This White Chocolate Truffles Recipe Is Wow-Worthy + Requires Only 4 Ingredients
You may think of chocolate truffles as being a fancy (and pricey) sweet treat that's meant for special occasions. But whipping up chocolate truffles at home couldn't be simpler as it requires just 4 ingredients! This allows you to recreate this confectionary staple for less and customize the flavors to your liking. Although truffles are usually made with milk or dark chocolate, using the white variety is a surprise twist that adds extra sweetness to this treat. Whether you're making them for yourself or a loved one, we've got pastry chef-approved tips for easy yet impressive chocolate truffles. Here's how to turn ordinary white chocolate into soft morsels of dessert goodness!
Is white chocolate real chocolate?
Since white chocolate is made with cocoa butter rather than cocoa solids, it's not classified as a real chocolate. This is why you don't get the same deep and earthy flavor as you do with dark chocolate. However, you shouldn't write it entirely. "White chocolate's more simplistic, sweet profile allows for an infinite variety of flavor customization," Penny Stankiewicz, chef-instructor of pastry and baking arts at the Institute of Culinary Education, says. "It’s a blank canvas waiting for inspiration." There's no better way to maximize white chocolate's sugary taste than by making a batch of homemade truffles.
How chocolate truffles are made
To make dessert truffles, Stankiewicz says you'll need to prepare a ganache. This mixture is made by combining melted chocolate with heavy cream and, sometimes, butter until it's thick. The ganache is then chilled so it solidifies and can be shaped into balls. Afterwards, the truffles can be rolled in chopped nuts or other ingredients. This process results in sweet and buttery chocolate truffles that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
The secret to melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffles
Rather than melting the chocolate in your microwave (where it could burn), use a double boiler instead. A double boiler is simply a bowl that's placed over simmering water. The steam from the water beneath heats the bowl, which allows the chocolate inside to melt gently. "Using a gentle double boiler method helps to maintain its delicate flavor and texture," Gemma Whitaker, marketing director at Whitakers Chocolates, says. Once melted, you can incorporate the heavy cream and butter. Using this trick, you'll nail luscious chocolate truffles that are just as good as the ones you'll find at gourmet candy shops!
A delectable recipe for white chocolate truffles
Stankiewicz shares her simple recipe for White Chocolate Truffles, which uses staples like heavy cream and white chocolate and a bonus ingredient: salt. Since salt contains proteins that react positively with sweet-sensitive taste buds, it enhances this treat's sugary flavor. So simple yet so wow-worthy!
Homemade White Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients:
10.5 oz. white chocolate
? cup heavy cream
2 Tbs. butter, softened and cut into small pieces
? tsp. kosher salt
Directions:
Yield: approximately 40 truffles
To make the ganache:
Pour 2 inches of water into medium saucepan. Bring water to boil, then immediately reduce to simmer.
Add chocolate to metal bowl and place over saucepan. Make sure bowl fits over without water touching bottom of surface. Allow chocolate to begin heating and start stirring once it begins melting on sides of bowl. Stir often until chocolate is fully melted. Avoid
Place heavy cream in measuring cup and microwave in 15-second intervals until warmed.
Once chocolate is melted, remove from double boiler. Pour warm cream over chocolate and stir with rubber spatula. Starting stirring in middle and then incorporating chocolate from sides. Mix until it's glossy and looks fully combined.
Add butter and stir constantly until disappears. Stir in salt.
Cover mixture with plastic wrap, making sure it directly touches ganache. Allow it to sit in fridge at least 4 hours, until ganache is solid.
To form truffles:
Remove hardened ganache from fridge.
Dip small ice cream scoop into hot water and scoop a portion of ganache. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ganache.
Quick roll each ganache scoop into smoother ball. Dredge truffles in topping(s) of your choice. Enjoy!
Note: Store the truffles in a seal container in the fridge, where they'll keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
5 coating options for white chocolate truffles
Dress up your homemade truffles by coating them in any of these five ingredients!
1. Shredded coconut
Whether raw or toasted, shredded coconut adds a sweet, tropical flavor to the truffles.
2. Crushed Cookies
Crushed cookies like Oreos or graham crackers give the truffles a nice crunchy layer.
3. Chopped nuts
For a nutty twist, roll the truffles in chopped almonds, pistachios or hazelnuts.
4. Melted chocolate
Dipping the truffles into melted white chocolate or another variety makes them more delectable.
5. Freeze-dried berry powder
This coating is Whitaker's favorite as the tart berry powder complements the sweetness of the truffles.
Keep reading for more chocolate-infused dishes!
This One-Bowl Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe Is a Dessert Lover’s Dream: So Rich + Easy
3 Delicious and Savory Ways to Have Chocolate For Dinner Tonight
Pro Baker’s Secret to the Richest Chocolate Flavor Ever — Just Add a Pinch of *This*
