Dark Chocolate Truffles
- 30m Prep Time
- 10m Cook Time
- 5h Ready In
About 1 ½ pounds; about 80 pieces Truffles are one of the easiest chocolate candies to make. Named whimsically after the savory black truffle, these candies have centers of plain or flavored ganache, which is a mixture of chocolate and cream. The ganache centers may be dipped in chocolate or coated with a variety of ingredients. Ganache will keep, refrigerated, for up to 1 month, and, frozen, for up to 3 months. Use the best-quality chocolate you can afford.
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 12 ounces high-quality dark, semisweet, or bittersweet chocolate (up to 72% cacao), very finely chopped
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- Coated Chocolate Truffles
- Dipped Chocolate Truffles
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
Place in a heatproof medium bowl or in a 1-quart microwave-safe glass bowl: 12 ounces high-quality dark, semisweet, or bittersweet chocolate (up to 72% cacao), very finely chopped
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Step 2.
Measure out: 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
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Step 3.
To make on the stovetop: Heat the cream to just under a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat and pour all at once over the chocolate. Stir gently in a circular motion until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended.
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Step 4.
To make in the microwave: Pour the cream over the chocolate in the glass bowl and microwave on high in 30-second increments until melted and smooth, gently stirring after each interval, 1 ½ to 2 ½ minutes total.
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Step 5.
Let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, then refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, until the ganache is thick and quite stiff. Refrigerate a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper or a silicone liner until cold. Use a small, 2-teaspoon portion scoop, melon baller, or a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch plain tip to scoop or pipe out balls of ganache about ¾ inch in diameter onto the chilled baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. When firm, roll the balls between your palms to smooth them out.
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Step 6.
For coated truffles, proceed as for: Coated Chocolate Truffles
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Step 7.
For dipped truffles, proceed as for: Dipped Chocolate Truffles
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Step 8.
Serve right away or store.