We make chocolate truffles from a combination of cream and chocolate in the ratio of 1:1. Vegan chocolate truffles follow the same principle. However, instead of dairy milk cream, you use non-dairy milk cream. Coconut milk cream works well.
The Ingredients
- 500g coconut cream
- 500g dark chocolate – you can use chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate bar
- Cocoa powder to garnish
- Brandy or your favorite liqueur (optional)
Procedure
Using a non-stick saucepan, bring the coconut cream to boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture in a clean tray and transfer to the freezer to chill.
Using an ice cream scope, measure equal portions of the frozen mixture and roll them into your favorite shapes using the palms of your hands.
Now, gently but quickly, roll the melting vegan chocolate truffles in cocoa powder. Place them back in the freezer to chill until they are firm enough to handle.
Your vegan chocolate truffles are now ready.
Enjoy!
Vegan Dark Chocolate 101
For this recipe, use good quality dark chocolate for a smooth, shiny finish. The cocoa powder that you use to roll the finished vegan chocolate truffles should also be of high quality. However, please remember that not all dark chocolate bars are vegan.
Commercially, chocolate bars are a mixture of cocoa powder, sugar, and milk powder. However, they make good quality dark chocolate from cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa butter. The unsweetened dark chocolate doesn’t contain sugar, and this is what I prefer.
Lower quality chocolates, on the other hand, contain vegetable oils, artificial flavors and colors, and butterfat. These are not healthy especially if you’re mindful of your weight.
Dark chocolate is good for your heart. It has numerous health benefits, especially the unsweetened version.
How is Dark Chocolate Processed?
After harvesting cocoa pods, they extract their beans (seeds). These cocoa beans are roasted, and they separate the shells from the cocoa nibs (the fleshy part). They then grind the nibs to a fine liquid (chocolate liquor) from which they separate the fats (cocoa butter).
The liquid undergoes further refining to produce cocoa solids and the different chocolates we eat. They also refine the cocoa shells into the cocoa powder we use in beverages and baking.
Even though dark chocolate is made without using milk, there can be traces of dairy milk because of cross-contamination. This information is clearly indicated alongside the nutritional information. As a vegan, buy chocolate products that show zero contamination. Some manufacturers such as Trader Joe’s, SunSpire, and Whole Foods’ 365 have the vegan options readily available in the stores.
The Recipe Variations
With vegan chocolate truffles, you can add as many flavors as you want. The secret is to maintain the cream to chocolate ratio of 1:1. You can add a dash of brandy, vanilla extract, grated cardamom, or even pureed strawberries.
If you decide to use other types of non-dairy milk, (like almond milk) make sure you add a tablespoon of vegan butter for creamy truffles.
In Conclusion
Vegan chocolate truffles are a lovely dessert on their own. However, you can serve them with accompaniments or use them as ingredients in other vegan dishes including cocktails.