If you’ve ever been enchanted by that perfect pairing of sweet and salty, then these Salted Caramel Truffles are about to be your new obsession. Picture this: silky caramel centers infused with a whisper of sea salt, all cloaked in glossy dark chocolate and finished with either a dusting of cocoa or a flurry of crushed salt. Whether you’re whipping up a special gift or just indulging your own inner chocolate lover, these homemade truffles strike the ultimate balance between decadence and simplicity — delivering that melt-in-your-mouth magic every single time.

Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the greatest joys of making Salted Caramel Truffles is that you only need a small handful of staple ingredients, but each one plays a heroic role. Every component features its own hint of flavor, texture, or visual appeal, coming together for a treat that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Sugar: The backbone of caramel—melting and browning sugar creates that signature deep, toasty flavor at the heart of each truffle.
Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the caramel, making it irresistibly smooth.
Heavy Cream: Ensures the caramel filling stays creamy and luscious, never hard or brittle.
Sea Salt: Brings out the caramel notes while balancing sweetness with a touch of savory flair.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth that accentuates both the caramel and chocolate.
Dark Chocolate: The bold, bittersweet coating that delivers that classic truffle snap and contrasts beautifully with the buttery caramel center.
Cocoa Powder or Crushed Sea Salt: For that finishing touch, choose cocoa for a rustic look or more salt to double down on that addictively salty bite.

How to Make Salted Caramel Truffles

Step 1: Melt and Caramelize the Sugar

Start your Salted Caramel Truffles adventure by gently heating sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula as the crystals slowly liquefy and evolve from sandy white to gorgeous amber. This step may test your patience, but that golden color is the secret to deep, nuanced caramel.

Step 2: Add Butter for Richness

As soon as the sugar is fully melted and swirling with gold and copper hints, add your butter pieces. Watch as they sizzle and dissolve right in, transforming your caramel from something simple to pure luxury. Stir well so the mixture becomes unified and glossy.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cream — Carefully!

Now comes the dramatic part: slowly pour in your heavy cream! The mixture will bubble and hiss, but keep stirring and trust the process. After letting it boil for about a minute, your caramel will have the perfect velvet sheen. This creaminess is essential for shaping the centers of your Salted Caramel Truffles.

Step 4: Flavor with Sea Salt and Vanilla

Remove the pan from heat and add your sea salt and vanilla extract. The salt sharpens the sweetness, while vanilla rounds out the flavor. Let your caramel cool completely—this ensures it sets up nicely for rolling.

Step 5: Form and Freeze the Caramel Balls

Once cooled, use your hands or a small spoon to form the caramel into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for about two hours. This makes them easy to dip and helps your Salted Caramel Truffles hold their signature shape.

Step 6: Dip in Glossy Dark Chocolate

Melt the dark chocolate gently, either using a double boiler or the microwave in short bursts. Working quickly, dip each firm caramel ball into the melted chocolate, coating it thoroughly. This chocolate shell locks in the gooey center and delivers that irresistible truffle bite.

Step 7: Add Your Final Touch

Once dipped, let excess chocolate drip off, then either roll the truffles in cocoa powder for a sophisticated, matte finish or sprinkle with a touch of crushed sea salt for dramatic contrast. Set your truffles on a parchment-lined tray and let them firm up in the fridge so they’re ready to dazzle.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Truffles

Garnishes

A simple flourish can make your Salted Caramel Truffles feel like something straight from a fancy chocolatier. Sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt on top, nestle each truffle in a mini cup, or dust with a little edible gold for special occasions. Even a scatter of finely chopped nuts looks gorgeous and brings extra texture!

Side Dishes

These truffles are showstoppers on their own, but they also shine when paired with the right company. Serve them alongside a cheese and fruit platter for a sophisticated dessert board, or with a mug of coffee, espresso, or black tea after a meal. For a truly indulgent treat, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a shot of rich dessert wine.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Pile your Salted Caramel Truffles into a beautiful vintage box for gifting, line them up on a slate board for an elegant party platter, or tuck them into a glass jar tied with ribbon for the ultimate sweet surprise. You can also create personalized truffle assortments by varying your toppings or mixing in a few different extracts (try almond or orange!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salted Caramel Truffles keep beautifully in the fridge for 1–2 weeks, provided you store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment between the layers to prevent any sticking or smudging, and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Want to make these truffles ahead of time or save some for a later treat? Arrange your finished Salted Caramel Truffles in a single layer in a sealed, freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

No need to reheat these indulgent bites, but if you’d like to take the chill off or slightly soften the centers, let them rest at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as the caramel could become runny and the chocolate coating might lose its shine.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate highlights the salty-sweet contrast, milk chocolate offers a creamier, sweeter profile. Swap it in for a different (but delicious) take on classic Salted Caramel Truffles.

What’s the best way to form the caramel balls?

Chilled caramel is easier to handle, so once your caramel has cooled, use a small spoon or melon baller to portion and shape each ball. Lightly greasing your hands can help prevent sticking.

How should I store Salted Caramel Truffles for gifting?

Let them fully set in the fridge, then layer them in parchment-lined gift boxes or tins. For extra flair, pop each truffle into a mini cupcake liner to keep them separate and pristine.

Can I add other flavors to the caramel?

Yes! These truffles love a little creativity. Try stirring in a splash of espresso, a pinch of cinnamon, or a drop of almond extract to your caramel for a fun twist on the original.

My caramel is too runny to shape. What did I do wrong?

If your caramel is too soft, it may not have boiled long enough to thicken or the ratios could be off. Make sure you let it boil for at least a minute, then cool completely before shaping. Freezing the mixture briefly can also help if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as popping a homemade Salted Caramel Truffle into your mouth and savoring that rich, salty-sweet explosion. Whether you’re looking to impress, indulge, or simply treat yourself, making a batch of these truffles is pure joy. Give it a try and discover just how much happiness can fit in a single bite!

Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe

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Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet caramel and rich dark chocolate with these delectable Salted Caramel Truffles. Easy to make and customizable, they offer a decadent treat for any occasion.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: About 20 truffles
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop, Freezing, Dipping
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Caramel Filling:

1 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating:

8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
Cocoa powder or crushed sea salt for coating

Instructions

Prepare Caramel Filling: Heat sugar in a saucepan until melted. Add butter, then cream, salt, and vanilla. Cool.
Form Caramel Balls: Shape caramel into balls and freeze until firm.
Coat in Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate, dip caramel balls, and coat with cocoa powder or salt.
Chill and Serve: Let truffles set in the refrigerator and serve chilled.