Dark Chocolate Truffles Sea Salt

Dark chocolate truffles glistening with sea salt, a perfect treat for your next gathering. Save
Dark chocolate truffles glistening with sea salt, a perfect treat for your next gathering. | cookingwithavery.com

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.
Smooth, cocoa-dusted dark chocolate truffles, a decadent French dessert ready to serve. Save
Smooth, cocoa-dusted dark chocolate truffles, a decadent French dessert ready to serve. | cookingwithavery.com

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.
Sea salt sprinkled over rich, homemade dark chocolate truffles, a delightful indulgence indeed. Save
Sea salt sprinkled over rich, homemade dark chocolate truffles, a delightful indulgence indeed. | cookingwithavery.com

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

Use high-quality dark chocolate with 60–70% cocoa content for a rich, balanced flavor and smooth texture.

Keep them in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Yes, incorporating a tablespoon of liqueur like Grand Marnier or coffee liqueur before chilling adds a pleasant depth of flavor.

Flaky sea salt enhances the chocolate’s richness by offering a delicate salty contrast, creating a balanced taste experience.

Instead of cocoa powder, you can dip chilled truffles into tempered melted dark chocolate and then sprinkle sea salt for a glossy finish.

Dark Chocolate Truffles Sea Salt

Luxurious dark chocolate treats coated with cocoa and sprinkled with sea salt for a perfect balance.

Prep 20m
Cook 10m
Total 30m
Servings 24
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Chocolate Ganache

  • 225 g high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), finely chopped
  • 120 ml heavy cream
  • 28 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Coating

  • 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Flaky sea salt, for garnish (e.g., Maldon or fleur de sel)

Instructions

1
Melt Chocolate: Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2
Heat Cream: Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer, avoiding boiling.
3
Combine Cream and Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let stand undisturbed for 2 minutes to soften.
4
Whisk Ganache: Gently whisk until the chocolate fully melts and the mixture is smooth.
5
Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Add the butter and vanilla extract; stir until fully blended with a glossy finish.
6
Chill Ganache: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours until firm enough to scoop.
7
Shape Truffles: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of ganache and quickly roll between palms to form balls; place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
8
Dust with Cocoa Powder: Roll each truffle in unsweetened cocoa powder to evenly coat.
9
Garnish with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop each truffle.
10
Store Properly: Keep truffles refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week; serve at room temperature for optimal texture.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Heatproof bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • Melon baller or small spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 75
Protein 1g
Carbs 7g
Fat 6g

Allergy Information

  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, butter).
  • May contain soy if chocolate includes soy lecithin.
  • Gluten-free, but verify chocolate brand for potential cross-contamination.
Avery Mitchell

Passionate home cook sharing easy recipes, cooking tips, and meal ideas for food lovers.