Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles Recipe - Build Your Bite (2024)

FAQs

How do you thicken truffles? ›

If your ganache isn't firm enough to scoop into balls, you can chill it in the fridge to harden. Or, whip it very briefly until the color just begins to lighten—about 30 seconds on medium-low with a hand mixer. Let it set again and it will firm up.

Presentation: Truffles are typically shaped into small spheres and coated with a dusting of cocoa powder, sugar, or nuts. Ganache is more flexible in presentation, as it can be used as a filling, glaze, or frosting, adapting to the specific dessert or recipe.

Homemade truffles can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and for up to 6 months in the freezer. For the best texture and flavor, bring them to room temperature before serving. Even if you're planning on gifting your chocolate truffles, be sure to store them in the fridge or freezer.

Let the ganache cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Scoop up heaped teaspoons of ganache, roll them into smooth balls between the palms of your hands and then roll them around in cocoa powder or sprinkles to coat them evenly.

Full-fat coconut milk or a blend of coconut milk and coconut cream are an ideal substitute for heavy cream. The truffles in this photo are made from canned coconut milk; I recommend choosing a brand that is in a container that doesn't contain BPA.

Chocolate truffles can be expensive for several reasons, including the cost of base ingredients, the production process, and their reputation. Firstly, even when produced on an industrial level, gourmet truffles require high-quality chocolate, cream, and butter, all of which can be expensive by themselves.

Keep truffles in a cool, dark place and keep them dry. Because truffles are generally a much softer consistency than tempered chocolate, it's more likely that you will need to put them in the fridge in warm weather. As with tempered chocolate, make sure the truffles are well wrapped and in an airtight container.

As it cools, your ganache will thicken and harden to a stable fudge-like consistency. It will never reach a point where it is rock hard (you'll always be able to smudge it if you apply enough pressure with your finger and it will always give to your teeth if you take a bite) but it will completely firm up once cooled.

Cool it down first

Another way to fix your runny ganache is by cooling your ganache down first before using it. It is very easy to do, all you have to do is wrap the ganache with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge, at least for an hour. After that, you can mix the ganache again with a mixer to thicken the texture.

To dip in chocolate:

Use a toothpick to gently slide the dipped truffles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with any garnishes before the chocolate sets, if desired. Repeat with remaining balls, wiping off your fork with a paper towel after every couple truffles.

What makes a good truffle? ›

It's all about the smell, according to Rocco Tripodi of Queen's Harvest. “It's part of the whole thing. It's about the smell as much as the taste,” he says. So, keep a nose out for the rich, strong scent when looking for fresh truffles.

To give as presents, place 8-10 truffles in individual foil or paper cases inside small, lined boxes tied with ribbon. Keep in the fridge until you're ready to give them. Will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three days, or frozen for up to a month.

Any solid chocolate pieces will last up to a year or so believe it or not. However, any filled pieces such as caramels, creams, jellies or toffee have approximately a 6 to 8 week shelf life. Truffles have approximately a 2 to 4 week shelf life due to the fact that they are made with fresh heavy cream.

If you don't think you can eat all of your homemade truffles within a week or two, you'll want to keep them in the freezer. To provide a little extra protection from the harsh chill, pop the candies into a zip-top bag and then store that bag inside an airtight container.

Use a higher chocolate-to-cream ratio to produce a thicker ganache. Milk chocolate, white chocolate, and compound chocolate all melt down to a thinner consistency than dark chocolate does. For a thicker ganache, like for truffles, use a 2:1 ratio of chocolate to cream.

Ensure a higher ratio of chocolate to cream or use chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage. Allow ganache to cool at room temperature or chill briefly in the refrigerator to thicken. Gently reheat with more cream, stirring slowly to smooth out.

Cornflour/Cornstarch: Mix a small amount with cold milk or water to create a smooth paste. Whisk this into your hot chocolate towards the end of the cooking process until it thickens. Double Cream: Stirring in a splash of double cream can instantly enrich and thicken your drink, giving it a velvety texture.