Few things in life are as decadent and delightful as a perfectly crafted chocolate truffle. But when you combine the irresistible hazelnut-chocolate spread of Nutella with rich, creamy chocolate, you create something truly extraordinary. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that promises to satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings with these exquisite Nutella Chocolate Truffles.
This sensational recipe comes to us from the wonderfully talented culinary duo, Adam and Joanne, the creative minds behind the beloved Inspired Taste Blog. If you haven’t yet explored their treasure trove of recipes, you’re in for a treat. Their blog is a vibrant hub of approachable, delicious cooking that consistently inspires home chefs. We highly recommend you visit their site to discover their comforting Pear Vanilla Muffins, which are a perfect start to any day, or their tantalizingly tangy Olives with Lemon Confit and Chili Flakes, ideal for an appetizer that truly pops with flavor.
What truly sets Adam and Joanne apart, and why we adore their culinary philosophy, is their unwavering commitment to creating simple, honest food. By “honest,” we mean their recipes champion the use of a few, high-quality ingredients that shine through in every bite. They prove that you don’t need complex techniques or an endless list of exotic items to produce something truly memorable. Their approach is all about achieving incredible flavor without unnecessary fuss, making gourmet experiences accessible to everyone. Moreover, their photography skills are simply astounding; their food doesn’t just look delicious, it practically leaps off the screen, inviting you to take a bite.
We’re incredibly honored to have Adam and Joanne as guest contributors, sharing their remarkable talent with our readers. When we asked them to craft something special, they delivered beyond our wildest expectations, presenting us with these divine Nutella Chocolate Truffles. This recipe is a testament to their ability to transform simple ingredients into a truly luxurious dessert. Imagine biting into a rich, velvety truffle, each layer revealing a new dimension of flavor and texture. It’s an experience that speaks directly to the soul of any chocolate lover.
Let’s talk about these glorious creations. At their heart lies a perfectly frozen core of pure Nutella, offering an intense burst of hazelnut-chocolate goodness. This delightful center is then enveloped in a lavish, creamy milk chocolate ganache, providing a smooth and luscious contrast. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. Each truffle is generously coated in even more melted milk chocolate, creating a satisfying shell that cracks ever so gently when bitten. For the ultimate finishing touch, they’re rolled in finely crushed hazelnut wafers, adding an exquisite crunch and reinforcing that nutty flavor profile. This multi-layered approach ensures every bite is a complex symphony of textures—creamy, firm, and crisp—and flavors that dance on the palate, making them utterly irresistible.
And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, Adam and Joanne offer an optional double coating, followed by a dusting of rich cocoa powder or a sprinkling of finely chopped hazelnuts. This additional step elevates the truffles to another level of sophistication, catering to diverse preferences and adding even more depth. These truffles are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor, a small work of art that promises pure bliss. Believe us when we say, one bite of these will make you exclaim, “Oh, my sweet heavens!”
Decadent Nutella Chocolate Truffles: A Taste of Paris at Home
Recipe and photos by Adam and Joanne of Inspired Taste
Just after the bustling holiday season, Joanne and I were incredibly fortunate to embark on a memorable trip to the enchanting city of Paris, France. That was just over a month ago, and the vivid memories of its incredible food, intoxicating smells, breathtaking sights, rich history, and the undeniable romance of the “City of Lights” still linger in our minds. Paris truly offers an unparalleled sensory experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. However, returning to reality has also brought a poignant truth: the lack of street vendors offering freshly made Nutella crepes. This realization has been, to put it mildly, quite upsetting for us, as those warm, gooey crepes were a daily highlight of our Parisian adventure.
We’ve since accepted that we must move forward, but not without finding a delicious way to cope with our newfound longing. So, in an attempt to channel our “Nutella crepe nostalgia” into something productive and utterly delicious, we spent an entire day in the kitchen. Our frustration quickly transformed into inspiration, leading us to create these magnificent Nutella Chocolate Truffles. These truffles are not merely a dessert; they are a delightful homage to our Parisian memories, capturing the essence of that beloved hazelnut-chocolate delight in a sophisticated, bite-sized form.
These exquisite truffles begin with a luscious Nutella core, which is carefully frozen to provide a firm, intense center. This delightful heart is then lovingly enveloped in a soft, incredibly smooth milk chocolate ganache. The contrast between the firm, nutty center and the yielding, creamy ganache is simply divine. But we didn’t stop there! Each truffle is then coated with an additional layer of rich milk chocolate, creating a delightful shell. To add an irresistible crunch and enhance the hazelnut flavor, they are tossed generously in finely ground hazelnut wafers. And as if that wasn’t enough to satisfy every chocolate or truffle craving imaginable, we took a few of them even further, coating them with more milk chocolate and rolling them in a luxurious mix of cocoa powder and additional chopped hazelnuts. We are confident that these truffles will not only banish any post-Paris blues but also become your go-to recipe for an exceptionally indulgent treat that truly delivers on every front.
Nutella Chocolate Truffles Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 16 exquisite truffles, perfect for sharing or savoring yourself.
Ingredients
Main Truffles
- 1/2 cup Nutella, divided (about 4 tablespoons for centers, rest for ganache)
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 5 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped or high-quality milk chocolate chips
Garnish
- 8 hazelnut wafers, crushed (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 8 ounces additional milk chocolate for coating (or milk chocolate chips), finely chopped
Optional Garnish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Finely chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
Prepare Nutella Centers:
Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it lies flat. Using approximately half of the Nutella (about 4 tablespoons), carefully pipe or use two small spoons to create 16 small Nutella centers. Each center should be no larger than half a teaspoon, as they will be enveloped in ganache later. Precision in size ensures even truffles. Place the baking sheet into the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the Nutella centers are completely frozen solid. This step is crucial for easy handling during assembly.
Craft the Milk Chocolate Ganache:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium heat until small bubbles just begin to form around the edge of the pan. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously. Meanwhile, place the finely chopped 5 ounces of milk chocolate and the remaining Nutella into a medium-sized heatproof mixing bowl. Pour about half of the hot cream over the chocolate mixture; allow it to sit undisturbed for 30 seconds. This allows the heat from the cream to begin melting the chocolate. Then, slowly begin to whisk the mixture from the center outwards until it becomes smooth and homogenous. Gradually add the remaining hot cream, whisking continuously, until all the cream has been fully incorporated and the ganache is wonderfully smooth and glossy. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ganache for at least 15 minutes to allow it to cool and firm up slightly. This cooling period is vital for achieving the correct texture for whipping.
Whip the Ganache:
Once cooled, remove the ganache from the refrigerator. Using an electric mixer (or a whisk and a lot of arm strength!), whip the ganache until it becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably paler in color. This aeration adds a wonderful texture to the truffles. Once whipped, place the bowl back into the refrigerator for at least another 30 minutes, or until you are ready to proceed with assembling the truffles. The firmer the ganache, the easier it will be to work with.
Assemble the Truffles:
Working quickly to prevent softening, retrieve your frozen Nutella centers and chilled whipped ganache. Using two small spoons, carefully roll each frozen Nutella center into the whipped ganache, ensuring it is completely coated. The cold Nutella helps keep the ganache firm. It may be beneficial to work in small batches, returning the remaining ganache and centers to the freezer/fridge as needed, especially if your kitchen is warm. For an exceptionally smooth finish, you can wear powder-free latex gloves and gently roll the ganache-covered centers by hand into perfect spheres. Place the newly formed truffles back onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and return them to the refrigerator for another 15 minutes to firm up.
Melt the Coating Chocolate:
Prepare the 8 ounces of milk chocolate for coating. You can melt it either using a double boiler method (placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water) or in the microwave. For the microwave method: finely chop the 8 ounces of milk chocolate. Place ¾ of the chopped chocolate in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is mostly melted and smooth, with a beautiful shine. Then, add the remaining ¼ of the chopped chocolate and stir until it completely melts and the mixture is smooth. This technique, known as “seeding,” helps to temper the chocolate slightly, resulting in a more stable and shiny coating.
Coat and Garnish:
Using two small spoons or a dipping fork, pick up each chilled truffle and submerge it entirely into the melted coating chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately roll the coated truffle in the crushed hazelnut wafers. For those opting for the optional garnishes, you can roll some truffles in cocoa powder or finely chopped hazelnuts. Place the finished truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the truffles to sit at room temperature for a few minutes until the chocolate coating is fully set. Once set, these delightful Nutella Chocolate Truffles are ready to be served and enjoyed!
Notes
This delightful recipe for Nutella Chocolate Truffles was masterfully created by Adam and Joanne of the Inspired Taste Blog. Their creativity and passion for delicious food shine through in every step of this indulgent treat.
The method for creating the perfectly smooth and rich ganache was thoughtfully adapted from a classic Chocolate Truffles recipe featured on Epicurious.com, ensuring a professional and utterly delicious result.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy creating and tasting these luxurious Nutella Chocolate Truffles. They truly are a testament to the power of simple, quality ingredients and passionate cooking. Whether you make them for a special occasion, as a thoughtful gift, or simply to treat yourself, these truffles are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a delightful experience to your palate. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and experiences with us!