Indulge in Decadence: Red Wine Chocolate Truffles

There’s something exquisitely luxurious about combining red wine with chocolate. The deep richness of wine melds perfectly with the bittersweet notes of chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. If you’re looking to treat yourself or impress your guests with a gourmet delight, these Red Wine Chocolate Truffles are the answer. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they are also surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur or a red wine enthusiast, these truffles offer a little something for everyone.

The Ingredients of Elegance

To craft these luxurious truffles, you need just a handful of ingredients, each adding its own unique touch to the final product.

• Heavy Cream: The base of the ganache, providing a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. For a vegan alternative, canned coconut cream works beautifully without compromising richness.

• Bittersweet Chocolate: The star of the show. Using high-quality chocolate is key as it sets the foundation for flavor. Remember to chop it into small pieces for easy melting.

• Vanilla & Espresso Powder: These elements are optional but highly recommended. Vanilla enhances the chocolate’s natural sweetness, while espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor, adding complexity.

• Red Wine: Choose your favorite red wine—something you enjoy drinking. Whether it’s a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or a fruity Merlot, the wine will infuse the truffles with its distinct character.

• Chocolate Sprinkles or Cocoa Powder: For rolling, these provide a delightful finish and texture to each truffle. Feel free to use both for variety!

Crafting the Perfect Truffle

Step 1: Preparing the Ganache

Start by heating the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan touch) in a small pan. The key here is to warm the cream until small bubbles form around the edge, ensuring it doesn’t boil. This gentle heating will allow the flavors to meld perfectly without scalding the cream.

Place your chopped chocolate in a small bowl. Pour the heated cream over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for three minutes. This resting period allows the chocolate to begin melting evenly.

Step 2: Infusing Flavors

After the chocolate has softened, gently whisk in the vanilla and espresso powder (if using), followed by the red wine. The mixture should become a smooth and glossy ganache. At this point, the aroma alone will be irresistible.

Step 3: Setting the Ganache

Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator, allowing the ganache to firm up for at least two hours or overnight. If you leave it in the fridge for an extended period, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly before rolling.

Step 4: Rolling and Finishing Touches

With your choice of chocolate sprinkles or cocoa powder ready in shallow bowls, use a cookie scoop or a teaspoon measure to portion out the ganache. Roll each scoop between your hands to form perfect balls. The warmth of your hands will help shape them smoothly.

Roll each truffle in your chosen coating, giving them a beautiful finish and a hint of texture.

Nutritional Overview

These truffles are a treat best savored in moderation. Each truffle contains approximately 132 calories, with a balanced profile of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. They are a delightful indulgence that won’t derail your dietary goals when enjoyed responsibly.

Enjoying Your Creations

Once rolled, your Red Wine Chocolate Truffles are best enjoyed fresh. They make an enchanting centerpiece for a dinner party, a romantic gesture for a loved one, or a personal indulgence on a quiet evening. Pair them with a glass of the red wine you used in the recipe for a full-bodied experience.

These truffles are not just a recipe; they’re an experience—a testament to the magic that happens when quality ingredients come together in harmony. Whether you’re a seasoned chocolatier or a curious beginner, these Red Wine Chocolate Truffles promise to delight and impress with every bite.

Red Wine Chocolate Truffles

Indulge in these decadent Red Wine Chocolate Truffles, perfect for a luxurious treat or a special occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 20 truffles

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 132

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Red Wine Chocolate Truffles

• 120 ml heavy cream (or canned coconut cream for vegans)
• 225 g bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
• 60 ml your favorite red wine
• 100 g chocolate sprinkles or cocoa powder, for rolling or both!

Equipment

• Small Pan
• Small Bowl
• Cookie Scoop

Method

 

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small pan on the stove until small bubbles form around the edge of the pan, but do not let it boil. (If you’re using canned coconut cream, use the same method).
2. Place the chopped chocolate into a small bowl. Pour the hot cream over the top and let sit for 3 minutes without disturbing.
3. Slowly begin to whisk in the vanilla and espresso powder (if using). Finally, whisk in the wine.
4. Place the bowl in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. (If the chocolate rests in the fridge for more than 2 hours, it may need to sit on the counter for 30 minutes to soften before rolling).
5. When ready to roll, have the sprinkles or cocoa powder (or both) in small shallow bowls.
6. Using a cookie scoop or 1-teaspoon measure, scoop out balls of chocolate. Roll them in your hands into perfect balls–the heat from your hands will help form them into balls.
7. Roll each ball in the cocoa powder or sprinkles (or both!) and place on a plate to set.

Notes

For a twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor. Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.