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Homemade Chocolate Truffles (No-Bake Recipe)

Nothing says love like these gorgeous homemade chocolate truffles. They’re a decadently rich no bake truffles recipe that will not be forgotten.

An easy no-bake recipe makes these chocolate truffles with cocoa powder a breeze to pull off. No fancy steps are necessary.

Finished homemade chocolate truffles in a box.

Why You’ll Love These Decadent Chocolate Truffles

Decorating your chocolate truffles recipe for a theme is so simple to pull off. Simply change up the sprinkles or sugar and you’ve changed the theme!

Because these homemade chocolate truffles are so beautiful, so simple to make and so tasty, they are pretty much the perfect gift. Impressive, but easy.

Chocolate no bake truffles can be made ahead of time for your big event or special occasion and kept refrigerated until you need them.

You can make the chocolate truffles with cocoa powder for any occasion, formal or casual. Dressed up or dressed down, your guests are just going to want to eat them.

Formed and chilled balls of no-bake truffle recipe.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Chocolate Truffles

  • Dark Chocolate. Good dark chocolate adds depth of flavor and an ever so slight bitterness that perfectly counters the sweet.
  • Milk Chocolate. Rich milk chocolate is everything we love about cocoa.
  • Heavy Cream. Melts the chocolate and allows the two types to be combined into the perfect truffle bite.
Ingredients: Dark chocolate, heavy whipping cream, milk chocolate, garnish.

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Pouring cream over chocolate as we do in this recipe is actually how “ganache” is made. It’s rich and creamy like a soft fudge. This recipe isn’t baked. It’s chilled. Follow these simple steps to make truly decadent chocolate truffles everyone will love.

Step One. Put the chopped dark and milk chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and cover it with the cream.

Step Two. Set the bowl over the saucepan and bring to a high simmer or low boil. (Some bubbles but not rolling bubbles).

Step Three. Stir continuously with a spatula until the chocolate is completely melted, smooth, and glossy in appearance.

Step Four. Put the chocolate mixture into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the mixture is hard but not solid. If you press it with your finger it will dent but not push through.

Step Five. Line a small baking sheet that will fit in your refrigerator with parchment paper.

Step Six. Place the garnishes on small plates or saucers.

Step Seven. Scoop balls of the chocolate mixture (1 to 2 teaspoons size) and roll them into the garnishes.

Step Eight. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate to harden.

Close-up of decadent chocolate truffles.

What To Serve with your Decadent Chocolate Truffles

These amazing truffles are a perfect gift on their own and will also make a great addition to any party menu. Add no bake truffles to your sweet charcuterie board or party tray.

Chocolate Truffle Flavor Variations

We don’t recommend adding liquid such as extracts to this recipe as they will cause the chocolate to seize. Instead, add a little flair and use flavored chocolate such as chocolate with mint or orange!

Chocolate Truffle Toppings

  • Sprinkle with your choice of chopped, toasted nuts.
  • Dust some of the truffles with black chocolate cocoa for a dramatic result.
  • Sprinkle some finished truffles with a little flake sea salt.
  • Roll in coconut flakes.
  • Cookie crumbs.
  • Crushed peppermint.
  • Toffee Bits.
Garnish options: cookies, nuts, cocoa powder.

How to Store Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Best Way To Store Valentine’s Day Chocolate Truffle Recipe Leftovers

Make sure to use an airtight container for storage. Until the truffles harden, it is best to keep them in a container where they can be separated and are not touching each other. Once they are coated in the garnish of choice and completely hardened, they can be kept in a smaller container where they touch.

How Long Will Homemade Chocolate Truffles Last In the Fridge?

Once hardened they can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

Can I Freeze Decadent Chocolate Truffles

Yes. You can keep these candies in your freezer for up to two months in an airtight container once they have hardened. Freezing chocolate truffles is easy. Try keeping them separated on a tray until they are fully frozen and then you can simply drop them into a freezer-quality plastic baggy and remove the excess air. You can also use any airtight plastic container.

How To Thaw Chocolate Truffles with Cocoa Powder

I prefer to thaw frozen chocolate truffles in the refrigerator. They don’t sweat using that method.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Truffle Recipe FAQs

What if I don’t have a double boiler?

I make my own by adding a couple of inches of water in a saucepan and setting a glass bowl over the top. Make sure the bowl isn’t sitting in the water. You want the bowl to fit fairly well on the top so that it doesn’t slide around. I use a glass bowl so I can tell when the water comes to a boil and to make sure that the pan
doesn’t cook dry.

I thought truffles were a mushroom only used on Food Network and in fancy restaurants. Why do we call chocolate truffles “truffles” anyway?

Believe it or not, chocolate truffles are named after the actual mushroom because of their dark and bumpy appearance, which is similar.

How long do chocolate truffles last?

Up to two weeks in the refrigerator or two months in the freezer.

Are the homemade chocolate truffles gluten-free?

Yes. Gluten is a component of wheat products, and this recipe does not include wheat flour.

Can I make dairy-free chocolate truffles?

Yes. Make sure to purchase dairy-free chocolate, and if a true allergy is a concern, read the label to check for cross-contamination. All allergens must be clearly spelled out on the labels of food items in the U.S.

Box of finished homemade chocolate truffles with a ribbon.

Tips to Make the Perfect Homemade Chocolate Truffles

  • Chop the chocolate into small pieces. That will help it melt quicker and smoother without burning.
  • Using a sharp knife or a serrated knife to chop the chocolate will keep it from breaking off into big pieces.
  • Use a cookie scoop to make uniform truffle balls.
  • Applying a little oil or cocoa powder to dusting your hands can make this a little less messy.
  • If the chocolate is too hard to scoop, let it stand at room temperature for a little bit.
  • If it’s too soft, it may be because your hands are warm. This is the reason that I use a small scoop and handle them as little as possible. You may want to chill them again and if that doesn’t harden them you may have to reheat the chocolate mixture and add more chocolate.

Have you ever wanted to know more about chocolate including making it yourself? You may enjoy this article on making it from scratch.

Other Chocolate Recipes You Will Love

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.

Top down view of a gift box filled with nut crusted and coco covered chocolate truffles.

Homemade Chocolate Truffles – No Bake Recipe

Author: Julie Menghini
If you've been looking for the perfect homemade food gift to give someone you love these decadent chocolate truffles are exactly the right answer. They're a gift that will not be soon forgotten.
4.75 from 4 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword: Chocolate, Truffles
Servings: 32

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup dark chocolate – finely chopped
  • 1 cup milk chocolate – finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish: Cocoa powder, sprinkles, or  chopped nuts, for coating

    Instructions
     

    • I prefer to use a double boiler for this recipe. I make my own by adding a couple of inches of water in a saucepan and setting a glass bowl over the top. Make sure the bowl isn't sitting in the water. You want the bowl to fit fairly well on the top so that it doesn't slide around.
    • Put the chopped dark and milk chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and cover it with the cream. Set the bowl over the saucepan and bring to a high simmer or low boil. (Some bubbles but not rolling bubbles). Stir continuously with a spatula until the chocolate is completely melted, smooth, and glossy in appearance.
    • Put the chocolate mixture into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the mixture is hard but not solid. If you press it with your finger it will dent but not push through.
    • Line a small baking sheet that will fit in your refrigerator with parchment paper.
    • Place the garnishes on small plates or saucers.
    • Scoop balls of the chocolate mixture (1 to 2 teaspoon size) and roll them into the garnishes. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate to harden. Once hardened they can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or frozen for 2 months.

    Notes

    Tips:
    • Chop the chocolate into small pieces. That will help it melt quicker and smoother without burning.
    • Using a sharp knife or a serrated knife to chop the chocolate will keep it from breaking off into big pieces.
    • Use a cookie scoop to make uniform truffle balls.
    • Applying a little oil or cocoa powder to dusting your hands can make this a little less messy.
    • If the chocolate is too hard to scoop, let it stand at room temperature for a little bit.
    • If it’s too soft, it may be because your hands are warm. This is the reason that I use a small scoop and handle them as little as possible. You may want to chill them again and if that doesn’t harden them you may have to reheat the chocolate mixture and add more chocolate.

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Don’t forget to pin these decadent Chocolate No Bake Truffles Recipe!

    Close-up view of a box of chocolate truffles rolled in nuts or cocoa powder.
    Recipe Rating




    Michaela Kenkel

    Thursday 20th of January 2022

    I made these and we loved them! I am going to make them for my friends for valentine's day and put them in heart-shaped tins like boxes of chocolates! Thank you!!

    Kathleen Pope

    Monday 17th of January 2022

    Made a batch of these as a trial run for some girlfriend gifts for Galentine's day! Soo creamy and delicious and was inspired by all of your topping ideas.

    Julie Menghini

    Monday 17th of January 2022

    Love the Galentine's Day idea! Thank you, Kathleen! I'd send a dozen to you.

    Sandra Shaffer

    Sunday 16th of January 2022

    So easy to make and love that truffles can be rolled in what you have on hand. I toasted some coconut flakes. Mmmmm, I may even share!

    Julie Menghini

    Monday 17th of January 2022

    I love that combo too! Thank you!

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