Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and crave something both indulgent and wholesome, then I’m about to share a tiny piece of heaven with you: the Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe. These velvety, rich delights combine toasted hazelnuts with luscious dark chocolate to create a treat that is as simple to make as it is irresistible. Every bite is a perfect harmony of creamy, nutty, and sweet flavors, making these truffles a wonderful way to satisfy your chocolate cravings without any guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the very first step to creating these melt-in-your-mouth treasures. Each component here is essential, contributing to the flavor, texture, or richness that makes these truffles so special.

• ¾ cup (100gr) hazelnuts, toasted: Toasting brings out their natural nuttiness and adds a toasty depth of flavor.
• 3.5 oz (100gr) dark or semi-sweet chocolate (vegan): Use a high-quality vegan chocolate to keep the truffles rich and smooth.
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup: This natural sweetener adds a gentle sweetness with a subtle hint of warmth.
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder: For extra chocolate intensity and a slightly powdery finish on the truffles.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla elevates the chocolate, enhancing every flavor note.
• ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt: A pinch of salt brings balance and amplifies the sweetness and chocolate depth.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Hazelnuts

Start by toasting your hazelnuts until their skins are browned and fragrant, usually about 10 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Once roasted, let them cool slightly, then rub them between a kitchen towel to remove as much of the skins as possible. This step intensifies their flavor and ensures your truffles have a smooth, nutty foundation.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Chop your vegan chocolate into small pieces for even melting. Using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water, gently melt the chocolate, stirring frequently until it’s silky smooth. Patience here is key to avoid burning and to keep that luscious texture.

Step 3: Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor, pulse your toasted hazelnuts until they form a coarse meal; you want some texture but no large chunks. Add the melted chocolate, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt to the processor. Blend everything until you get a thick, glossy mixture that comes together like a fudgy paste.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling step helps the truffle mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into perfect little balls.

Step 5: Form the Truffles

Use a small spoon or a melon baller to scoop out portions of the chilled mixture, rolling them quickly between your palms to form smooth balls. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly dust your hands with cocoa powder to keep things tidy.

Step 6: Optional Dusting

For a classic finish, roll each truffle in extra cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, or even a pinch of sea salt. This not only adds flair but gives a delightful textural contrast with every bite.

How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

Garnishes

Feel free to dress up your Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe with garnishes that enhance flavor and appearance. Sprinkling with a little flaky sea salt or dusting with extra cocoa powder brings sophistication. For an added festive touch, use crushed dried rose petals or edible gold flakes to make these treats shine at any gathering.

Side Dishes

While these truffles are decadent on their own, pairing them with fresh berries or a little plant-based whipped cream can elevate your dessert experience. A cup of rich, freshly brewed coffee or a creamy almond milk latte complements the deep chocolate and nutty notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation matters when sharing your Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe with loved ones. Try arranging them on a decorative plate lined with parchment paper, or place each truffle in a mini cupcake liner for a charming individual portion. Gift them in a pretty box tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade present that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your truffles fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay perfectly ready to enjoy for up to one week, making them a handy treat to satisfy cravings anytime.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these truffles well in advance, no problem! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, they last up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving to retain their perfect texture.

Reheating

These truffles are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If they get too firm from the fridge, simply let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly before indulging.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts give that classic chocolate-hazelnut flavor, walnuts, almonds, or cashews can be delicious substitutes. Just toast them to bring out their flavor before blending.

Is maple syrup the only sweetener that works?

Maple syrup is recommended for its rich flavor and vegan status, but you can use agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or even coconut nectar. For non-vegan options, honey works well too.

What type of chocolate should I use?

Select a vegan dark or semi-sweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for the best balance of bitterness and sweetness. Quality chocolate really makes a difference in the final taste.

How do I make the truffles less sticky when rolling?

If your hands get sticky, gently dust them with cocoa powder or lightly oil them before rolling. Also, chilling the mixture until firm makes shaping much easier.

Can these truffles be made nut-free?

It’s tricky since hazelnuts are central to this recipe. However, you could experiment with seed butters like sunflower seed butter and substitute seeds for the nuts. The flavor will differ, but with some tweaking, you can create a tasty alternative.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles Recipe a try. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because some days call for an extra dose of chocolate, these truffles are a little bite of joy. With their rich flavor and simple ingredients, they’re sure to become a favorite treat in your repertoire. So grab your hazelnuts and chocolate and dive into the delicious fun!

Print