Description
Silky chocolate orange truffles bring Mediterranean sunshine to dessert lovers with their rich, zesty flavor profile. Luxurious ganache and bright citrus notes create an irresistible confection you’ll savor slowly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 zest of orange
Flavoring and Liquids:
- 2 tbsp orange liqueur
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coating and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp orange zest (for coating)
Instructions
- Finely chop dark chocolate and place in a heat-resistant bowl.
- Warm heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges, approximately 175°F.
- Pour hot cream directly over chopped chocolate, allowing it to sit for 2-3 minutes to melt thoroughly.
- Whisk chocolate and cream mixture until smooth and glossy, ensuring no chocolate lumps remain.
- Incorporate unsalted butter, orange zest, orange liqueur, and vanilla extract, stirring until completely integrated.
- Cover the ganache with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation.
- Refrigerate mixture for 2 hours until firm and easily scoopable.
- Using a small melon baller or spoon, portion out truffle mixture and quickly roll between palms to create smooth spheres.
- Combine cocoa powder and additional orange zest in a shallow dish.
- Gently roll each truffle in the cocoa-zest mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Place finished truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Chocolate Quality Matters: Select high-percentage dark chocolate with 70% cocoa solids for rich, intense flavor that elevates the entire truffle experience.
- Temperature Control: Allow cream to reach precisely 175°F to create perfect ganache texture without scorching or separating chocolate.
- Quick Rolling Technique: Work swiftly when forming truffles to prevent chocolate from melting in warm hands, using light, quick movements.
- Zest Freshness Boost: Grate orange zest immediately before adding to ensure maximum aromatic oils and vibrant citrus notes.
- Storage Smart: Keep truffles refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg