Perfect Chocolate Truffles
- PREP 2hrs 15min
- COOK 10min
- TOTAL 2hrs 25min
After a series of tests, bowl after bowl of decadent melted chocolate and lots of truffles later, we’ve concluded that this, without fail, is the best chocolate truffles recipe. They’re rich, creamy, and smooth. You have two options for making these truffles: with a food processor or by hand. Both are easy to do, and instructions for both are below. The food processor creates a slightly creamier, more decadent texture.
You Will Need
1 pound (450g) semisweet chocolate, 55% to 65% cacao, chopped
10 tablespoons (140g) salted butter, cut into chunks
2 egg yolks at room temperature
1/3 cup (28g) unsweetened cocoa powder
Directions
Make Truffles
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, making sure the foil extends over the edges of the pan, which will help you lift the set ganache from the pan later.
In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and salted butter.
Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and place it over low heat. Heat the water until it is barely simmering.
Set the bowl of chocolate and butter over the saucepan. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth, about 5 minutes.
Remove the bowl from the heat once the chocolate is melted and smooth and set it aside. If you have a thermometer, check the temperature. The melted chocolate mixture should be between 120°F and 130°F.
Bring a small saucepan or kettle of water to a boil. Measure 1/2 cup (120ml) of the water.
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Then, while continuing to whisk the eggs, drizzle the hot water into the egg yolks. (Whisking prevents the eggs from scrambling.)
Transfer the melted chocolate and butter to a food processor bowl.
Pour the egg yolk mixture into the food processor bowl through a fine-mesh strainer.
Pulse the food processor a few times to combine the ingredients. Then, process continuously for 20 seconds or until the mixture thickens slightly and resembles a shiny chocolate pudding.
Pour the truffle mixture into the prepared pan and spread it in an even layer. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until the truffle mixture is firm.
Shaping the Truffles
To make truffle squares, remove the pan of chilled truffle mixture from the refrigerator and invert it onto a cutting board. Gently peel off the foil. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the truffle sheet into 1-inch squares (or smaller, if you prefer). Place the cocoa powder in a shallow dish and gently toss the truffle squares in the cocoa powder until they are evenly coated.
If you prefer round truffles, lightly dust your hands with cocoa powder. Then, roll each 1-inch truffle square into a ball. Gently toss the truffle balls in cocoa powder until they are evenly coated.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Storing: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For the best flavor and texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
- No food processor: If you don’t have a food processor, you can easily make these truffles by hand! Beat the melted chocolate and butter a few times with a whisk. Then, place a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl and gradually pour in the egg mixture, whisking continuously until well combined. Beat the mixture vigorously about 10 times, scrape the bowl, and then beat another 20 to 30 times until the mixture thickens slightly and resembles a shiny chocolate pudding. Pour the truffle mixture into the prepared pan, spread it evenly, and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
- Salted butter: Substitute with unsalted butter and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt.
- Quickly bring eggs to room temperature: Fill a small bowl with hot tap water, then add the whole eggs (in their shells). Let them sit in the warm water bath for about 5 minutes, bringing them closer to room temperature.
- This recipe is inspired by Alice Medrich’s House Truffles, which you can find in her cookbook Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts. We’ve adapted it slightly. Check out Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts for more of her incredible creations!
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.