Indulge in the decadent flavors of salted dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, and creamy caramel with these exquisite truffles. Perfect for gifting or as a special treat for yourself, these truffles are surprisingly easy to make. Follow this simple recipe to create a batch of these delightful confections that are sure to impress.
Ingredients for Salted Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Truffles
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Truffles:
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup roasted hazelnuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
How to Make Salted Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Truffles
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
- Heat the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula.
- Cook the Sugar: Continue to cook the sugar until it melts and turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Butter and Cream: Carefully add the cubed butter and heavy cream to the caramel, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Add Salt: Stir in the sea salt, then remove the caramel from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Truffle Filling
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Mix the Chocolate: Stir the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Caramel: Pour the slightly cooled caramel into the chocolate mixture and stir until well combined.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Step 3: Shape the Truffles
- Form Balls: Once the chocolate mixture is firm, use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out small portions and roll them into balls.
- Coat with Hazelnuts: Roll each truffle in the finely chopped hazelnuts until coated.
- Chill Again: Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Before serving, dust the truffles with cocoa powder for a finishing touch.
- Enjoy: Serve the truffles at room temperature and enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors of salted dark chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel.
About the Main Ingredients
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is the star ingredient in these truffles, providing a rich and intense chocolate flavor. Look for dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% for the best results. The dark chocolate is melted and combined with cream to create a smooth and creamy truffle filling.
Hazelnuts
Roasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to these truffles. Finely chopped hazelnuts are used to coat the truffles, adding texture and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Toasting the hazelnuts before chopping them intensifies their flavor and adds a delicious depth to the truffles.
Caramel
The caramel filling adds a sweet and creamy element to these truffles. Made with sugar, butter, cream, and sea salt, the caramel is cooked until it reaches a rich amber color, then cooled slightly before being mixed with the chocolate. The caramel adds a luxurious texture and flavor that complements the dark chocolate and hazelnuts perfectly.
Sea Salt
A sprinkle of sea salt on top of each truffle enhances the flavors and provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. The sea salt adds a savory note that balances the richness of the truffles, making them even more irresistible.
