Indulging in homemade white chocolate truffles is a journey of flavor, texture, and the joy of creating something truly special. With Valentine’s Day around the corner or any day that calls for a celebration, these White Chocolate, Cranberry, and Walnut Truffles are the perfect dessert to elevate the occasion.
This easy recipe, inspired by the expert craftsmanship of Lindt Master Chocolatiers, combines creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts into a luscious center, enveloped in a silky-smooth truffle. Here’s how to create this sweet treat, using simple ingredients and a handful of expert tips for that perfect chocolate experience.
This recipe is presented in collaboration with Zoë for Pets. Our puppy Chloé is completely obsessed with these Super Bars, which was the inspiration for this recipe!
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What Are Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles are a type of chocolate confectionery, traditionally made with a chocolate ganache center coated in chocolate, cocoa powder, or chopped toasted nuts. The ganache filling is typically made from a mixture of melted chocolate and cream, which can be flavored with various ingredients such as liqueurs, extracts, or spices.
The name “truffle” comes from their resemblance to the truffle fungus, especially when coated in cocoa powder. Chocolate truffles are known for their rich, creamy texture and are considered a luxurious treat, often enjoyed on special occasions or as a gourmet gift.
The Best White Chocolate for Truffles
The best white chocolate for truffles is high-quality couverture chocolate with a high cocoa butter content, typically around 30% or more. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor.
Brands like Valrhona, Callebaut, and Ghirardelli are highly recommended for their superior melt and solidification properties, making them ideal for crafting luxurious truffles. Look for white chocolate that lists cocoa butter as one of the first ingredients and avoid those with excessive additives or artificial flavors for the best results.
Do you Cook Truffles
Truffles, in the context of chocolate confectionery, do not require cooking in the traditional sense. The only heat involved is used to melt the chocolate and warm the cream for the ganache, which does not constitute cooking
Ingredients for White Chocolate Truffles
- 11 oz of good quality white chocolate bars or white chocolate chips
- 5 tbsp of butter, at room temperature
- 3 tbsp of heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup of toasted walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp of fresh orange zest
- A pinch of salt
- Confectioner’s Sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Shredded Coconut, for rolling (optional)
Tools Needed for Making Chocolate Truffles
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Small saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Medium bowl
- Prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Rubber spatula
- Small cookie scoop or melon baller
- Plastic wrap
- Airtight container
How to make White Chocolate Truffles
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Base
Begin by chopping the white chocolate bars into small pieces to ensure even melting. If you’re using white chocolate chips, they’re ready to go as is. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Step 2: Melt the butter and heavy cream
In a medium saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and butter until it begins to simmer, whisk to combine and remove from heat once the butter is fully melted.
Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest to the butter mixture. This will add a depth of flavor that complements the white chocolate beautifully.
Step 2: Melting the Chocolate
Using a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the chocolate. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid burning the chocolate. Once melted, add the cream and butter mixture, and a pinch of salt, and stir until you have a smooth, melted chocolate mixture.
Important Note: Ensure your melted chocolate and cream mixture is the same temperate. Adding a cooled mixture to your chocolate will cause the mixture to sieze.
Step 3: Adding Texture
Fold in the chopped cranberries and toasted walnuts with a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the truffle mixture.
Step 4: Time to Chill
Transfer the truffle mixture to a medium bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator until set, about a half hour or until firm enough to scoop.
Step 4: Shaping the Truffles
Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or a melon baller to scoop out small balls of the truffle mixture. Roll them between your hands to form smooth balls. If the mixture begins to soften, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches
Roll the truffles in powdered sugar, or drizzle with more melted white chocolate or your choice of coatings.
This is where you can get creative. I love using confectioners’ sugar, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for a variety of finishes.
Step 6: Setting the Truffles
Place the truffles on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate until firm. This will ensure they hold their shape and the coatings adhere well.
What to Roll White Chocolate Truffles In: Additional Ideas
White chocolate truffles can be rolled in a variety of coatings to add texture and flavor. Popular options include cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, finely chopped nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts), shredded coconut, crushed cookies or graham crackers, and even sprinkles for a colorful touch.
You can also dip them in melted white, milk, or dark chocolate for a hard shell. Experimenting with different coatings can create a delightful assortment of truffles for any occasion.
How to Store Homemade Chocolate Truffles
Store your homemade white chocolate truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since homemade truffles are made with cream, they are best enjoyed within two weeks.
Can You Freeze White Chocolate Truffles
Yes, you can freeze white chocolate truffles. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
How to Thraw Frozen Chocolate Truffles
To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bring them to room temperature before serving to best appreciate their flavor and texture.
Here Are Some Tips for Making Homemade White
Chocolate Truffles
- Quality Matters: Using good quality white chocolate with a high cocoa butter content is key to achieving creamy, silky-smooth truffles.
- Preventing Seize: Be careful not to let water get into the melted chocolate as it can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors. For example, substituting cranberries and walnuts with other dried fruits and nuts, or even adding a splash of liqueur, can create new and exciting variations.
Other Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse: Mousse de Chocolat
- Healthy Chocolate Chickpea Cake
- Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Brownies
- Chocolate Banana Muffins
- Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Final Thoughts
Creating these homemade white chocolate truffles with cranberries and walnuts is not just about making a sweet treat; it’s about taking the time to craft something with love and care. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, New Year’s, or just because, these truffles are a testament to the joy of homemade chocolate truffles, rivaling even the luxurious experience of Lindt Lindor Chocolate Truffles. So, gather your simple ingredients, and let’s create something beautiful, one truffle at a time.
The Best Easy White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Indulge in luxurious white chocolate truffles, rolled in exquisite coatings for a perfect blend of creamy texture and rich flavor. Ideal for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 11 oz of good quality white chocolate bars or white chocolate chips
- 5 tbsp of butter, at room temperature
- 3 tbsp of heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup of toasted walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp of fresh orange zest
- A pinch of salt
- Confectioner’s Sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Shredded Coconut, for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by chopping the white chocolate bars into small pieces to ensure even melting. If you’re using white chocolate chips, they’re ready to go as is. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a medium saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and butter until it begins to simmer, whisk to combine and remove from heat once the butter is fully melted.
- Using a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the chocolate. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid burning the chocolate. Once melted, add the cream and butter mixture, and a pinch of salt, and stir until you have a smooth, melted chocolate mixture.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries and toasted walnuts with a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the truffle mixture.
- Transfer the truffle mixture to a medium bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator until set, about a half hour or until firm enough to scoop.
- Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop spoon to scoop out small balls of the truffle mixture. Roll them between your hands to form smooth balls. If the mixture begins to soften, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Roll the truffles in powdered sugar, or drizzle with more melted white chocolate or your choice of coatings.
- Place the truffles on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate until firm. This will ensure they hold their shape and the coatings adhere well.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 84mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 1gSugar: 30gProtein: 2g
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With years of experience in the kitchen, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts. As a home decor enthusiast, he also likes to share simple DIY projects and simple tips for a beautiful home.
