Description
Rich, velvety coffee truffles made with dark chocolate, espresso, and heavy cream. These elegant homemade truffles taste like they came from an artisan chocolatier but require only simple pantry ingredients and no special equipment. Perfect for gifts, dinner parties, or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
8 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cocoa powder (for coating)
Optional: shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or sea salt for additional coatings
Instructions
1. Finely chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Set softened butter aside and measure all ingredients.
2. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warm with small bubbles forming around the edges (about 3-4 minutes). Do not boil.
3. Stir the instant coffee or espresso powder into the warm cream until completely dissolved.
4. Pour the coffee cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit undisturbed for 2 minutes.
5. Stir gently with a spatula starting from the center and working outward until the mixture is smooth and glossy with no lumps.
6. Mix in the softened butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated and the ganache is silky.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ganache. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm enough to scoop.
8. Use a small cookie scoop or melon baller to portion out truffle-sized amounts. Roll each portion quickly between your palms to form rough balls.
9. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until completely coated, then place on a parchment-lined plate.
10. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
The mixture must be chilled for at least 2 hours for proper texture. Rushing this step results in sticky, shapeless truffles.
Keep your hands cool when rolling by dipping them briefly in ice water and drying between batches.
For boozy variations, replace 2 tablespoons of cream with Kahlúa, Baileys, or bourbon. Add an extra 30 minutes chill time.
Alternative coatings: crushed toasted hazelnuts, shredded coconut, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or matcha powder.
For spiced truffles, add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne to the warm cream.
Use chocolate that lists cocoa butter (not vegetable oils) in ingredients for best melting results.
If ganache becomes grainy, whisk in 1 tablespoon warm cream to bring it back together.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: coffee truffles, chocolate truffles, homemade truffles, espresso truffles, no-bake dessert, chocolate ganache, easy truffles, coffee dessert, holiday candy