I’m so excited to share this Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe with you today because it’s one of those treats that feels fancy but comes together like a breeze. If you love rich, creamy chocolate with a satisfying crunch from almonds, you’re going to adore how these melt-in-your-mouth truffles turn out. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to for gifting or a special indulgence during cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples that come together beautifully without fuss.
- Delightful Texture: Creamy chocolate mixture perfectly balanced with crunchy chopped almonds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday treat or a quick homemade gift, these truffles impress every time.
- Fun and Festive Finishing Touch: The white chocolate coating with red and green candy drizzles adds a cheerful pop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays its part beautifully – the milk chocolate creates a luscious base, the almond extract adds a subtle, nutty aroma, and the chopped almonds bring texture that keeps every bite interesting. Plus, the white chocolate and colorful candy melts give a pretty finish that’s surprisingly easy to do.
- Milk Chocolate: Use good quality milk chocolate bars or chips for a creamy, smooth truffle base.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the truffles their luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Almond Extract: Just a splash adds that classic almond flavor that lifts the whole recipe.
- Almonds (Chopped): Toasting them lightly before chopping can boost their flavor and crunch.
- White Chocolate (Melted): This coats the truffles perfectly and pairs wonderfully with the almonds.
- Red/Green Candy Melts: They add a festive drizzle—perfect for holidays or gifting—but you can skip or swap colors too.
Variations
I love customizing this Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m making it for. You’ll find that small tweaks can give these truffles a new twist without changing the ease of the process.
- Use Dark Chocolate: For a richer, slightly bittersweet option, swap milk chocolate with dark—it’s a game changer if you prefer less sweetness.
- Swap Almonds for Pistachios: I once made these with pistachios and the green crunch was stunning and delicious!
- Add a Touch of Liqueur: A splash of amaretto or frangelico stirred into the chocolate mix makes these extra decadent for adults.
- Vegan Version: Try coconut cream in place of heavy cream and use dairy-free chocolate—results are surprisingly good.
How to Make Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Melt and Combine the Chocolate and Cream
Start by gently melting the milk chocolate and heavy whipping cream together in a saucepan over very low heat. Stir slowly and patiently until you get a perfectly smooth ganache — no lumps! I always make sure to keep the heat low to prevent scorching the chocolate, which can ruin the flavor. After it’s smooth, remove from heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes so it’s warm but not hot—this helps with mixing in the almond extract later without cooking off its flavor.
Step 2: Beat in Almond Extract and Chill
Pour the cooled mixture into your mixing bowl and add the almond extract—just about three quarters of a teaspoon is enough for that classic nutty aroma. Using a mixer on low speed, beat the mixture gently until silken and smooth, which usually takes 1-2 minutes. Then cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours to firm up. I always found this chilling step crucial because it makes the truffle dough easier to scoop and shape.
Step 3: Shape into Balls and Coat with Almonds
Once chilled, scoop the mixture using a small spoon or cookie scoop into roughly ¾-inch balls. Roll each ball in your chopped almonds until fully covered—this gives that addictive texture and nutty burst in every bite. Lay them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for about an hour to really set the shape. I find freezing before dipping prevents the truffles from melting and helps the coatings stick better.
Step 4: Dip in White Chocolate and Decorate
Using a toothpick, gently dip each almond-coated truffle into the melted white chocolate until fully covered. Give the bowl a soft tap on the side to let the excess drip off—too much coating looks messy and wastes chocolate! Place them back on the parchment sheet and let them set for 30 minutes. Finish by drizzling with your red and green candy melts for that festive touch. Let them set 15 minutes more—then, voilà, your gorgeous Chocolate Almond Truffles are ready!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe
- Temperature Control: Always let the ganache cool before adding almond extract so the flavor doesn’t evaporate.
- Chill Twice: After scooping the truffles and after dipping to keep their shape and prevent melting.
- Use a Toothpick Dipping Method: It gives you control and a neat finish when coating each truffle.
- Prevent Cracks: Don’t rush setting times—allow chocolates to firm at room temperature or briefly in the fridge before storing.
How to Serve Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with finely chopped almonds because they add such a nice texture, but sometimes I like to garnish with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the white chocolate before it sets—it brings out the sweetness in an amazing way. Edible gold leaf also makes these truffles shine for a really fancy touch when I bring them to parties.
Side Dishes
These truffles pair beautifully with just a simple cup of black coffee or even a glass of dessert wine. On the sweeter side, I love serving them alongside fresh berries or lightly whipped cream to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gifting, I like to arrange these truffles in mini cupcake liners within decorative boxes wrapped with ribbons. They also look charming stacked on a pretty plate topped with fresh mint leaves at dinner parties—people always ask for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just make sure they’re well covered so they don’t absorb other fridge odors. I always bring them to room temperature before serving so the texture is silky again.
Freezing
This Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe freezes wonderfully. I pop them in a ziplock bag layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they keep well for several months. When ready to enjoy, I thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
You actually don’t want to reheat these directly since it can change the texture. Instead, just let frozen truffles thaw gradually in the fridge followed by a short sit at room temperature before serving. This keeps them creamy and delicious without melting the outer coating.
FAQs
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Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate in this Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate will give your truffles a richer, more intense cocoa flavor and less sweetness. If you switch to dark chocolate, you might want to adjust the sweetness in other parts if needed, but the basic steps remain the same.
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Do I have to use almonds, or can I try other nuts?
You can definitely experiment! Pistachios, hazelnuts, or even pecans work beautifully. Toasting the nuts first enhances their flavor and crunch. Just chop them finely like the almonds in the recipe.
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What’s the best way to store these truffles?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage. Just bring refrigerated truffles back to room temperature before serving so they’re soft and creamy.
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Can I make these truffles dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and pick dairy-free chocolate varieties. The texture will be slightly different but still very tasty and indulgent.
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How long does it take for the chocolate coating to set?
About 30 minutes at room temperature is usually enough for the white chocolate coating to firm up. You can also chill them briefly in the fridge if you want to speed this up.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe turns out every time, and I hope you enjoy making and savoring them as much as I do. They’re a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and festive—plus, they’re easy enough for even last-minute treats. Give this recipe a try for your next get-together or cozy night in. You might find, like me, that they quickly become a beloved family favorite and a sweet way to show you care.
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Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these creamy and decadent Chocolate Almond Truffles, combining smooth milk chocolate ganache with a crunchy almond coating and a decorative white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these homemade truffles are simple to prepare and offer a rich, nutty flavor that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Truffle Base
- 12 ounces milk chocolate
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract
Coating and Decoration
- ⅓ cup chopped almonds
- 16 ounces white chocolate, melted
- ¼ cup red and green candy melts, melted
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Cream: In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt the milk chocolate together with the heavy whipping cream, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Almond Extract and Chill: Transfer the melted chocolate mixture into a mixing bowl. Add the almond extract and beat on low speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for approximately 2 hours, allowing the ganache to set and firm up.
- Form and Coat Truffles: Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out about 3/4-inch portions of the chilled mixture and roll each into a ball with your hands. Roll each truffle in the chopped almonds to coat evenly. Place the almond-coated truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour to set.
- Dip in White Chocolate: Insert a toothpick into each chilled truffle and dip them one by one into the melted white chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Gently tap the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Place the dipped truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Decorate with Candy Melts: Drizzle the melted red and green candy melts over the set truffles for a festive finishing touch. Let the truffles sit for an additional 15 minutes to allow the decorating chocolate to harden before serving. Store the truffles in an airtight container or freeze in a ziplock bag for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure the cream and chocolate are heated gently to avoid burning and seizing the chocolate.
- The truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months.
- For a different nut option, try pistachios or hazelnuts instead of almonds.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Allow truffles to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
