What are Troufakia (Homemade chocolate truffles)?
Troufakia (Homemade chocolate truffles) or Troufes are delicious treats made from a combination of chocolate and cream. They are typically shaped into small balls and coated with cocoa powder, chocolate sprinkles or chopped nuts. Troufakia are rich, intensely sweet, and totally irresistible! These bite-sized treats can be served as an after-dinner dessert or simply enjoyed as an indulgent snack. Perfect little treats for all the chocolate lovers out there.
chocolate truffles
Why this recipe works
1. Easy recipe with only a few ingredients!
2. Classic recipe that can be customised. Simply add any nuts, fruits or biscuits you want and enjoy.
Troufakia Ingredients
This classic Troufakia recipe uses only a few ingredients; good quality dark chocolate, heavy cream and cognac.
What kind of chocolate is best for truffles?
Use high-quality chocolate when making Troufakia, thus dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Dark chocolate will provide a richer flavour than its milk or white counterparts. If you prefer to use white or milk chocolate, look for options with higher cocoa butter content and higher quality ingredients.
Can I make Troufakia without cognac?
Absolutely!Troufakia or Troufes can be indeed be made without cognac (brandy).However, before you start looking for alternatives, why not try them out withthe quintessential Greek brandy, Metaxa?
Alternatives to cognac would include rum,whisky and dessert wines.
Wehn making them for children or tee-totals, replace cognac for either juice. I would recommend grape juice.
Troufakia (Homemade chocolate truffles) extras
These decadent chocolate truffles can be customised with various add-ins to create different flavours and textures.
1. Nuts: Chopped, crispy walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios can add crunch and flavour.
2. Dried fruit: Diced dried apricots, cheries, cranberrie, or raisins gives a sweet and chewy element to truffles.
3. Liquors or Extracts: Add a splash of liquor or extracts like vanilla or mint to create distinct flavours.
4. Coffee: This is for all the coffee lovers out there. Add a splash of your favourite coffee and enjoy.
5. Citrus Zest: Grated lemon, lime or orange zest gives a refreshing cutters note to the truffles.
6. Coatings: Roll truffles in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, chocolate shavings or crushed biscuits for flavoursome textures.
Making Troufakia (Homemade chocolate truffles)
Making Troufakia (Homemade chocolate truffles) is an easy and delicious treat to make at home. The ingredients you’ll need are simple: dark chocolate, heavy cream, cognac (Metaxa of course!), cocoa powder. You can also enrich Troufakia with add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Step 1-Ganache
To begin, melt the dark chocolate in a Bain Marie and stir until it melts completely. Once melted, add in the heavy cream, cognac and stir until smooth. Continue by pouring the mixture into a bowl or Tupperware container.
For an extra crunchiness, add your crushed favourite biscuits or crushed nuts. You can also infuse ganache with flavours like vanilla, mint, orange or liqueurs to your taste.
Step 2- Chilling
Allow the mixture to cool for at least one hour before moving onto the next step.This makes it easier to scoop and shape into truffles.
Step 3-Shaping
Once the chocolate mixture has hardened, use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out small pieces of the mixture and roll them into balls.
You can also shape them with your hands, simply run your hands under cold water to prevent the chocolate mixture from melting.
Step 4-Coating
Roll each chocolate truffle ball in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, shredded coconut or chocolate sprinkles for a tasty and beautiful finish. Place them in fluted paper cups.
Step 5-Chilling again
Once shaped and coated place truffles back in the fridge to set before serving.
Tips for making the perfect chocolate Truffles
- Invest on good quality dark chocolate, preferably 70% dark cocoa.
- Allow time for the chocolate to melt and do not rush the process.
- Use a spoon or a mellon baller for beautiful round chocolate truffles.
- Try not to handle the chocolate mixture too much as body heat can soften it. If it becomes too soft, chill it again for a few minutes before continuing.
- To avoid excessive handling and mis-shaping Troufakia, use forks or toothpicks to dip the truffles into melted chocolate of roll them into coatings.
Non-alcoholic Troufakia
For a non-alcoholic version of these chocolate truffles, simply add grape juice.
How to store Troufakia
Troufakia can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. To store them, place these decadent truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, allow the truffles to come to room temperature before eating. Enjoy!
Leftover Troufakia ideas
Extra chocolate truffles can be repurposed in various creative ideas!
- Crumble the truffles and use them as toppings for ice cream or yoghurt.
- Chop up the ruffles and use them in chocolate logs/ Salami/Mosaiko.
- Make your own chocolate Truffle Fondue; melt the truffles with cream for a delightful fondue to dip fruits, marshmallows or pieces of cake.
- Melt the truffles into warm milk for a luxurious homemade pot of hot chocolate.
