If you’re craving something both indulgent and a little zesty, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe. Imagine creamy hazelnut centers wrapped in rich cocoa and kissed with bright orange marmalade — it’s like a flavor party in your mouth that’s also vegan and gluten-free!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first made these truffles on a whim, and honestly, they quickly became my go-to treat for everything from afternoon coffee breaks to last-minute dessert gifts. They’re fun to make, require zero baking, and are just packed with flavor and texture.
- Rich and Decadent: The blend of cocoa and hazelnuts is deeply satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: Perfect for friends with dietary preferences — everyone can enjoy them!
- Quick & No-Bake: Ready in just 20 minutes plus a short chill, no oven needed.
- Customizable Coating: Choose between crunchy chopped hazelnuts or smooth, intense cocoa powder.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before diving in, here’s a quick heads-up on the ingredients. I recommend using raw hazelnuts for the best flavor and texture, and a fruit-sweetened orange marmalade adds that perfect balance of zesty and sweet without overpowering the chocolate. You’ll find the rest are pantry staples that come together beautifully.
- Raw Hazelnuts: Ground into a meal, they create the rich nutty base essential for texture and flavor.
- Fruit-Sweetened Orange Marmalade: Adds bright citrus notes that lift the chocolate, plus natural sweetness.
- Cocoa Powder: Gives that classic chocolate depth and a bittersweet richness.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the orange and hazelnut perfectly.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors without stealing the spotlight.
- Coconut Sugar: Adds subtle caramel undertones and helps bind the mixture.
- Finely Chopped Hazelnuts or Extra Cocoa Powder: Your choice for coating — crunchy or smooth finish.
- Whole Hazelnuts for the Center: The delightful surprise inside each truffle.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. Whether you love that crunchy nutty texture or prefer a smooth cocoa finish, there’s a version for every mood and occasion.
- Nut-Free Variation: Swap out hazelnuts for ground almonds or pumpkin seeds if you want to avoid nuts. I tried almond meal once, and while the flavor shifted subtly, the texture remained delightfully rich and creamy.
- Fruit Flavor Swap: I love replacing orange marmalade with raspberry jam for a tart twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and hazelnuts. It brings a fresh burst of flavor that’s equally irresistible.
- Coating Choices: For extra crunch, finely chopped hazelnuts are my go-to—they add a satisfying texture contrast. If you want a more intense chocolate experience, coating your truffles in cocoa powder keeps them silky and decadent.
- Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder to the truffle mixture for an unexpected warm kick. I tried cinnamon once and found it added a lovely warmth without overpowering the orange essence.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Transform Your Hazelnuts into a Fine Meal
Begin by processing 1 ½ cups of raw hazelnuts in your food processor until they form a fine, crumbly meal. The texture should be sandy but not paste-like—this is the foundation for your truffles, so take your time to get it just right. You’ll notice a wonderful nutty aroma filling your kitchen at this point!
Step 2: Blend in the Sweetness and Cocoa Magic
Next, add ½ cup of fruit-sweetened orange marmalade, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and ¼ cup coconut sugar to the hazelnut meal. Pulse everything together in the processor until the mixture starts to come together and slightly balls up. To check the consistency, take a small pinch and try rolling it into a ball. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more cocoa powder; if it’s too dry, add a splash of maple syrup or orange marmalade, then pulse again. This little test ensures your truffles hold perfectly without being crumbly or sticky.
Step 3: Prep Your Coating and Workspace
Choose your favorite coating—either ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder—and spread it out in a shallow bowl. Line a tray or plate with parchment paper for easy cleanup and truffle resting. Keep your 15-18 whole hazelnuts within reach for stuffing inside each truffle. Having everything prepped makes the rolling stage smooth and enjoyable.
Step 4: Shape, Stuff, and Seal
Scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of truffle mixture—a generous spoonful that feels just right in your hand. Roll it into a ball, then press a whole hazelnut into the center before rolling it again to seal that nutty surprise inside. This little center adds a delightful crunch and a beautiful burst of texture in every bite.
Step 5: Coat and Chill to Perfection
Roll each stuffed truffle in your prepared coating until fully covered, then place them on your parchment-lined tray. Once all your truffles are coated, pop the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let them firm up beautifully. Chilling not only sets the flavors but also makes handling easier—plus, it’s the hardest part because they’re tempting to dive into right away!
Top Tip
Making the perfect Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe is all about balancing texture and flavor. These tips will help you get that ideal creamy center and a delightful coating every time.
- Achieving the right consistency: When your mixture starts to come together in the food processor, test by rolling a small ball. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more cocoa powder. If it feels dry, a little extra maple syrup or orange marmalade will do the trick. This little check ensures perfect shaping without frustration.
- Coating choices matter: I personally love the crunch of finely chopped hazelnuts for a contrast to the creamy truffle center, but if you prefer a smooth finish, rolling them in cocoa powder gives a rich, velvety touch. Don’t be afraid to mix it up based on your mood or guest preferences!
- Keep your hands cool and dry: When shaping the truffles, if the mixture sticks too much, a quick chill in the fridge for 10 minutes or washing your hands with cold water can make rolling easier and less messy.
- Don’t rush chilling: Refrigerate the truffles for the full 30 minutes to let them set properly. This step ensures they hold together beautifully and develop their complex flavor profile.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
These truffles are already stunning on their own, but you can elevate the presentation with some fresh ideas. Try sprinkling them lightly with edible gold dust for a festive touch or adding a tiny twist of orange zest on top to hint at the citrus inside. A few fresh mint leaves or serving them alongside a dollop of coconut whipped cream can also add refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles with a hot cup of rich coffee or herbal tea to balance the richness. They also go wonderfully with fresh berries or a light fruit salad—think blood oranges or raspberries—to complement the zesty orange marmalade flavor. These combinations make a sophisticated dessert plate perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your truffles in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They do well at room temperature, but for the best texture and longer shelf life, refrigeration is recommended. Properly stored, they’ll keep delicious for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to make these truffles ahead or save extras for later, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a sealed container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake truffles, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply bring frozen truffles to room temperature or chill thawed truffles in the fridge to restore the best texture before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While hazelnuts provide the classic flavor and crunch, you can substitute almonds, walnuts, or pecans depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor will shift accordingly.
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
A food processor makes grinding the hazelnuts and mixing the ingredients much easier. Without one, you could finely chop the hazelnuts by hand and mix thoroughly, but it may be challenging to achieve the perfect texture for rolling. If you don’t have a processor, consider pulsing nuts in a blender carefully.
Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set and develop their flavors. This chilling time helps the truffles firm up so they hold their shape beautifully when served.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for joining me in making these delightful Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe! They’re one of my favorite treats when I want something elegant yet simple, rich but still wholesome. Whether you enjoy them with family, serve them at your next gathering, or savor a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these truffles bring that perfect balance of zesty, nutty, and chocolaty goodness. Have fun experimenting, and don’t forget to share your own variations and stories! Happy truffle making!
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Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Deliciously rich and vegan Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles featuring a creamy hazelnut center and a perfect coating of chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder. These gluten-free, no-bake truffles combine the zesty brightness of orange marmalade with the deep flavor of cocoa and the crunch of hazelnuts, making an elegant and healthy treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw hazelnuts
- ½ cup fruit sweetened orange marmalade
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
Coating
- ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts or extra cocoa powder
For the Center
- 15-18 whole hazelnuts (for the truffle centers)
Instructions
- Prepare hazelnut meal. Process 1 ½ cups raw hazelnuts in a food processor until finely ground into a meal.
- Combine truffle ingredients. Add orange marmalade, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar to the hazelnut meal in the processor. Process until the mixture starts to come together and slightly balls up. Check the consistency by rolling a small amount into a ball; if too wet, add more cocoa powder; if too dry, add more maple syrup or marmalade and process again.
- Prepare coating and workspace. Spread your chosen coating—finely chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder—in a bowl. Line a tray or plate with parchment paper and set aside. Keep whole hazelnuts handy for the centers.
- Shape the truffles. Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Press a whole hazelnut into the center, then roll again to seal it inside.
- Coat each truffle. Roll the truffle balls in the chopped hazelnut or cocoa powder coating until evenly covered. Place the coated truffles on the parchment-lined tray.
- Chill and serve. Refrigerate the truffles for 30 minutes to set. Store them sealed at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen. Refrigeration is preferred for best texture.
Notes
- These truffles are rich, vegan, and gluten-free, making them suitable for many dietary preferences.
- Adjust the coating based on your preference for texture; chopped hazelnuts provide crunch, cocoa powder gives a smooth, intense chocolate finish.
- If the mixture is too sticky, chill briefly before shaping to make rolling easier.
- Store truffles properly in a sealed container to maintain freshness. They freeze well for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute the orange marmalade with other jam flavors for unique variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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