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Rich Chocolate Almond Truffles Recipe

4.9 from 108 reviews

These Rich Chocolate Almond Truffles are elegant, easy-to-make treats perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. Made with high-quality milk chocolate, heavy cream, and finely chopped almonds, these no-bake truffles are coated in smooth white chocolate and finished with festive red and green candy melt drizzles. The ganache base is chilled and rolled into perfectly sized balls, providing a creamy, luscious texture that melts in your mouth. Ideal for holiday parties or special occasions, these truffles require minimal ingredients and no special equipment, making them accessible and impressive.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Truffles:

  • 3/4 tsp almond extract (pure extract recommended for best flavor)
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream (at room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup chopped almonds (finely chopped, about 1/8-inch pieces)
  • 12 oz milk chocolate (chopped into small pieces for even melting)

For the Coating:

  • 16 oz white chocolate (preferably Ghirardelli for smooth melting)

For the Drizzle:

  • 1/4 cup green candy melts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup red candy melts

Instructions

  1. Create the Truffle Ganache Base: Chop the milk chocolate into small, uniform pieces to ensure even melting. Heat the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to steam, but do not let it boil. Pour the hot cream over the chopped milk chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to soften the chocolate. Gently stir with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to speed cooling.
  2. Flavor and Chill the Ganache: Transfer the cooled ganache into a clean bowl. Add the almond extract and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and slightly fluffy, incorporating air for better texture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm enough to scoop.
  3. Shape and Toast the Truffles: Place the finely chopped almonds in a shallow bowl. Using a small ice cream scoop or two spoons, form the chilled ganache into 3/4-inch balls one at a time. Immediately roll each ball in the chopped almonds until evenly coated. Arrange coated truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. This step prevents melting when dipping in warm chocolate.
  4. Coat with White Chocolate: Chop the white chocolate into small pieces and melt gently using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning. Remove the frozen truffles from the freezer a few at a time, dip each into the melted white chocolate using a fork, tap off excess, and place on a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet. Work quickly to maintain shape. Let the coating set at room temperature for 30 minutes until fully hardened.
  5. Add Festive Candy Drizzles and Finish: Melt the red and green candy melts separately until smooth. Drizzle thin lines of candy melts over the white chocolate-coated truffles using a fork or squeeze bottle, alternating colors for a festive look. Let the drizzles set at room temperature for 15 minutes until hard. Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Allow cream to cool slightly before pouring over chocolate to prevent seizing.
  • Chill ganache well before rolling to avoid sticky, misshapen truffles.
  • Freeze truffles before dipping to maintain shape during coating.
  • Use gentle heat to melt white chocolate; it burns easily.
  • Tap off excess coating during dipping for a smooth finish.
  • Let truffles set fully between steps for best texture and appearance.
  • Store in layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Truffles can be frozen for up to 3 months for make-ahead convenience.
  • Customize flavor extracts and coatings to suit preferences or occasions.

Keywords: chocolate almond truffles, homemade truffles, holiday dessert, no bake truffles, gift ideas, chocolate ganache