Chocolate truffle recipe: a homemade treat

The recipe for chocolate truffles

Ingredients for about 25 chocolate truffles

• 1 sachet vanilla sugar

• 2 egg yolks

• 100 g powdered sugar

• 125 g de beurre

• 250 g quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)

• Powdered chocolate or bitter cocoa for coating

• Optional: 2 tablespoons rum or whisky

Step-by-step process

1. Melt the chocolate gently in a bain-marie or over very low heat to preserve its aromas.

2. Add the chopped butter and mix until smooth.

3. Add the egg yolks, powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Mix gently.

4. Add any alcohol you've chosen to flavor the ganache.

5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

6. Scoop out small portions with a spoon and quickly roll them into irregular balls between your hands.

7. Dip each ball in the cocoa powder to coat.

8. Arrange on a platter and leave to cool before serving.

The result is melt-in-the-mouth homemade truffles that are both rustic and refined, perfect for festive occasions and everyday use.

Gourmet variations on chocolate truffles

Chocolate truffles are an ideal base for a variety of flavours:

• Coffee Truffles: dissolve a soluble coffee spoon in hot cream.

• Orange Truffles: add orange zest or a few drops of Grand Marnier.

• Praliné truffles: mix a spoonful of praline into the ganache before letting it cool.

• White chocolate truffles: use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate and roll the truffles in shredded coconut.

• Salted butter caramel truffles: add a spoonful of caramel sauce to the preparation.

Each variation offers a unique touch, allowing you to surprise guests and vary the pleasures.

Storage and tasting

Homemade chocolate truffles keep for 5 to 7 days in the fridge, in an airtight tin. It's advisable to take them out about ten minutes before tasting so that the ganache regains all its creaminess.

They're a wonderful accompaniment to coffee, perfumed tea, or even a natural sweet wine like a Banyuls or Maury. Their melt-in-the-mouth texture and chocolatey intensity make them a real pleasure to share.

Tip

To prevent the truffles from sticking to your hands, roll them with your fingers lightly dusted with cocoa. You can also whisk the ganache after it has cooled to obtain a more airy texture.

History of chocolate truffles

The birth of chocolate truffles dates back to 1895 in Chambéry, Savoie. Pastry chef Louis Dufour is said to have invented the confection by chance during a Christmas Eve party. Short of chocolate for his usual creations, he is said to have improvised a ganache with what he had on hand: cream, chocolate and bitter cocoa. The irregular shape and cocoa coating recalled the black truffle, which inspired its name. The recipe quickly spread across France and became a classic for the festive season. Even today, truffles embody gourmet elegance and French savoir-faire.

Les "4 sans cul" the emblematic fountain of Chambery / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : by Rachid Amer de Pixabay

FAQ Chocolate truffles

Why are chocolate truffles called truffles?

Because their irregular shape and cocoa powder are reminiscent of the Périgord black truffle.

Who invented chocolate truffles?

They are said to have been created by pastry chef Louis Dufour in Chambéry, in 1895.

Can you freeze homemade truffles?

Yes, they freeze very well. Just take them out 30 minutes before serving.

How long do chocolate truffles keep?

Approximately one week in the refrigerator, in an airtight tin.