Chocolate truffles are one of my favorite chocolate desserts. They combine simple ingredients into elegant, irresistible delights. For me, they are the ultimate chocolate treat, always worth savoring.
Contents
Chili chocolate truffles recipe
Chili chocolate truffles are a unique version of the popular chocolate truffles. These classic French treats are created in the late 19th century by chef Auguste Escoffier. These treats do not contain actual truffles. They are named for their resemblance to truffle fungi.
Traditional truffles feature a ganache filling. Ganache is made from chocolate and heavy cream. It can be flavored with liqueurs, spices, or nuts. The ganache is rolled into bite-sized balls. It is coated with chocolate, cocoa, powdered sugar, nuts, coconut flakes, or edible gold dust.
I decided to make chili chocolate truffles. Dark chocolate is mixed with chili for a bold flavor. This unique combination is simple and adaptable. These truffles taste heavenly and suit any fiesta!
Here is how to make mini chili chocolate truffles.
Chili Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
- 400 g good-quality dark chocolate
- 150 ml double cream
- 1 tsp ground red chilli
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Cocoa powder to dust
Instructions
- Gently heat the cream, but don’t let it boil. Remove from heat and stir in the ground chilli and cinnamon.
- Break the chocolate into pieces and melt over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat before it has all melted completely and continue to stir until smooth. Pour the cream into the chocolate and stir until it forms a ganache.
- Spoon into a baking tray and spread it out. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until it hardens.
- Dust a plate with cocoa powder and get about a teaspoonful of the ganache. Roll it quickly in your hands until it forms a smooth ball. Roll in the cocoa powder. Continue until all the ganache has been used.
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge – if they last long enough!
Notes
Nutrition
Pairing suggestions
Here are some suggestions for serving chili chocolate truffles:
- Drink Pairings
- Spicy chocolate truffle cocktail pairs well with the truffle’s heat.
- Mezcal enhances chili flavors in truffles.
- Espresso Martini contrasts with the truffle’s sweetness and spice.
- Coffee balances truffle sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
- Hot chocolate amplifies the chocolate experience.
- Port or ruby red wine complements the truffle’s dark chocolate and spice.
- Dessert Pairings
- Cheese platter complements the sweetness and spice of truffles.
- Fresh fruits enhance the dessert experience.
- Coffee or espresso balances the truffle’s sweetness and heat.
Variations
Chili chocolate truffles can be creatively varied to enhance their flavor and texture. Here are some notable variations:
- Mezcal or rum adds depth and complexity by infusing ganache with these spirits.
- Sea salt or smoked salt contrasts sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Spicy Variations
- Cayenne pepper adds heat to the truffle; adjust quantity for desired spiciness.
- Chipotle powder provides a smoky flavor with moderate heat for a more complex taste.
- Fresh chili peppers offer vibrant flavor and texture when finely chopped.
- Additional Spices
- Cardamom Adds a floral aroma that complements chocolate.
- Cinnamon Enhances the warmth and creates a cozy flavor combination.
- Coatings
- Cocoa powder adds bitterness to balance the sweetness of the truffle.
- Chopped nuts provide crunch and nutty flavors when used as a coating.
- Shredded coconut offers a chewy texture and tropical flavor.
- Ganache variations
- Milk chocolate creates a sweeter truffle.
- Dark chocolate provides a richer and more intense taste.
- Vegan options replace heavy cream with coconut milk for plant-based truffles.
