These Dark Chocolate Truffles are one of the easiest chocolate desserts you can make at home. Made with just chocolate and cream, they create a smooth ganache that firms into rich, melt-in-your-mouth truffles. They are elegant enough for gifting but simple enough for everyday chocolate cravings. If you enjoy rich chocolate desserts, you might also love my Chocolate Banana Trifle, another chocolate treat that's perfect for entertaining.
Dark Chocolate Truffles At A Glance
- ⏱️ Total Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes (10 minutes prep + chilling time)
- 🍫 Servings: About 12 truffles
- 🌍 Cuisine Type: French-inspired chocolate confection
- 🍬 Flavor Profile: Rich, silky dark chocolate with a smooth ganache center that melts in your mouth
- 🌱 Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free; can be adapted dairy-free by using coconut cream
- 🎁 Storage Notes: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks; bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: A simple two-ingredient chocolate dessert that feels elegant enough for gifting or entertaining yet easy enough to make anytime a chocolate craving strikes.
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What Are Chocolate Truffles?
Chocolate truffles are small, rich chocolate candies made from ganache, a mixture of chocolate and cream that is chilled until firm and then rolled into bite-sized balls. They are traditionally coated in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate and are named after the French black truffle mushroom because of their similar shape. Homemade dark chocolate truffles are surprisingly simple to make and require only a few ingredients, yet they feel elegant enough for gifting or serving as a special dessert.
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Dark chocolate desserts always feel a little special, and these truffles are one of the easiest ways to create something elegant at home. With just chocolate and cream, the ganache sets into rich, melt-in-your-mouth bites that are perfect for gifting or serving after dinner. If you enjoy simple chocolate treats, you might also love my Spanish Chocolate Krispie Treats, a crunchy chocolate dessert that comes together quickly, or classic Chocolate Haystacks, another nostalgic chocolate recipe that is incredibly easy to make.
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Key Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make these Cocoa Truffles:
- Use Good High-Quality Chocolate - Using store-bought chocolate is fine; however, if you want to make this recipe the best it can be, use Valhrona, Callebaut, or Guittard chocolate. This Chocolate Complexity article will help you understand the taste of dark chocolate. Good chocolate makes all the difference in simple desserts like these truffles or my Chocolate Almond Torte, where the chocolate flavor really shines.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Variations
- Spiced - Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, or cardamom for warmth.
- Citrus - Incorporate orange, lemon zest, or lime zest into the ganache.
- Boozy - Mix in rum, bourbon, amaretto, or Baileys!
- Coffee - Add espresso powder or coffee liqueur for richness in the ganache.
- Nutty - Use an almond or hazelnut extract in the chocolate.
- Mint - Mix a small amount of peppermint extract or coat the top with crushed candy canes.
- Cream - You can substitute a plant-based cream for this recipe. I have used Silk Heavy Cream when needed.
How To Make Dark Chocolate Truffles: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1: Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Place into a bowl.
Step 2: Warm the cream over low heat until just bubbling. Pour the cream over the chocolate.
Step 3: Stir until combined. Refrigerate at least two hours. Take the bowl out of the refrigerator.
Step 4: Scoop a tablespoon size into your palm. Roll the chocolate around until it is a ball. Place the ball into your toppings, if desired; and coat the ball.
Gwen's Pro Tip
If your chocolate ganache is hard when you remove it from the refrigerator, let it sit on the countertop for 5-10 minutes until it is easy to scoop.
If you enjoy working with chocolate, bark recipes are another simple way to create beautiful homemade treats. My Dark Chocolate Bark is a great starting point, while White Chocolate Almond Bark and Milk Chocolate Bark with Almonds add different flavors and textures. For something a little more festive, try Chocolate Bark with Apricots, Pistachios, and Figs, which makes a gorgeous addition to dessert boards and holiday gifts.
Troubleshooting Truffles
- Dark Chocolate Ganache Won't Set Properly - This usually means that you used too much cream so the ganache is runny or you haven't let the ganache set all the way. Make sure the ganache stays in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
- Ganache is Too Hard - The ratio of cream to chocolate was off. Add more warm cream if the ganache hasn't set. If it's hard coming out of the refrigerator, then let it sit on the countertop until it is easy to scoop.
- Chocolate Won't Melt Smoothly - If the chocolate becomes grainy it means that the chocolate has seized. Typically seizing is because the chocolate has come into contact with water or steam. While you will need to start over, make sure that the bowl you are using is completely dry.
- Truffles Melt in Hands During Rolling - You can chill the ganache again, wear gloves or dust your hands with cocoa powder.
- Coatings Don't Stick Properly - The ganache has dried out a bit. You need to roll the ganache when it is still wet and immediately refrigerate them.
Dark Chocolate Truffles FAQ's
Ganache is made of a mixture of cream and melted chocolate. The consistency will depend on the proportion of cream to chocolate. Truffles are made using ganache (roughly equal parts cream and chocolate), which are then made into balls and covered in chocolate or other toppings.
Dark chocolate truffles are typically made from chocolate and cream that are combined to create a smooth ganache. Once the ganache firms up in the refrigerator, it can be scooped and rolled into small balls, then coated with cocoa powder, nuts, or chocolate.
If chocolate truffles are too soft, it usually means the ganache needs more time to chill or the cream-to-chocolate ratio was slightly too high. Refrigerating the mixture for at least two hours allows the ganache to firm up enough to scoop and roll.
Chocolate truffles are named after the French black truffle mushroom because the finished candies resemble the shape and texture of the prized ingredient.
Other Desserts
Let me know your thoughts on these Chocolate Truffles by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Dark Chocolate Truffles (Easy 2 Ingredient Recipe)
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Ingredients
- 12 oz dark chocolate if using a bar, chop it into small pieces
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate into small fine pieces so it will melt quickly.
- Place into a bowl.
- Warm the cream on the stovetop over low heat until it just begins to bubble.
- Pour over the chocolate and stir to combine and melt the chocolate.
- Place into the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours or until firm enough to scoop.
- Scoop out about a tablespoon size and roll into balls with your hands.
- If desired, roll in a topping like cocoa powder, sprinkles, coconut, or crushed nuts.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to eat. They will last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Gwen Wolken says
You will love these easy truffles!