Chocolate Orange Truffles

Name: Chocolate Orange Truffles
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 180 min
Ingredients: 90 ml (1/3 cup + 2 tsp) thickened/whipping cream (See Note 1); 200 g (7 oz) dark cooking chocolate (40 % cocoa solids) - finely chopped (See Note 2); 1 tsp orange zest - finely grated; 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles

For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

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My Chocolate Orange Truffles are rich and creamy, smooth and decadent, and are an ideal after-dinner confection. They contain just 4 ingredients that combine to produce this luxurious sweet treat. Serve a platter of these delicious Chocolate Truffles to your guests and watch as they disappear!

Plate of truffles, garnished with some orange slices.

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Why we love this recipe:
Ingredients in this recipe:
Step by step instructions:
Tips for success and FAQs:
More delicious recipes for you to try:
Chocolate Orange Truffles

Why we love this recipe:

This simple recipe will show you how easy it is to make your own Chocolate Truffles. As a base, all you require is cream and chocolate plus a little time. No skill is required; you just need to be able to melt chocolate, and if you have not previously done that, we will talk you through the process.

We love that:

These Chocolate Orange Truffles are the perfect edible gift.

Making this luxurious confectionery is easy to do at home.

The truffle base contains just 3 ingredients.

You don’t need any special equipment. It is so simple!

They are much cheaper than a store-bought box of chocolates

The result is impressive; you will be delighted with your handiwork.

Ingredients in this recipe:

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Thickened cream – also known as whipping cream or heavy cream, it contains 35% milk fat.

Dark cooking chocolate – the one we use contains 40% cocoa solids. You could use one with higher percentage cocoa solids, but the bitterness will increase.

Orange zest – adds great flavour. Avoid the bitter white pith.

Chocolate sprinkles – for coating the Truffles.

Step by step instructions:

Steps 1-4 of preparing this recipe in a photo collage - chopper chocolate, cream and zest in saucepan, adding the chocolate to warmed cream and the combined mixture.

Steps 5-8 of preparing this recipe in a photo collage - the mixture in a tin, the chilled mixture and a scoop of mixture, rolling the balls and coating in sprinkles.

To begin, line a small, flat dish with non-stick baking paper. I used a Pyrex, 13 x 18 cm (7 x 5 inches.)

Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper and set it aside.

Add the chocolate sprinkles to a small bowl and set aside.

Finely chop the chocolate.
Add the cream and orange zest to a small saucepan. Over low heat, heat the cream until just below boiling point.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the finely chopped chocolate.
Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
Transfer to the fridge to chill, about 2 hours, or until it is firm enough to roll into balls. With a small ice cream scoop, or a teaspoon, roll about 3 level teaspoons of mixture into small balls. If the chocolate is too to firm to roll, set it aside for 5-10 minutes.
Gently press on the mixture with the palms of your hands as you are rolling to make the balls compact.
Toss each ball in the bowl of chocolate sprinkles so they are evenly coated. Place on the prepared tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.

Plate of truffles, garnished with some orange slices, and one truffle missing a bite.

Tips for success and FAQs:

For the best result, when a recipe is as simple as these 4 Ingredient Chocolate Orange Truffles, use good quality ingredients. Do not use low-fat cream – this is a luxurious treat and not the time to try and cut the fat content. As well, choose good quality chocolate.

To cool the ganache quickly, I recommend that you put it in a shallow dish. It’s fine if you don’t have one that’s appropriate, it will just take a little longer to cool in a bowl.

How long can I keep the Chocolate Orange Truffles?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Ideally, keep them in one layer but if your container can’t hold them that way, separate the layers with non-stick baking paper.

Can I store them at room temperature?

As they are made with cream, they must be stored in the fridge. Remove them from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to allow them to soften a little.

Why are they called truffles?

They are often rolled in cocoa and resemble the edible fungi which grow underground.

What is the best way to chop the chocolate?

Chop it finely as it will melt quicker and more evenly this way.

What if the ganache is too hard to roll into balls?

After taking it from the fridge, if it is too hard to roll, leave it at room temperature for a little longer. If it gets too soft as you are rolling the balls, return it to the fridge for a short time.

More delicious recipes for you to try:

If you’re like us, and cannot resist a delicious chocolate treat or are looking for some more edible gift ideas, you’ll love some of these other favourite recipes:

Chilli Chocolate Clusters
Candy Cane Chocolate Bark
Cranberry Pistachio Bark
Decadent Chocolate Brownies
Easy Coffee Truffles
Chocolate Tiffin
Hedgehog Slice
Or check out our complete collection of chocolate recipes here.

You can easily customise the truffles to make a variety. Add vanilla or add some liqueur. Just reduce the cream by the amount that you use. If you like some spice, add chilli powder to the ganache. Toss them in dark, milk or white melted chocolate. Roll them in grated chocolate, crushed nuts, cocoa, coconut or icing/confectioners’ sugar. For an attractive presentation, put some in little foil or paper cases.

My Chocolate Orange Truffles are perfect to serve with an after-dinner coffee or make ideal edible gifts. They are proof that simple recipes can be special.

Be sure to let me know in the comments when you have given them a try!

Alex xx