Try this vegan chocolate truffles recipe for a 'sweet' day
Chocolate truffles have a rich history, originating in France in the late 19th century. Traditionally made with a chocolate ganache center coated in chocolate, cocoa powder, or nuts, these confections have been adapted into countless variations worldwide. Today's focus is on a vegan version that maintains a luxurious taste without any animal products. Let's get cooking and bring this delightful treat to your kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
To make these vegan chocolate truffles, you will need one cup of high-quality dark chocolate (ensure it's vegan), one-half cup of coconut cream, one tablespoon of coconut oil, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. For coating, arrange for cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or vegan sprinkles. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate easier mixing.
Preparing the ganache
Finely chop the dark chocolate and transfer it to a medium-sized bowl. In a saucepan, warm the coconut cream and coconut oil over low heat until it's hot without boiling. Pour this mixture over the chocolate, wait for a minute to let the chocolate soften, then whisk until you have a smooth ganache. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Chilling time
Cover the bowl of ganache with plastic wrap, ensuring it's well sealed. Place it into the refrigerator to set, a process that typically takes about two hours. However, the exact time can vary depending on your refrigerator's temperature setting. The ganache is ready when it achieves a firm consistency but is still soft enough to be shaped into balls without difficulty.
Shaping your truffles
After the ganache has set in the refrigerator and is firm yet malleable, use a spoon or a melon baller to scoop out even portions. Work quickly to roll these portions between your palms, forming smooth balls before they soften from the warmth of your hands. To prevent the ganache from sticking to your skin, you might opt to wear gloves during this process.
Coating your truffles
Roll each truffle ball into your chosen coating, be it cocoa powder for classic elegance, crushed nuts for a crunchy texture, or vegan sprinkles for a pop of color. Ensure an even coat on each truffle. Place the coated truffles on parchment paper as you work through the batch, creating an assortment of decadently coated vegan chocolate delights.
