Heavenly Chocolate Truffles

From the time you were a wee little baker, you've probably been taught that making truffles is an exercise in precision. Tempering chocolate, weighing ingredients to the gram, and constantly checking temperatures: It's all supposed to be necessary for a truffle that's smooth, creamy, and doesn't melt the instant it meets your warm hand. But what if we told you there was a way to make truffles that was not only easier but also produced results that were just as good, if not better? Enter our vegan chocolate truffles, made with just six ingredients and no tempering required. The secret to their creaminess lies in the coconut cream, which adds richness and depth of flavor without the need for dairy. And because we're using vegan chocolate chips, these truffles are perfect for those with dietary restrictions or who simply prefer to avoid animal products.

The story of these vegan chocolate truffles begins in the kitchens of Serious Eats, where our team of culinary experts was tasked with creating a vegan dessert that was both delicious and approachable. We started with a classic truffle recipe, but quickly realized that the traditional methods of tempering and weighing ingredients were not necessary to achieve our desired results. After some experimentation, we stumbled upon the perfect combination of coconut cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, which gave our truffles a rich, creamy texture and a deep chocolate flavor. We've been making these truffles for years now, and they've become a staple in our test kitchen. They're perfect for any occasion, from a special dinner party to a casual get-together. And because they're so easy to make, you can whip up a batch in no time.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup vegan coconut cream
• 1 tablespoon vegan maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• Cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

1. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
3. Whisk in the coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
5. Scoop the chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls and roll in cocoa powder.
6. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Why It Works

• The coconut cream adds richness and depth of flavor without the need for dairy.
• The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance out the bitterness of the chocolate.
• The vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate and gives the truffles a more complex flavor profile.
• The sea salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the truffles and gives them a more sophisticated flavor.