Truffles have long been associated with decadence and luxury in the world of desserts. These delightful little treats, often rich, smooth, and melt-in-your-mouth, have earned their place in the hearts of chocolate lovers everywhere. While the traditional chocolate truffle may be made with heavy cream, butter, or cream cheese, the recipe we’re about to share is a unique spin on the classic truffle—an indulgent mix of condensed milk, honey, roasted hazelnuts, and rich dark chocolate.
The combination of sweet and nutty flavors is enhanced by the smooth texture of condensed milk and honey, which adds a velvety sweetness that balances the deep, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate. The roasted hazelnuts provide a delightful crunch, creating a contrast in texture that makes each bite more exciting. The result? A sweet, nutty, and chocolatey truffle that is sure to impress both guests and family alike.
Not only are these truffles a perfect treat for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries, but they can also be enjoyed as an everyday indulgence. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply looking to treat yourself after a long day, these hazelnut and dark chocolate truffles are bound to satisfy your cravings.
The recipe itself is incredibly simple and easy to prepare, even for those with minimal baking experience. With just a few ingredients and minimal time commitment, you can create these luxuriously rich truffles that are both fun to make and absolutely delicious to eat. Plus, with their smooth texture and delightful flavor profile, these truffles have the power to elevate any occasion, whether casual or formal.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step of creating these heavenly chocolate hazelnut truffles, explaining each ingredient, the preparation method, and providing helpful tips along the way. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a batch of these delicious treats ready to enjoy or share.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 300g Condensed Milk – This thick, sweet milk adds a rich and creamy texture to the truffles. It serves as a base for the truffle mixture, making it smooth and velvety. Condensed milk also contributes to the sweetness of the truffles, reducing the need for additional sugar.
- 50g Honey – Honey is a natural sweetener that not only enhances the sweetness of the truffles but also brings its own unique floral notes to the recipe. It pairs beautifully with the hazelnuts and dark chocolate, adding depth and complexity.
- 50g Hazelnuts – Hazelnuts are the star nut in this recipe. Their roasted flavor and crunchy texture provide a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the truffle filling. They also offer a nutty richness that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- 10ml Vegetable Oil – The addition of vegetable oil helps in melting the chocolate smoothly and prevents it from becoming too hard when it sets. It also ensures that the chocolate coating remains glossy and sleek.
- 100g Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate serves as the main ingredient for the truffle coating. Its slightly bitter taste creates a balance with the sweetness from the condensed milk and honey, making it the ideal chocolate for this recipe.
Preparation Steps:
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s go over the preparation steps for these hazelnut and dark chocolate truffles. Follow each step carefully for the best results.
- Roast the Hazelnuts:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for 10–12 minutes, or until the skins begin to darken slightly and the nuts become fragrant.
- Once roasted, remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool. Once cool, rub them between a kitchen towel to remove the skins. Chop the nuts into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Make the Truffle Base:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the condensed milk and honey. Heat the mixture over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning.
- Once the mixture is heated and well-combined, bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. You’ll notice it becoming more viscous.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
- While the condensed milk and honey are simmering, chop the dark chocolate into small pieces. This will help the chocolate melt more evenly.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the vegetable oil in a small pan over low heat. Once the oil is hot, pour it over the chocolate and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. Stir gently to combine. The heat from the oil should melt the chocolate into a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Combine the Truffle Filling:
- Once the condensed milk and honey mixture is ready, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before stirring in the chopped roasted hazelnuts.
- Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. These will form the base of your truffles. Make them as big or as small as you like, but aim for about 1 inch in diameter for the perfect bite-size treat.
- Coat the Truffles:
- Once all the truffle balls are formed, dip each one into the melted dark chocolate, rolling it until it is fully coated. You can use a fork or your hands to do this. Once coated, place the truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the chocolate-covered truffles in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour to set. The chocolate coating will harden, and the truffles will become firm and delicious.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 15 minutes for roasting the hazelnuts
- 5 minutes for simmering the condensed milk and honey
- 10–15 minutes for dipping and coating
Total Time:
- Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (including chilling time)
Calories per Serving:
Each truffle contains approximately 120-130 kcal, depending on the size of the truffles and the type of chocolate used. The total number of servings can vary based on the size of the truffles, but typically, you can expect to make around 15-20 truffles.
Why This Recipe is Timeless:
The combination of hazelnuts, dark chocolate, honey, and condensed milk creates a classic, yet modern truffle that transcends generations. Hazelnuts have long been paired with chocolate in a variety of dishes, from Nutella spreads to chocolate bars, because their earthy, nutty flavor complements the rich, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate so perfectly. Meanwhile, condensed milk has been a staple in desserts across many cultures, thanks to its thick, creamy consistency and ability to add sweetness without overpowering a dish. The use of honey in this recipe elevates the sweetness naturally, providing a richer, more complex flavor.
This truffle recipe remains timeless because it combines these classic ingredients in a new way. While the technique of making truffles might seem fancy, it is actually very simple and accessible to home bakers. The easy-to-make nature of these truffles, paired with their rich flavor and luxurious texture, make them perfect for any occasion, whether you are celebrating a holiday, treating yourself to something special, or sharing a sweet gift with someone important.
Nutrition Facts (per truffle):
- Calories: 120–130 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and the size of the truffles.)
FAQs:
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. However, dark chocolate adds a more complex, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey and condensed milk. Milk chocolate will make the truffles sweeter.
Q: How can I make these truffles vegan?
A: To make these truffles vegan, you can substitute the condensed milk with coconut milk and use maple syrup instead of honey. Be sure to choose a vegan dark chocolate that does not contain dairy.
Q: How long will these truffles last?
A: If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these truffles will last up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Tips for Making Perfect Truffles:
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The chocolate coating is the star of the show, so be sure to choose a high-quality dark chocolate. Look for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best balance of bitterness and sweetness.
- Chill the Truffles Properly: Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps the chocolate set properly and ensures the truffles hold their shape. If you want a firmer texture, let them chill for a bit longer.
- Experiment with Flavors: While hazelnuts are the main nut in this recipe, you can try other nuts like almonds or pistachios for a different flavor. You can also add flavorings like vanilla extract or espresso powder to the chocolate coating.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate Truffles with Honey and Condensed Milk are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly exceptional. With their smooth, creamy interior, complemented by the rich taste of dark chocolate and the delightful crunch of roasted hazelnuts, these truffles are an indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The addition of honey and condensed milk not only enhances the flavor but also gives the truffles a unique texture that sets them apart from other chocolate confections.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it by experimenting with different types of nuts, chocolates, or flavorings. Whether you’re looking for a treat to impress guests at a dinner party or just craving something sweet for yourself, these truffles are the ideal choice. They are quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and offer a luxurious flavor that will make you feel like a professional chocolatier.