Lush, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffles enrobed in a vibrant coating of finely chopped roasted pistachios—these indulgent bites offer a rich, nutty contrast that’s both elegant and delicious. Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or simply treating yourself, these truffles balance deep chocolate intensity with the satisfying crunch and flavor of pistachios.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pistachio chocolate truffles are a decadent blend of simplicity and sophistication. With just a few high-quality ingredients, they deliver a luxurious texture and flavor. The smooth ganache center melts on the tongue, while the pistachio coating adds visual appeal and a distinct nuttiness. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or homemade gifts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup roasted unsalted pistachios, finely chopped (for coating)
Directions
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat the cream and butter over medium heat until just simmering.
- Remove from heat and pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate. Let sit for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add the vanilla extract and sea salt. Stir to combine.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 2–3 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
- Using a small spoon or scoop, form the ganache into 1-inch balls and roll them between your palms.
- Roll each truffle in finely chopped pistachios until fully coated.
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 20 truffles.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 2–3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Alternative coatings: Use cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed freeze-dried raspberries in place of pistachios.
- Flavored ganache: Infuse the cream with orange zest, espresso, or a cinnamon stick before pouring over chocolate.
- Liqueur twist: Add 1 tbsp of liqueur such as Grand Marnier, amaretto, or Irish cream to the ganache.
- Milk or white chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate for a sweeter version.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut cream, and plant-based butter.
- Salted topping: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each truffle for extra flavor.
- Double nut: Mix finely ground pistachios into the ganache before rolling.
- Chili chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy heat.
- Cardamom accent: Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the ganache for a Middle Eastern flair.
- Textured finish: Roll truffles in a mixture of chopped nuts and sugar for a crunchy coating.
Storage/reheating
Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
For best texture, allow truffles to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
To freeze, place truffles on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the truffles will be sweeter and less intense. Adjust sugar or coatings accordingly if needed.
Do I have to use pistachios?
No, you can coat the truffles with cocoa powder, coconut, or any finely chopped nut.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Truffles can be made several days in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Avoid introducing water into the chocolate and use dry utensils when mixing.
What type of chocolate is best?
Use high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for the richest flavor and best texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just maintain the same ingredient ratios and cooling times.
Are these truffles gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to confirm.
How do I chop the pistachios finely?
Use a sharp knife or pulse in a food processor for an even, fine texture.
Why are my truffles too soft?
They may need longer chilling. You can also reduce the cream slightly next time for a firmer ganache.
Can I gift these truffles?
Yes, place them in paper candy cups and box them attractively. Keep them cool until gifting.
Conclusion
Pistachio Chocolate Truffles are the perfect combination of indulgent flavor and refined presentation. With their smooth, rich ganache centers and nutty pistachio coating, they offer a sophisticated treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether for a festive occasion or a simple sweet indulgence, these truffles never disappoint.
Print
Pistachio Chocolate Truffles
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 20 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Truffes au chocolat décadentes avec un centre de ganache onctueux et riche et un enrobage croquant de pistaches grillées, parfaites pour un dessert élégant ou un cadeau fait main.
Ingredients
- 225 g de chocolat noir (60 à 70 % de cacao), finement haché
- 1/2 tasse de crème épaisse
- 1 cuillère à soupe de beurre non salé
- 1/4 cuillère à café de sel de mer
- 1/2 cuillère à café d’extrait de vanille
- 3/4 tasse de pistaches grillées non salées, finement hachées (pour l’enrobage)
Instructions
- Placez le chocolat haché dans un bol résistant à la chaleur.
- Dans une petite casserole, faire chauffer la crème et le beurre à feu moyen jusqu’à frémissement. Retirer du feu et verser sur le chocolat.
- Laissez reposer 1 à 2 minutes, puis remuez doucement jusqu’à ce que le mélange soit complètement fondu et lisse.
- Ajoutez l’extrait de vanille et le sel de mer. Remuez pour mélanger.
- Couvrir et réfrigérer pendant 2 à 3 heures, ou jusqu’à ce que le mélange soit suffisamment ferme pour être ramassé.
- À l’aide d’une petite cuillère ou d’une petite cuillère, roulez en boules de 1 pouce.
- Roulez chaque truffe dans des pistaches finement hachées pour les enrober uniformément.
- Conserver au réfrigérateur dans un récipient hermétique. Laisser reposer à température ambiante 5 à 10 minutes avant de servir.
Notes
- Utilisez du chocolat de haute qualité pour une saveur et une texture optimales.
- Pour préparer à l’avance, congelez les truffes jusqu’à 1 mois et décongelez-les avant de servir.
- Vous pouvez remplacer d’autres noix comme des noisettes ou des amandes pour l’enrobage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *