Homemade chocolate truffle recipe: simple and irresistible
🍫 Ingredients (for approximately 25 truffles)
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1 packet of vanilla sugar
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2 egg yolks
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100 g powdered sugar
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125 g butter
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250 g high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)
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Powdered chocolate or bitter cocoa for coating
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Optional: 2 tablespoons of rum or whiskey
🕒 Preparation
Resting time: 1 hour in the refrigerator
Cooking time: no direct cooking
Difficulty: easy
🥄 Step-by-step recipe
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Melt the chocolate gently in a double boiler or over very low heat to preserve its flavor.
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Add the butter cut into pieces and mix until smooth.
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Add the egg yolks, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix gently.
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If desired, add the alcohol of your choice to flavor the ganache.
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Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
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Scoop out small portions with a spoon and quickly roll them into irregular balls between your hands.
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Roll each ball in the cocoa powder to coat them.
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Arrange them on a platter and let them rest in a cool place before serving.
👉 You get homemade melt-in-your-mouth truffles that are both rustic and refined, perfect for parties or to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
🍊 Delicious variations on chocolate truffles
Chocolate truffles are an ideal base for creating your own recipes:
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Coffee truffles: dissolve a teaspoon of instant coffee in hot cream.
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Orange truffles: add zest or a few drops of Grand Marnier.
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Praline truffles: stir a spoonful of praline into the ganache before cooling.
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White chocolate truffles: replace the dark chocolate and roll in shredded coconut.
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Salted caramel truffles: add a spoonful of caramel sauce to the mixture.
Each variation brings a unique touch that will surprise your guests.
🍷 Storage and tasting
Homemade truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Remove them from the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving so that the ganache regains its melt-in-the-mouth texture.
They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, a fragrant tea, or a naturally sweet wine such as a Banyuls or a Maury.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.
👉 See also: Traditional Yule log recipe
💡 Tip
To prevent the truffles from sticking to your hands, sprinkle your fingers with cocoa powder before rolling them.
You can also lightly whip the cooled ganache for a lighter, airier texture.
🕰 History of chocolate truffles
The "4 sans cul" (four without bottoms), Chambery's iconic fountain / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: by Rachid Amer from Pixabay
The birth of chocolate truffles dates back to 1895 in Chambéry, in Savoie. Pastry chef Louis Dufour is said to have invented this confection by chance during a Christmas Eve dinner. Running out of chocolate for his usual creations, he improvised a ganache with what he had: cream, chocolate, and bitter cocoa. The irregular shape and coating were reminiscent of the black truffle of Périgord, which inspired its name. The recipe then spread throughout France and became a classic holiday treat. Even today, truffles embody French artisanal expertise and Christmas indulgence.
FAQ – French Chocolate Truffles
Why are they called “truffles”?
Because their irregular shape and cocoa coating resemble the famous black truffles from southern France.
Who invented chocolate truffles?
French pastry chef Louis Dufour, in Chambéry in 1895.
Can I freeze homemade truffles?
Yes — freeze them in a sealed container and thaw 30 minutes before serving.
How long do they keep?
About a week in the fridge, in an airtight box.
Can I coat them in something other than cocoa?
Absolutely — try shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or grated chocolate.
What drink pairs best?
Champagne or dessert wines like Banyuls, Maury, or even a good Cognac for an elegant French touch.
<time datetime="2025-11-12">Updated : November 2025</time
