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Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

Deliciously rich and velvety Chocolate Orange Truffles that combine deep dark chocolate with bright, fresh orange flavors. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are crafted with a creamy ganache infused with orange zest and juice, then coated in cocoa powder for a perfect bittersweet finish. Ideal for gifting, special occasions, or indulgent snacking, these truffles take about 4 hours and 15 minutes including chilling time to prepare and yield 36 bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients

Chocolate Ganache

  • 10 ounces dark chocolate (1 3/4 cups chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (14 grams)
  • 6 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange juiced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (from 23 medium oranges)
  • Pinch salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure orange extract

Coating

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Chop the Chocolate: Finely chop the dark chocolate to ensure it melts easily and evenly. Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl for melting.
  2. Simmer Cream Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, butter, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it simmer for 2 minutes to infuse the flavors, then remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool and infuse for 30 minutes before reheating.
  3. Alternative Microwave Method: Alternatively, place the butter, cream, orange juice, and orange zest in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1 minute. Let this mixture cool and infuse for 30 minutes, then heat again in the microwave for an additional 1 minute before using.
  4. Make Ganache: Pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate. Add the orange extract and a pinch of salt, then whisk until the ganache is smooth and silky. If there are lumps, gently heat the mixture in 15-20 second increments in the microwave, whisking between, or place the bowl over a simmering pot of water and whisk continuously until smooth.
  5. Chill Ganache: Cover the ganache bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 4 hours until the mixture is firm enough to handle.
  6. Form Truffles: Scoop 2-3 teaspoons of the chilled ganache and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Roll each ball in the unsweetened cocoa powder until fully coated. Alternatively, you can dip the truffles if preferred.
  7. Storage and Serving: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Chop the chocolate finely to ensure quick and even melting.
  • Allowing the cream mixture to infuse adds depth to the orange flavor.
  • The microwave method is a quicker alternative but requires attention to avoid overheating.
  • Reheating ganache gently prevents graininess.
  • Chilling for at least 4 hours is crucial for proper truffle shaping.
  • Store truffles in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Serving truffles at room temperature enhances their creamy texture and flavor release.