Sweetheart Truffles are made with a rich and creamy ganache filling that is coated in a layer of chocolate and decorated with festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles. With just a few simple ingredients in this truffle recipe, you can create a batch of these decadent treats in no time!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious homemade truffles? Ganache Valentine Truffles are the perfect treat to share with your loved ones on this special day.
History of Valentine’s Day Truffles
Valentine’s Day is a holiday that has been celebrated for centuries, and one of the most popular gifts exchanged on this day are chocolates. In particular, truffles have become a staple Valentine’s Day treat. These decadent treats were traditionally made with a ganache center, which is a mixture of chocolate and cream, and then coated in melted chocolate or cocoa powder.
As the popularity of truffles grew, chocolatiers and food bloggers began experimenting with different flavors and coatings. Our version of these sweet treats stick to the traditional flavoring with a bit of festive flare thanks for the colorful sprinkles we add on top. This recipe is a sweet and indulgent way to express love and affection on this special day.
Variations for Chocolate Valentine Truffles
While Ganache Valentine Truffles are a classic choice, there are many variations you can try to add some creativity and variety to your Valentine’s Day treats.
One simple way to switch up the classic truffle recipe is by adding different flavors to the ganache filling. Some popular options include:
- Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the ganache for a refreshing twist.
- Raspberry: Mix in some raspberry puree or jam for a fruity, tangy flavor.
- Espresso: Infuse the cream used in the ganache with espresso beans for a rich, coffee flavor.
Another way to add some variety to your truffles is by experimenting with different coatings. While the classic cocoa powder coating is always a safe bet, there are many other options to choose from. Some ideas include:
- Crushed nuts: Roll the truffles in chopped nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios for a crunchy, nutty coating.
- Coconut: Roll the truffles in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Sea salt: Sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top of the truffles for a sweet and salty combination.
Ganache Balls Ingredients
Butter: You will need ½ cup (one stick) of butter for this truffle recipe.
Heavy cream: Adding 1 cup of heavy cream is what creates the best consistency for the ganache filling.
Chocolate chips: Use 2 ⅔ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips for perfectly chocolatey treats.
Almond extract: Add in ½ teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the flavors in the truffle filling.
Chocolate bark: For the candy coating, you need 2 ½ cups of dark and white chocolate bark.
Sprinkles: Add some festive and fun red and pink colored sprinkles over the top of your truffles for beautiful and delicious Valentine treats.
How to Make Chocolate Sweetheart Truffles
Ganache
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Then, add in the heavy cream and stir. Continue to heat the mixture unit is just barely comes to a boil.
Remove the pan from heat and add the chocolate chips. Whisk gently, combining the chocolate with the butter-cream mixture until it’s smooth.
After that, stir in the almond extract.
Proceed to transfer the chocolate mixture to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for several hours until it is solid.
Shape truffles
Once the chocolate has chilled, use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out small balls of chocolate from. Then use your hands to shape the balls into smooth rounds and place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
Continue to repeat this step until all the chocolate is used. Then place them the sheet of truffles in the freezer for at least 1 hour to chill.
Assemble
Once you are ready to complete the truffles, in a glass bowl, heat 1 cup of each kind of dipping chocolate until fully melted and smooth. Heat in 30 second increments, be careful not to overheat or the chocolate will seize.
Proceed to dip each truffle, one at a time, into the melted chocolate, then place them on wax paper to cool. Using a fork for this step allows the chocolate to drip through the prongs as you coat each truffle.
Then, melt the remaining chocolate and transfer that to small baggies. Cut a small corner off the bag and drizzle the chocolate onto the truffles, then top them with Valentine’s sprinkles.
Let the finished truffles sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving, then enjoy!
SWEETHEART TRUFFLES
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 ⅔ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 2 ½ cups dark and white chocolate bark
- Red and pink sprinkles
Instructions
- Ganache: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the heavy cream and stir. Continue to heat the mixture until it just barely comes to a boil.
- Remove pan from heat and add chocolate chips. Whisk gently, combining the chocolate with the butter-cream mixture until it’s smooth. Stir in almond extract.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and place in the fridge for several hours until solid.
- Shape truffles: Use a melon baller or spoon, scoop out small balls of chocolate from the chilled container. Use your hands to shape the balls into smooth rounds and place on a wax paper-lined pan. Repeat until all chocolate is used.
- Place pan of truffles in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
- Assemble: Heat 1 cup of each kind of dipping chocolate in a glass bowl until melted and smooth. Heat in 30 second increments, be careful not to overheat or the chocolate will seize.
- Dip truffles in the melted chocolate, one at a time using a fork, then place on wax paper to cool.
- Melt remaining chocolate and transfer to small baggies. Cut a corner to drizzle chocolate on truffles, then top them with Valentine's sprinkles.
- Let the finished truffles sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving, then enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How long do homemade ganache truffles last?
These truffles can last for up to 2 weeks if kept stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Let the chocolate coating fully set before storing the truffles and if you need to stack them within the container, use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers to discourage the truffles from sticking together.
Is refrigeration necessary for ganache truffles?
These truffles are made with fresh heavy cream so they should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. However, if they are made with stabilized cream or other ingredients that do not require refrigeration, they can be stored at room temperature.
How can I achieve the perfect truffle ganache consistency?
To achieve the perfect truffle ganache consistency, it is important to use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe instructions carefully. The ratio of chocolate to cream is crucial in determining the consistency of the ganache. If the ganache is too soft, it can be chilled in the refrigerator until it firms up. On the other hand, if it is too firm, it can be gently heated to soften it.
If you find that the chocolate ganache looks grainy and curdled, it is because the emulsion has broken. This means that the fats and water have separated, and your truffles may not turn out correctly as a result.
Can you freeze ganache truffles?
Yes, these truffles can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To do this, let them set completely before storing them in a container with layers of wax paper or parchment paper in between the truffle layers. Let the truffles thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Note that chocolate may “sweat” as it thaws to room temperature but this is normal and to be expected.
Understanding Ganache
Ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream that is used as a filling or icing in cakes, pastries, and truffles. The ratio of chocolate to cream determines the consistency of the ganache. The higher the proportion of chocolate, the firmer the ganache will be. Ganache can be infused with different flavors and can be made with different types of chocolate.
Here are some more great chocolate recipes to check out soon!
- PEANUT BUTTER CUP BROWNIE TRIFLE
- DOUBLE CHOCOLATE WAFFLES
- BAKED S’MORES BARS
- COOKIES AND CREAM CROCKPOT LAVA CAKE
- DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHERRY COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CHEESECAKE
- S’MORES FUDGE
- CHOCOLATE CHERRY OREO BALLS
- MINI CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKES
- BLACK FOREST BROWNIES
- CADBURY EASTER EGG FUDGE
- HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE PIE
Sweetheart Truffles are a delightfully smooth, creamy and sweet treat that your loved ones are sure to enjoy. Make this truffle recipe easily for a fun and festive treat to serve up this Valentine’s Day!
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