Description
These Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles are a decadent, vegan treat combining rich cocoa, zesty orange marmalade, and crunchy hazelnuts. Perfectly coated in chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder, they offer a luxurious texture and flavor with a hazelnut surprise at the center. Naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free, they make an elegant dessert or a delightful gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Truffle Mixture
- 1 ½ cups raw hazelnuts
- ½ cup orange marmalade (fruit sweetened version preferred)
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
Coating
- ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts (or extra cocoa powder alternative)
Center
- 15-18 whole hazelnuts for filling
Instructions
- Prepare Hazelnut Meal: Place the raw hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse until ground into a fine meal, ensuring a uniform texture for the truffles.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the orange marmalade, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the hazelnut meal in the processor. Blend thoroughly to combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Add Coconut Sugar: Incorporate the coconut sugar and pulse once more to integrate. The mixture should begin to ball up, indicating it’s ready for shaping. If too wet, add a little more cocoa powder; if too dry, add extra maple syrup or jam and blend again.
- Prepare Coating and Workspace: Spread the chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder in a shallow bowl for coating. Line a tray or plate with parchment paper for placing the finished truffles. Have the whole hazelnuts for the center ready nearby.
- Shape Truffles: Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll it between your palms into a ball, then press one whole hazelnut into the center. Roll the ball again to encase the nut completely.
- Coat Truffles: Roll each ball in the chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder to coat evenly, then place on the prepared parchment-lined tray.
- Chill: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to set and develop flavor. Serve chilled for best texture.
- Storage: Store truffles in a sealed container at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen, depending on your preference. Refrigeration is recommended for optimal texture.
Notes
- These truffles are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making them suitable for many dietary needs.
- You can substitute the orange marmalade with other jam flavors to vary the taste.
- Adjust the cocoa powder or syrup to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Using finely chopped hazelnuts as coating adds a delightful crunch, but cocoa powder works for a smoother finish.
- Store truffles refrigerated if you prefer a firmer texture or frozen for longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
