Decadent Red Wine Chocolate Truffles
These elegant red wine chocolate truffles combine rich dark chocolate with a splash of dry red wine for a quick, easy, and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) dark chocolate, chopped (70% cocoa recommended)
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup (60ml) dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir recommended)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder, for dusting (unsweetened)
- Optional: pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Finely chop 8 ounces (225g) of dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream and ¼ cup (60ml) red wine. Warm over medium heat until it just starts to simmer—do not boil.
- Immediately pour the hot cream and wine mixture over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes without stirring.
- Gently stir the mixture with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add 2 tablespoons (28g) softened unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated. Add a pinch of sea salt if desired.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm enough to scoop (check after 90 minutes).
- Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, portion out the ganache. Roll each portion quickly between your palms to form smooth balls. If hands get sticky, chill ganache longer or dust hands with cocoa powder.
- Roll each ball in unsweetened cocoa powder to coat completely. Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust cocoa powder evenly if desired.
- Place truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use quality 70% cocoa dark chocolate for best flavor. Heat cream and wine until just simmering to avoid grainy ganache. Chill ganache well for easier rolling. If ganache cracks while rolling, let it warm slightly and try again. Store truffles covered and refrigerated to prevent sweating. Variations include adding orange liqueur, cinnamon, or rolling in nuts or freeze-dried raspberries. For vegan version, use coconut cream and dairy-free dark chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle (about 1 i
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 3
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 1
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