Red Wine Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients for Chocolate Truffles

These homemade red wine chocolate truffles are made with 5 simple ingredients; chocolate, heavy whipping cream, butter, vanilla, and red wine or Grand Marnier (optional). The two most important ingredients are the chocolate and cream, but the butter, vanilla, and wine add a wonderful depth of flavor to the truffles.

• Chocolate: For red wine chocolate truffles use semi-sweet chocolate chips. DON’T let anyone tell you that you can’t make truffles with chocolate chips, because you can. It’s best to roughly chop them a bit before adding the cream. But if the chips don’t melt entirely after adding the hot cream, then you can just temper the bowl over hot water for a few seconds while they melt.
• Cream: Heavy cream specifically, note that heavy cream can also be labeled whipping cream, or heavy whipping cream. These can all be used for this recipe. Just don’t use milk for this.
• Butter: This will help make the truffles extra creamy. When I was consulting with our caterer for this recipe 15 years ago she swore by butter in truffles. You don’t mess with a seasoned wedding caterer!
• Vanilla extract: Just a smidge, for added flavor.
• Red Wine: This is going to add lovely flavor as well. Use a bold fruity red wine, like a Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon. A lighter wine (like a Pinot Noir for example) will get lost in the flavor of the chocolate. Alternatively, you can use Grand Marnier, Bourbon, or rum in the truffles.

See notes for adjustments if you use either of those instead of wine.

Preparation

Once the liquids are heated up, you need to move quickly to melt the chocolate. So we recommend preparing and laying out all of your ingredients as we would for any chef event. Also known as mis en place.

Chop up the Chocolate: Whether you’re using a block of chocolate or chocolate chips, you’re going to want to chop them up to make them melt more easily. See notes for troubleshooting. Place the chopped chocolate in a large stainless steel or glass bowl.

Prepare Toppings: An optional step once the chocolate has firmed is to add a topping to them, or a rolled coating. Prepare the toppings before you start or while the chocolate truffles are cooling in the refrigerator.

How to make Homemade Chocolate Truffles

1. Heat up Cream and Butter: In a small sauce pan over medium heat, warm up the cream and butter stirring occasionally, just until it starts to bubble but not a full boil. About 6 minutes.
2. Combine Cream with Chocolate: As soon as the cream bubbles, immediately pour it into the bowl over the chopped chocolate.
3. Add Additional Liquids: Immediately add the vanilla and wine and whisk consistently until the chocolate melts and the texture is smooth.
4. Refrigerate/Cool: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator for about an hour (or in the freezer for 30 mins-1 hour), until the mixture is firm.
5. Roll Truffles: Once the truffles have cooled, scoop them out using a melon baller and roll them with your hands. This will get messy! Then coat them with your desired toppings. I love crushed smoked almonds, cocoa powder, and melted tempered chocolate with sea salt.

Topping Ideas For Chocolate Truffles

For any of these coating ideas, prepare them, and spread them in a small flat plate or dish so you can simply roll the rolled chocolate truffles around to get the coating on. The only exception is the salt. You want just a little bit of salt over the top.

• Salt – One simple, yet amazing flavor, is to top the chocolate truffles with Maldon salt, also known as finishing salt. The large flakes complement the rich chocolate flavor.
• Crushed Nuts – Since we live in hazelnut country, we like to coat them with crushed or chopped hazelnuts. It’s best to pulverize them in a food processor to get a smaller grind. You can also use cashews, almonds, or any mix of crushed nuts.
• Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder is a delicious way to add some bite to the rich chocolate flavor.

After you have coated them in your desired toppings, place them on a tray and serve immediately or store for eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

How long will homemade chocolate truffles last? These red wine chocolate truffles are best consumed within 10 days of making them if stored in a refrigerator because of the heavy cream. After that days they can start to discolor and oxidize.

If storing them, be sure it’s stored in an airtight plastic or glass container and stored in the refrigerator. If it’s stored at room temperature they can start to warm too much and get messy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Wine To Pair With Chocolate Truffles

If making homemade red wine truffles, pair with the same red wine you use in the recipe. Another great wine pairing option is ruby or tawny ports. The fruiter character of the port pairs perfectly with chocolate truffles.