Description
Chocolate Orange Truffles are decadent, bite-sized confections that combine the richness of dark chocolate with the bright zest of fresh oranges. With a silky ganache center and a crisp cocoa coating, these truffles are perfect for gifts, special occasions, or a luxurious homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Core:
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- Zest of 2 oranges (freshly grated)
- Pinch of salt
Coating Options:
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp crystallized ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Chop the chocolate into fine pieces and melt over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent seizing.
- Combine with Cream and Zest:
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until warm (not boiling).
- Pour over the melted chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir vigorously until fully emulsified. Fold in orange zest and salt.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Transfer the ganache to a bowl and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm enough to shape.
- Shape the Truffles:
- Scoop 1-inch portions using a melon baller or hands.
- Roll between palms to form smooth spheres.
- Refrigerate for another 10 minutes to set.
- Coat the Truffles:
- Roll chilled truffles in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or crystallized ginger.
- Tap off excess coating and place on parchment-lined trays.
- Store and Serve:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Let truffles come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- For a boozy twist, add 1 tsp Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the ganache.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- To prevent bitterness, use only the colored part of the orange zest (avoid the white pith).
- Dust truffles in cocoa powder while slightly warm for better adhesion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 120-150
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~10mg
- Fat: ~9g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~1g
- Cholesterol: ~5mg