Create Decadent Coffee Truffles
Decadent Coffee Truffles combine the bold bitterness of espresso with luscious dark chocolate for an indulgent treat. These truffles offer a smooth, creamy texture with a slight crunch finish and are easy to make with simple, quality ingredients. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with your favorite coffee, this recipe is customizable and gluten-free.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: About 24 truffles
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No baking (Ganache preparation and chilling)
- Cuisine: Dessert
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate (8 oz): High-quality chocolate for a smooth, intense cocoa flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1/3 cup): Adds creamy richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Instant Espresso Powder (1 tbsp): Provides concentrated coffee flavor without liquid.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp): Enhances silkiness of the ganache and balances bitterness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth complimenting chocolate and coffee notes.
Coating
- Cocoa Powder (for dusting): Adds a bittersweet finish.
Optional Ingredients
- Sea Salt or Ground Cinnamon: For an extra layer of flavor.
- Finely ground dark roast coffee beans (1 tsp): For a coarser, crunchy espresso kick (Mocha Delight variation).
- Full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free dark chocolate: For vegan version.
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon: For subtle spicy warmth.
- Crushed toasted hazelnuts or almonds: For added texture (Nutty Twist).
- White chocolate (substitute for dark chocolate): For a sweeter, creamier flavor (White Chocolate Coffee variation).
- Prepare the Ganache Base: Chop dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a medium heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream over medium heat just until it begins to simmer; do not let it boil. Remove from heat and whisk in espresso powder until dissolved. Pour this hot coffee-cream mixture over the chopped chocolate and let sit for one minute to soften.
- Stir Until Smooth: Stir the mixture gently in a circular motion until all chocolate is melted and ganache is glossy and smooth. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated and the ganache has a thick but pourable consistency.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate about 2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop without melting. This step is essential for shaping the truffles.
- Shape the Truffles: Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, portion out the chilled ganache and quickly roll between your palms to form bite-sized balls. Work fast to prevent melting. Place shaped truffles on a parchment-lined tray.
- Coat and Finish: Lightly dust truffles with cocoa powder or roll in finely chopped nuts, powdered sugar, or ground coffee for extra crunch. Refrigerate truffles for another 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor and texture.
- Heat cream only to simmer to avoid scorching and altering taste.
- Work quickly when shaping truffles to keep their shape intact.
- Chill thoroughly to help truffles hold form and improve texture.
- Experiment with coatings such as shredded coconut or crushed espresso beans to elevate flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: coffee truffles, chocolate truffles, espresso truffles, homemade truffles, gluten free dessert, coffee chocolate recipe