • Toppings like nuts, coconut, and peppermint add texture and complementary flavors.
  • Dipped truffles keep longer and have an appealing glossy finish.
  • Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Let frozen truffles thaw in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American