Chocolate Almond Truffles

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making chocolate almond truffles, especially when I want to impress guests with a decadent yet simple treat. The rich chocolate flavor, combined with the nutty crunch of almonds, creates an indulgent dessert. These truffles are perfect for special occasions or as a delightful gift. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up these little bites of heaven that will have everyone asking for seconds or even thirds. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Bryony Wells

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:57:34.891Z

When I first experimented with chocolate almond truffles, I was amazed at how quickly they came together and how delicious they turned out. The secret lies in using high-quality chocolate; it truly makes a difference in flavor and texture. I find that letting the mixture chill a bit before rolling it into balls helps them hold their shape perfectly, and the addition of finely chopped almonds gives them that delightful crunch.

Additionally, rolling the truffles in cocoa powder or chopped almonds adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finish. I love serving them alongside coffee or tea for a luxurious treat that feels fancy but requires minimal effort. They’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering!

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Why You Will Love These Truffles

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy almonds
  • Smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for gifting or special celebrations

Mastering the Technique

The key to achieving the perfect texture for these chocolate almond truffles lies in the melting process. When using the double boiler method, ensure that the water is at a gentle simmer—too much heat can scorch the chocolate and create a gritty texture. Stir constantly until the chocolate, cream, and butter blend into a silky mixture that’s glossy and smooth, which takes about 5–7 minutes.

After melting, it's crucial to allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the almonds. This not only prevents the almonds from becoming mushy but also ensures that you're folding them in gently, maintaining their crunchiness and providing that delightful texture contrast. A rubber spatula is ideal for this task, as it allows for careful folding without breaking the nuts.

Ingredient Insights

High-quality dark chocolate is essential for these truffles, as it significantly affects flavor and texture. Choose chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich, deep taste. If you're looking to make the truffles sweeter or adjust the bitterness, you can combine dark chocolate with a bit of milk chocolate, maintaining the overall ratio for a perfect balance of flavors.

Almonds not only add flavor but also provide essential nutrients, like vitamin E and magnesium. For a different twist, consider substituting finely chopped pistachios or hazelnuts, which can add a new dimension of flavor while keeping the recipe similarly textural. If nut allergies are a concern, you can use ground graham crackers or shredded coconut instead.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These truffles can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for parties or as gifts. Once rolled and coated, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them on a tray until solid and then transfer to a freezer-safe container—this extends their freshness for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

When it comes to serving, these truffles can be garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt or drizzled with white chocolate for an elegant presentation. They can also be paired with a variety of beverages, such as a velvety red wine or a cup of rich espresso, to complement the chocolate’s bold flavors. Present them in small paper cups for a touch of class at your next gathering!

Ingredients

For the Truffles

  • 200g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 100ml heavy cream
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 100g finely chopped almonds
  • Cocoa powder or extra chopped almonds for rolling

Gather these ingredients for a delightful treat!

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until smooth and fully melted.

Add the Almonds

Once melted, remove the bowl from heat and fold in the finely chopped almonds until evenly distributed.

Chill the Mixture

Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes, or until it’s firm enough to handle.

Shape the Truffles

Using your hands, scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them into small balls. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper.

Roll and Serve

Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or chopped almonds, then transfer them to an airtight container. Chill until serving.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate almond truffles!

Pro Tips

  • For an extra flavor kick, you can add a splash of almond extract to the chocolate mixture before chilling.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your truffle mixture is too soft to handle after chilling, it may need longer in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can mix in a tablespoon of powdered sugar or a bit more chopped almonds to help firm up the consistency. When shaping the truffles, work quickly, as the warmth of your hands can start to melt the chocolate again.

In case your chocolate seized during melting (often due to water getting into the chocolate), you can try to salvage it by adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or cocoa butter and re-melting slowly until smooth. Always use dry utensils when handling chocolate to avoid this issue.

Flavor Variations

For a delightful twist, consider infusing the heavy cream with flavors before combining it with the chocolate. Adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or a couple of teaspoons of espresso powder into the cream while heating can create mint chocolate or mocha-flavored truffles. Just strain out the solids before mixing in the chocolate and butter.

Another fun way to customize your truffles is by changing the coating. Instead of traditional cocoa powder or chopped almonds, try using finely grated coconut, matcha powder for a green tea flavor, or crushed freeze-dried berries for a fruitier touch. These options not only add flavor but also create visually appealing treats.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but the truffles will be sweeter, so consider adjusting the amount of cream.

→ How long do the truffles last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these truffles?

Absolutely! Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. They last for up to three months in the freezer.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option, but the texture may vary slightly.

Chocolate Almond Truffles

I absolutely love making chocolate almond truffles, especially when I want to impress guests with a decadent yet simple treat. The rich chocolate flavor, combined with the nutty crunch of almonds, creates an indulgent dessert. These truffles are perfect for special occasions or as a delightful gift. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up these little bites of heaven that will have everyone asking for seconds or even thirds. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Bryony Wells

Recipe Type: Creative Baking Inspiration

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 truffles

What You'll Need

For the Truffles

  1. 200g dark chocolate, chopped
  2. 100ml heavy cream
  3. 50g unsalted butter
  4. 100g finely chopped almonds
  5. Cocoa powder or extra chopped almonds for rolling

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until smooth and fully melted.

Step 02

Once melted, remove the bowl from heat and fold in the finely chopped almonds until evenly distributed.

Step 03

Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes, or until it’s firm enough to handle.

Step 04

Using your hands, scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them into small balls. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 05

Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or chopped almonds, then transfer them to an airtight container. Chill until serving.

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra flavor kick, you can add a splash of almond extract to the chocolate mixture before chilling.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g