Chocolate Truffles from Alton Brown
Indulge in the decadent delight of Alton Brown's Chocolate Truffles—a luxurious treat that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Crafted with rich bittersweet chocolate and creamy ganache, these bite-sized confections are rolled to perfection and coated in your choice of cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a sophisticated dessert worthy of any occasion. The recipe's simple but precise method ensures silky-smooth truffles every time, while a touch of vanilla and a pinch of kosher salt elevate their complex flavor. Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or indulging in yourself, these homemade truffles will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 340 grams Bittersweet chocolate
- 120 ml Heavy cream
- 60 grams Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Kosher salt
- as needed Optional coating (e.g., finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, powdered sugar)
Instructions
1. Chop the bittersweet chocolate into small, even pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just reaches a simmer. Do not let it boil.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
4. Gently stir the chocolate and cream together with a heatproof spatula or whisk, starting from the center and working outward, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing until well incorporated.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture (ganache) for 2 to 3 hours, or until firm enough to handle.
7. Prepare your coatings (e.g., cocoa powder, nuts, coconut, powdered sugar) by placing them in shallow bowls.
8. Using a small scoop or teaspoon, scoop out portions of the chilled ganache and roll them into 1-inch balls between your hands. Work quickly to prevent the ganache from melting.
9. Roll each truffle ball in your desired coating until fully covered, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
11. Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2462 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.8 g | 201% | |
| Saturated Fat | 94.4 g | 472% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 284 mg | 12% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 250.1 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.4 g | 166% | |
| Total Sugars | 168.6 g | ||
| Protein | 29.7 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 326 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 50.2 mg | 279% | |
| Potassium | 2832 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
