Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Salted Caramel Truffles are not only incredibly delicious but also easy to make. The balance of the sweet caramel and the salty kick from the sea salt, combined with the luxurious dark chocolate coating, creates a flavor experience that will have you coming back for more. The recipe also has a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will impress anyone who tastes them. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these truffles are simple to make, and the result is a decadent dessert that’s sure to wow.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- Cocoa powder or crushed sea salt for coating
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula as the sugar begins to melt.
- Once the sugar is completely melted and turns a golden amber color, carefully add the butter and stir until melted.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Allow to boil for a minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool completely.
- Once cooled, form the caramel into small balls and freeze them for about 2 hours until firm.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
- Dip each caramel ball into the melted chocolate, then roll in cocoa powder or sprinkle with crushed sea salt.
- Let the truffles set on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled. These Salted Caramel Truffles offer a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, enrobed in rich dark chocolate, perfect for a luxurious treat.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 20 truffles
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Chill time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Truffles: Add finely chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts to the caramel mixture before freezing for extra crunch.
- Flavored Caramel: Experiment with flavored extracts like hazelnut, orange, or almond instead of vanilla extract for a unique twist.
- Milk Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter chocolate coating, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the caramel for a touch of heat that pairs well with the sweet and salty flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store these Salted Caramel Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer them to a sealed container once frozen.
- Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy them at room temperature, take them out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating the truffles as the chocolate coating may melt.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the truffles?
Yes, milk chocolate can be used instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
2. How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel should be golden amber in color and should bubble vigorously when you add the cream. Once the bubbles subside, the caramel is ready.
3. Can I make these truffles in advance?
Yes, you can make these truffles in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
4. Can I add other flavorings to the caramel?
Yes, you can experiment with different extracts such as hazelnut, cinnamon, or orange to customize the flavor of your caramel.
5. How long should the caramel balls freeze before dipping in chocolate?
Freeze the caramel balls for at least 2 hours until they are firm enough to dip in the chocolate.
6. Can I use a different type of salt for coating the truffles?
Yes, you can use any type of sea salt or even flaky salt for the coating, but sea salt adds the best texture and flavor contrast.
7. Can I dip the truffles in something other than chocolate?
You could coat the truffles in crushed nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for an alternative coating.
8. What’s the best way to melt the chocolate for dipping?
You can melt the chocolate in a double boiler or use the microwave, making sure to stir every 30 seconds to prevent burning.
9. Can I freeze the truffles for long-term storage?
Yes, you can freeze the truffles for up to 3 months. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.
10. How do I prevent the caramel from being too hard or too soft?
If the caramel is too hard, reduce the cooking time slightly next time. If it's too soft, increase the cooking time until it reaches the golden amber color.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Truffles are an indulgent treat that combines the best of sweet and salty flavors with a rich chocolate coating. Whether you're preparing them for a special occasion or just as a little luxury for yourself, they are guaranteed to impress. With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of room for customization, these truffles are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Salted Caramel Truffles
These irresistible Salted Caramel Truffles are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, featuring rich dark chocolate and velvety caramel. Coated with cocoa powder or sprinkled with sea salt, these homemade truffles offer a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence for any occasion. Simple to make and completely customizable, these truffles will become your go-to treat for gifting or personal enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 20 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Freezing, Dipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- Cocoa powder or crushed sea salt for coating
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula as the sugar begins to melt.
- Once the sugar is completely melted and turns a golden amber color, carefully add the butter and stir until melted.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Allow to boil for a minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool completely.
- Once cooled, form the caramel into small balls and freeze them for about 2 hours until firm.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
- Dip each caramel ball into the melted chocolate, then roll in cocoa powder or sprinkle with crushed sea salt.
- Let the truffles set on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- For variations, try adding finely chopped nuts, flavored extracts, or a spicy twist.
- You can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter coating.
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.