Italian Desserts > Chocolate Desserts > Truffle > Chocolate Truffles

Mascarpone-Filled Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt

Special equipment needed:
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl and saucepan
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Piping bag or plastic bag with corner snipped off
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together, stirring occasionally until smooth.

2. Remove from heat and stir in the mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm.

4. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the chilled mixture until light and fluffy.

5. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner snipped off.

6. Pipe the mixture into small balls onto the prepared baking sheet.

7. Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

8. Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or any desired toppings.

9. Serve and enjoy!


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours + 30 minutes
Temperature:
Simmering water
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 truffles

Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 10mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Semisweet chocolate chips can be substituted with dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream or almond milk.
- Mascarpone cheese can be substituted with cream cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder can be substituted with Dutch-processed cocoa powder or cacao powder.
- Powdered sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar or honey.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the truffle mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Roll the truffles in crushed cookies or graham crackers for a different coating.
- Add a splash of liqueur such as Kahlua or Bailey's to the truffle mixture for an adult twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a cookie scoop or melon baller to portion out the truffle mixture for even-sized truffles.
- Chill the truffle mixture before piping to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Dust your hands with cocoa powder to prevent the truffle mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Storage instructions:
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Reheating instructions:
No reheating necessary.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the truffles on a decorative platter or in a gift box for a beautiful presentation.

Garnishes:
Dust the truffles with additional cocoa powder or sprinkle with sea salt for a finishing touch.

Pairings:
Pair the truffles with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a decadent dessert.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the truffles as a standalone dessert.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the truffle mixture is too soft to pipe, chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes.
- If the truffles are too hard, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Food safety advice:
- Use clean hands and equipment when handling the truffle mixture to prevent contamination.
- Store the truffles in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
Truffles are a classic French dessert that originated in the town of Chambery in the 19th century.

Flavor profiles:
Rich, chocolatey, and creamy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the truffles as a standalone dessert or as part of a dessert platter.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Rich, Creamy, Chocolatey, Sweet, Decadent