Name: Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 90 ml thickened/whipping cream; 200 g dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa solids), finely chopped; 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated; ⅓ cup chocolate sprinkles

Sometimes, it's the little indulgences that brighten up a day — rich, velvety bites with a hint of zesty brightness. This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is exactly that kind of treat: smooth, luscious, with just the right touch of fresh orange zest to keep things interesting and fresh. Trust me, these truffles are worth making, whether for a gift or a cozy night in.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, piled high with round chocolate truffles covered in small, thin chocolate sprinkles creating a rough, textured look. One truffle is bitten, showing a smooth, shiny, dark chocolate inside. Next to the truffles are bright orange slices with a fresh, juicy texture, adding a vibrant splash of color. The plate is simple and clean, focusing attention on the rich brown truffles and bright fruit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these Chocolate Orange Truffles. The aroma alone was intoxicating—dark chocolate melting with fresh, bright orange zest kissed by just the right amount of cream. They're surprisingly simple to prepare, but they deliver that wow factor with every bite.

Rich, Balanced Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and orange zest creates a perfect harmony of deep sweetness and citrusy freshness.
Simplified Process: No fancy equipment needed—just a saucepan, some cream, and your favorite chocolate.
Customizable Coating: While I love chocolate sprinkles, you can swap them out to match your mood or occasion.
Perfect for Gifting or Treating Yourself: These truffles look impressive but take just a bit of effort — ideal for sharing or savoring solo.

A clear white plate holds a pile of small round chocolate balls covered in dark chocolate sprinkles, creating a rough texture. Around the pile, bright orange slices with juicy, slightly translucent flesh and a soft rind alternate, framing the chocolate balls evenly. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that adds a soft, clean look to the composition. The image is bright and focused, showing the contrast between the dark chocolate texture and the vibrant orange slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that silky texture and bright flavor you’ll love.

Flat lay of a small mound of finely chopped dark chocolate with a rich deep brown color, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thickened whipping cream looking smooth and creamy, a neat pile of finely grated bright orange zest, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with glossy chocolate sprinkles, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Thickened/Whipping Cream: Full-fat cream is key for a luxuriously smooth texture — it blends beautifully with the chocolate to make the perfect ganache base.
Dark Cooking Chocolate (40% cocoa solids): This level of cocoa balances bitterness and sweetness, letting the orange zest shine without overwhelming the palate.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest adds that refreshing citrus pop, so be sure to use unwaxed oranges for the best flavor.
Chocolate Sprinkles (for coating): They add a fun texture and a pretty finish, but you could easily substitute with cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Over time, I've played around with the flavors to make this recipe feel a bit more personalized—because who said truffles have to be one-note? It’s fun to adjust and make the recipe truly your own.

Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder to the ganache for a spicy twist that surprises guests and warms the palate.
Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works well—just pick a high-fat version for richness.
Seasonal Touch: Swap orange zest for lemon or even a little peppermint oil around the holidays for a festive vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients

Before you begin, line a small flat dish with baking paper—this makes removing the ganache easier after chilling. I like using a Pyrex measuring dish (about 7 x 5 inches), which saves space in the fridge and helps the ganache set evenly. Also, get your chocolate sprinkles ready in a small bowl so you’re all set when it’s time to coat.

Step 2: Heat the Cream and Orange Zest

Gently warm the cream with freshly grated orange zest in a small saucepan over low heat. Watch carefully and pull it off the heat just before it boils—that’s important because overheating can change the cream’s texture and burn the zest’s delicate oils.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate into the Warm Cream

Turn off the heat and add your finely chopped chocolate straight into the warm cream. Stir slowly but continuously until it’s smooth and glossy. This gentle melting lets the chocolate and orange infuse beautifully without splitting.

Step 4: Chill Until Firm Enough to Roll

Pour the silky ganache into your prepared dish and pop it into the fridge for about 2 hours. You want it firm but still soft enough to scoop and roll—too firm, and it’ll crack; too soft, and it’ll be sticky. This step is key, so be patient!

Step 5: Form and Coat Your Truffles

Use a small ice cream scoop or a teaspoon to portion the ganache. To roll the balls neatly, keep your hands cool—an ice pack or frozen peas beside your work area makes this easier. Roll the ganache into compact balls with gentle pressure, then toss them in your chocolate sprinkles until evenly coated. Place each truffle on a lined tray and chill again for at least 30 minutes until set.

Top Tip

This recipe is quite forgiving, but knowing a few tricks from my own trial and error can really make the difference between a successful batch and a sticky mess.

Cooling Your Hands: Rolling warm ganache balls can get messy quickly, so I always keep an ice pack nearby and wipe my hands with paper towel often to stay on top of it.
Chocolate Quality Matters: I’ve found that good quality dark chocolate (around 40% cocoa) offers the best balance of smoothness and flavor without too much bitterness.
Chill, Don’t Freeze: While it may be tempting, freezing can make the texture gritty—refrigerate to get that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Prepping Your Dish: Scrunching the baking paper before lining the dish helps keep it in place and makes transferring easier after setting.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe

Chocolate Orange Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically stick to chocolate sprinkles because they add a playful texture and make the truffles look polished. Sometimes I swap that out for a dusting of cocoa powder or finely chopped toasted nuts when I want an earthier finish or a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these truffles with a cup of fresh espresso or a citrusy herbal tea to complement the orange notes. They also make a lovely finale after a creamy dessert or alongside fresh berries for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifts, I like to arrange the truffles in a decorative tin, nestled in shredded paper or parchment. For parties, you can place them on a mirrored tray sprinkled with edible gold dust or fresh orange slices to elevate the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid them sticking together. They stay perfectly fresh for up to one week, though I bet they won’t last that long!

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze these truffles, if you’re short on fridge space, you can freeze them for up to one month. Just bring them slowly back to room temperature in the fridge before serving to avoid condensation messing with the texture.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake truffles, reheating isn’t necessary, but if they get too firm from fridge chills, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying. They soften beautifully and melt in your mouth just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for this recipe?

You certainly can, but keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter and less intense, which means the truffles will taste sweeter and less rich. If you prefer sweeter treats, go ahead, but I recommend adjusting the orange zest slightly to keep the flavors balanced.

How long do homemade chocolate orange truffles last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these truffles will stay fresh for up to one week. For the best texture and flavor, try to enjoy them within that timeframe—though they tend to disappear quickly around here!

Can I make these truffles ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These truffles are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare and chill them up to two days before your event. Just keep them stored in the fridge until ready to serve to maintain their texture and flavor.

What if the chocolate ganache is too soft to roll?

If the ganache feels too soft or sticky to roll, pop it back in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to firm up slightly. Also, keep your hands cool and use light pressure while rolling to help the truffles keep their shape. Patience here really pays off!

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Truffles Recipe is one I return to again and again, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because. The balance of bitter-sweet chocolate with the fresh zing of orange zest feels like a little slice of luxury you can make at home with ease. I truly believe you’ll find these truffles as satisfying and delightful to make as they are to eat—so grab your ingredients and get ready for some serious yum.