Truffle chocolate is a decadent type of chocolate that is made by coating a chocolate ganache center with chocolate, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts. The results are chocolate pieces that look like the actual truffle fungus but taste far richer and more indulgent.
What is Truffle Chocolate?
Truffle chocolate is made by first creating a ganache, which is a creamy chocolate mixture made from chocolate and cream. The ganache is then chilled and shaped into balls or irregular lumps. These ganache centers are then coated in chocolate, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, coconut, or sprinkles to create the finished truffle pieces.
The ganache centers are typically made with dark chocolate and heavy cream, resulting in a rich, dense, ultra smooth chocolate filling. When coated in chocolate, the truffles take on an irregular, lumpy appearance that resembles actual truffle fungi. Other coatings like cocoa powder or coconut give the truffles a different look while still mimicking real truffles.
Common Shapes and Sizes
Truffle chocolates come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most common forms you’ll see:
- Small balls – Ranging from pea sized to marble sized, these are a classic truffle shape. The ganache is rolled into a smooth ball before coating.
- Larger, irregular lumps – Many truffles are shaped into irregular masses that mimic the bumpy exterior of real truffles. These are more rustic looking.
- Rolled logs or balls – Some truffles are shaped into logs, tubes, or rectangle blocks. The ganache is formed into long cylindrical shapes before coating.
- Squares or bars – For truffle bars, the ganache is spread into a pan and cut into square or rectangular pieces after chocolate coating.
In general, most truffle chocolates range in size from small bite-sized balls to larger irregular lumps approximately 1 to 2 inches wide. The coating and shape can vary widely between truffle chocolate products.
Common Coatings
The outer coating is what gives truffle chocolate its distinctive appearance. Here are some of the most popular coatings used:
Chocolate
Dark, milk, or white chocolate coatings are very common. The chocolate coating gives the truffle a smooth, glossy outer shell with rich chocolate flavor.
Cocoa Powder
Dusting the ganache in unsweetened cocoa powder gives a contrasting look. The powder sticks to the truffle unevenly, emphasizing the lumps and bumps.
Chopped Nuts
Finely chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, or pecan pieces bring texture and crunch. The nuts give an earthy, rustic appearance.
Coconut
Shredded or flaked coconut provides tropical flair. The coconut visually mimics mushroom shavings or moss on real truffles.
Sprinkles
Decorative sprinkles or shavings make for fun and colorful truffle designs. Sprinkles highlight the shape in a whimsical way.
| Coating | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Glossy, smooth exterior |
| Cocoa powder | Dusty, uneven, textured |
| Chopped nuts | Rustic, earthy, crunchy |
| Coconut | Tropical, flaky, shredded |
| Sprinkles | Colorful, fun, whimsical |
Common Flavor Combinations
The filling and coating flavors are paired to create indulgent taste sensations. Here are some classic and creative truffle chocolate combinations:
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate ganache coated in more dark chocolate makes a simple but elegant truffle. Often they are dusted with cocoa powder for contrast.
Milk or White Chocolate
For a sweeter truffle, milk or white chocolate can be used for the filling and/or coating. These are popular for nut coatings like hazelnut or almond.
Fruit Flavors
Ganache infused with raspberry, orange, mango or other fruit purees gives a fresh, bright flavor. Coconut or nuts complement the fruit nicely.
Coffee and Liqueurs
Spiked ganache made with coffee, espresso, whiskey, rum, or other alcoholic liqueurs makes for an indulgent adult treat. Chocolate, nuts or cocoa suit these flavors.
Nut Flavors
Hazelnut, almond, and pecan truffle chocolates highlight the nutty flavors. A dark chocolate coating allows the nuttiness to shine through.
Creative Ingredients
Unique ingredients like chili pepper, lavender, Earl Grey tea, or peanut butter take truffles to the next level. These unusual truffles have an element of surprise.
Appearance of Gourmet vs Mainstream Truffles
Both gourmet and mainstream confectioners make truffle chocolates, though the presentation and attention to detail differs.
Gourmet Truffles
- Handmade in small batches
- Artisanal, unique flavors and designs
- High attention to visuals with garnishes
- Irregular, rustic shapes and sizes
- Layered flavors and textures
- Exotic ingredients like Lavender, Earl Grey tea, spices, etc.
- May have decorative drizzles, sprinkles, flowers, etc.
Mainstream Truffles
- Mass produced in factories
- Classic chocolate flavors
- Uniform shapes and sizes
- Smooth, even coatings
- Simple cocoa powder or chocolate coatings
- Minimal additional garnishes
Gourmet truffles emphasize artistry with handmade quality and upscale presentation. Mainstream truffles prioritize consistency and affordability.
Storage and Shelf Life
Properly stored, truffle chocolate can last several months past the printed expiry date while maintaining quality. Follow these storage tips:
- Keep truffles stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight at around 65°F temperature.
- The refrigerator is ideal, stored in an airtight container. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
- If coated with chocolate, keep the chocolates from getting too warm or cold to prevent blooming, which is a white film that develops from temperature fluctuations.
- Truffles coated in cocoa powder, coconut, nuts, etc. are more stable and can be refrigerated.
- Let any condensation dissipate before opening the storage container to prevent moisture from getting inside.
- Avoid placing truffles near appliances that give off heat.
With ideal storage conditions, most truffle chocolates will maintain peak flavor and texture for 6 months or longer past the printed expiration date. Signs of decline include dried out ganache centers, sugar blooms on chocolate, and loss of flavor.
Buying and Serving Truffle Chocolates
Follow these tips when purchasing and serving truffle chocolates:
- Look for truffles with glossy, unwrinkled coatings and no visible bloom or dust.
- Give boxed truffles a gentle shake – the pieces shouldn’t thump around inside.
- Check the ingredient label for types of chocolate used and flavorings.
- Buy from specialty chocolate shops or confectioners for higher quality.
- Serve truffles at room temperature – let refrigerated ones warm up before eating.
- Provide small plates, forks or tongs for serving instead of handling directly.
- Offer a pairing like coffee, wine or fruit to complement the chocolate.
With creative flavors and indulgent quality, truffle chocolates make a memorable gift or decadent dessert. Following proper storage and service helps ensure the chocolates retain their delightful appearance and luscious taste.
Conclusion
With their rough, irregular shape mimicking real truffle mushrooms, truffle chocolate is instantly recognizable. The bumpy ganache center peeks through the outer chocolate, cocoa, coconut or nutty coating, giving each piece a distinct, hand-crafted appearance. Truffle chocolates come in a variety of shapes from small balls to large lumps, with gourmet chocolatiers emphasizing artful designs. Creative flavors abound as well, from classic chocolate to fruit-infused ganache and unique ingredient combinations. With proper storage and service, these indulgent treats deliver decadent chocolate flavor and visual delight.