Vegan Truffles
Vegan Truffles are little bites of pure chocolate happiness that are completely plant-based and super creamy. Made with rich cocoa, smooth coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness, these truffles…
Tip: save now, cook later.Vegan Truffles are little bites of pure chocolate happiness that are completely plant-based and super creamy. Made with rich cocoa, smooth coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness, these truffles have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just perfect for chocolate lovers. They’re simple treats that feel fancy but are easy to make at home.
I love making these truffles when I want something special but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s my go-to for sharing with friends or giving as a sweet gift. Plus, I feel good knowing they’re free from dairy but still indulgently chocolatey. A little sprinkle of cocoa powder or chopped nuts on top always makes them feel like extra little treasures.
When I serve these vegan truffles, I like to have a cup of tea or coffee alongside because it really brings out all those chocolatey flavors. They’re excellent for a quick pick-me-up or as a simple dessert after dinner. Everyone always asks for seconds, which means they’re a hit no matter who I offer them to!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives truffles a creamy texture. If you want less coconut flavor, use oat or almond cream instead. Just make sure it’s thick and creamy for the best results.
Vegan Dark Chocolate: Good-quality chocolate is a must here. I use dark chocolate with about 70% cocoa. If you can’t find vegan chocolate chips, chopped vegan chocolate bars work perfectly.
Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a lovely natural sweetness. You can swap it for agave syrup or even a touch of brown rice syrup. Adjust sweetness to your taste, especially if your chocolate is amply sweetened.
Coatings: Cocoa powder and shredded coconut are classic. For texture and taste, I sometimes add crushed nuts, cacao nibs, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top. These add a nice contrast to the smooth truffle.
How Do You Get Smooth, Firm Truffles Without Cracking?
The key is making a silky ganache and chilling it just right before shaping. Follow these tips to avoid cracking or melting issues:
- Heat coconut milk until just simmering, not boiling – this keeps it creamy and smooth.
- Pour hot coconut milk over chopped chocolate and wait a moment before stirring gently to create a perfect ganache.
- Cover and chill the mixture for 2 hours minimum until firm but still scoopable.
- Work quickly rolling the truffles so the heat of your hands doesn’t melt them. If they get too soft, pop them back in the fridge for a bit.
- After rolling, chill again to let coatings set nicely – this holds the truffles’ shape and adds a pleasant texture.
Following these steps will help you make vegan truffles that hold together beautifully and melt in your mouth just right!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small saucepan – to gently heat the coconut milk without burning it.
- Heatproof bowl – perfect for melting the vegan chocolate with hot coconut milk.
- Plastic wrap or lid – helps cover the ganache while it chills in the fridge.
- Spoon or melon baller – makes scooping uniform truffle balls easy and neat.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps truffles from sticking while they set.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of espresso or coffee for a mocha twist; it deepens the chocolate flavor wonderfully.
- Stir in a teaspoon of peppermint or orange extract to give your truffles a fresh, bright flavor.
- Mix in chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, for extra crunch inside your truffles.
- Sprinkle a little sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate taste.
How to Make Vegan Truffles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips or chopped vegan dark chocolate (about 12 oz)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Unsweetened shredded coconut (for rolling)
- Cocoa powder (for rolling)
- Melted vegan dark chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
- Crushed nuts or crushed cacao nibs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep plus 2 to 2½ hours of chilling time. You’ll spend a little time warming the coconut milk and mixing the ganache, then waiting for it to firm up before shaping and coating the truffles. The chilling steps make the truffles easy to roll and set perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Coconut Milk:
In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil. Once hot, remove it from the heat right away.
2. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
Put the vegan chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot coconut milk over the chocolate and let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the chocolate softens. Stir gently until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Add vanilla extract, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix well and taste to adjust sweetness as you like.
3. Chill the Ganache:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until the ganache is firm enough to scoop and shape.
4. Shape the Truffles:
Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out portions of the chilled ganache. Quickly roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls. If it gets too sticky, pop the mixture back into the fridge for a while before continuing.
5. Coat and Set the Truffles:
Roll some truffles in cocoa powder, others in shredded coconut, or drizzle with melted chocolate. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts or cacao nibs on top for extra flavor and texture. Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate again for 30 minutes to help the coatings set.
6. Serve and Store:
Enjoy your vegan truffles chilled or at room temperature. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I Use Canned Coconut Milk for This Recipe?
Yes! Use full-fat canned coconut milk and shake the can well before opening to mix the cream and liquid. This ensures a rich and creamy ganache for your truffles.
Can I Make Vegan Truffles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the ganache and shape the truffles up to 2 days in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and add coatings right before serving if you prefer. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
How Should I Store Leftover Truffles?
Keep leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring them to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to enjoy their creamy texture.
What Are Good Vegan Toppings or Coatings?
Cocoa powder, shredded coconut, crushed nuts, cacao nibs, or a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate all work beautifully. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste and presentation style.