Vegan Chocolate Truffles

These Vegan Chocolate Truffles are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. Rich, velvety, and made with only a few simple ingredients, these truffles are perfect for gifting during the holidays or enjoying as a decadent treat yourself. They’re easy to make, with no baking required, and offer a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you roll them in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes, they’re sure to please everyone’s taste buds!

Servings: 12-16 truffles
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients:

8 oz (225g) high-quality dark chocolate (make sure it’s dairy-free for vegan)
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (or any non-dairy milk of your choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Toppings (optional):
Cocoa powder
Chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios)
Shredded coconut
Vegan sprinkles

Instructions:

Melt the Chocolate:

Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl.
In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the coconut milk until it begins to simmer, but not boil. Remove from heat once it’s hot.
Pour the hot coconut milk over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate.
After a few minutes, stir gently until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.

Flavor the Ganache:

Stir in the vanilla extract, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt (if using) into the chocolate mixture. This will enhance the flavor and give your truffles that rich, sweet depth.

Chill the Ganache:

Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the ganache is firm enough to scoop and roll into balls.

Shape the Truffles:

Once the ganache has chilled, use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out portions of the chocolate mixture.
Roll the scooped ganache into balls using your hands. Be gentle, as the ganache can be soft.

Coat the Truffles (Optional):

If desired, roll the truffles in your favorite toppings to add texture and flavor. Some great options include:
- Cocoa powder for a classic truffle finish.
- Chopped nuts for a crunchy exterior.
- Shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Vegan sprinkles for a festive touch.

Chill Again:

Place the finished truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to set completely.

Serve:

Once chilled and set, your Vegan Chocolate Truffles are ready to enjoy! They’ll keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you’re gifting them, consider packaging them in a cute box or jar.

Tips:

Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa to ensure rich, deep flavor. Check the label to ensure it’s dairy-free.
Flavors: Add a teaspoon of orange zest, a dash of cinnamon, or a tiny splash of your favorite liqueur (like Baileys Almande or Grand Marnier) to elevate the flavor profile.
Storage: Truffles can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

These Vegan Chocolate Truffles are a luxurious treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your friends, or as a thoughtful gift, they’re guaranteed to impress and delight anyone with a sweet tooth!