These silky dark chocolate confections combine finely chopped high-quality chocolate with heavy cream, butter, and vanilla for a smooth ganache base. Once chilled and firm, the mixture is rolled into balls, dusted with unsweetened cocoa powder, and finished with a touch of flaky sea salt to highlight the rich flavors. Ideal for gifting or enjoying during festive moments, these treats require minimal preparation and chilling time, offering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.
I remember the first time I made these dark chocolate truffles with sea salt—it felt like discovering a little piece of heaven right in my kitchen. The silky ganache melting on my tongue paired with the hint of flaky salt instantly became my go-to treat for special occasions.
One evening, unexpected guests showed up and I whipped these truffles out after just a couple of hours chilling—they were amazed that something so luxurious was so easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Dark chocolate: I always reach for high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa for that deep, rich flavor that melts perfectly into ganache.
- Heavy cream: This makes the ganache silky smooth and luscious, so don’t skimp here.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps with the texture—room temperature works best for easy mixing.
- Pure vanilla extract: Just a touch brightens the flavor and rounds out the chocolate.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For dusting, it adds a slightly bitter contrast that makes these truffles stand out.
- Flaky sea salt: I use Maldon or fleur de sel for that perfect crunch and savory pop on top.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl so it melts evenly without burning.
- Heat the Cream:
- Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it simmers; this will help gently soften the chocolate instead of shocking it.
- Mix It Up:
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit quietly for 2 minutes as the chocolate starts to melt. Then whisk gently until you have a glossy smooth mixture.
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until everything’s fully combined and shiny—the texture should be rich and velvety.
- Chill Time:
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for about 2 hours until the ganache is firm enough to scoop and shape.
- Shape Your Truffles:
- Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop ganache, then quickly roll between your palms to form little balls. Place them gently on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Coat and Garnish:
- Roll each truffle in cocoa powder for a delicate coating, then sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that irresistible contrast.
- Store with Care:
- Keep truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let them sit at room temperature before serving to get that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
This recipe quickly became more than just a treat; it was my little celebration in a bite—a comforting indulgence after long days and a sweet gift that always sparks joy with family and friends.
Keeping It Fresh
Storing these truffles in an airtight container inside the fridge helps them keep their silky texture. I like to pull them out about 10 minutes before serving so they soften just enough for that luscious melt.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
I’ve found that pairing these truffles with a light sparkling wine or even a cup of strong espresso really elevates the experience—those contrasts brighten the rich chocolate notes beautifully.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
Once, when I forgot to bring dessert to a dinner party, these truffles were my secret weapon. Quick to make and impressive to serve, they saved me from a stressful situation and earned plenty of compliments.
- Remember to wear gloves while rolling to keep the ganache from melting too fast on your hands.
- Oh wait, if you want to switch it up, try dipping the chilled truffles in tempered chocolate before adding salt.
- Use parchment paper under your truffles to keep everything tidy and make cleanup a breeze.
Thanks for cooking along! I hope these truffles bring a little sparkle to your kitchen and your day—until next time, happy indulging!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chocolate works best?
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Use high-quality dark chocolate with 60–70% cocoa content for a rich, balanced flavor and smooth texture.
- → How should I store these truffles?
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Keep them in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- → Can I add extra flavor to the chocolate mixture?
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Yes, incorporating a tablespoon of liqueur like Grand Marnier or coffee liqueur before chilling adds a pleasant depth of flavor.
- → What is the purpose of the flaky sea salt?
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Flaky sea salt enhances the chocolate’s richness by offering a delicate salty contrast, creating a balanced taste experience.
- → Is it possible to coat the truffles differently?
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Instead of cocoa powder, you can dip chilled truffles into tempered melted dark chocolate and then sprinkle sea salt for a glossy finish.