Chocolate Orange Crunch Truffles Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (about 16 truffles)
Difficulty: Easy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5

Description

Say goodbye to crumbly, falling-apart truffles forever! These Chocolate Orange Crunch Truffles are the answer to every truffle-making frustration. The secret ingredient? Dried apricots, which create a naturally chewy, sticky base that holds everything together perfectly. Combined with bright orange zest and rich semi-sweet chocolate, these no-bake treats deliver an elegant flavor combination that’s both sophisticated and comforting. The slight crunch from the chocolate coating paired with the soft, chewy center makes every bite utterly irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients

For the Truffle Base:

  • 1/4 cup (40g) dried apricots, finely chopped
  • 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, divided
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt

For the Coating:

  • 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate (from the 8 oz total)
  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • Additional cocoa powder for rolling
  • Optional: finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or extra orange zest

Additional Options:

  • 1 tbsp orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or Cointreau) – optional
  • 1/4 cup crushed hazelnuts or almonds for rolling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apricot Base

  1. Place dried apricots in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 10 minutes to soften.
  2. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Finely chop the apricots or pulse in a food processor until they form a sticky paste. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

  1. Reserve 4 oz of chocolate for coating later.
  2. Chop the remaining 4 oz of semi-sweet chocolate into small, even pieces.
  3. Create a double boiler: Fill a small saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and bring to a simmer.
  4. Place a heat-safe bowl on top (make sure it doesn’t touch the water).
  5. Add the 4 oz chopped chocolate and 1 tablespoon coconut oil to the bowl.
  6. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let cool for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Truffle Mixture

  1. Add the chopped apricots to the melted chocolate and stir until well combined.
  2. Mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Stir vigorously until the mixture is uniform and thick. It should have a fudge-like consistency.
  4. If using orange liqueur, add it now and mix well.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

  1. Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish and spread it evenly.
  2. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
  3. Refrigerate for 25-30 minutes until firm but still scoopable.

Step 5: Shape the Truffles

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each).
  3. Quickly roll between your palms to form smooth balls. Work fast as the warmth of your hands will soften them.
  4. If the mixture becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  5. Place shaped truffles on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. You should get approximately 16 truffles.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

  1. Chop the reserved 4 oz of chocolate into small pieces.
  2. Melt with 1 teaspoon coconut oil using the double boiler method (Step 2).
  3. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly until it’s warm but not hot (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 7: Coat the Truffles

  1. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, rolling to coat completely.
  2. Lift the truffle with the fork, tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
  3. Return to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Immediately sprinkle with cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or orange zest while the chocolate is still wet.
  5. Repeat with remaining truffles.

Step 8: Final Set

  1. Refrigerate truffles for 15-20 minutes until the coating is completely set and firm.
  2. Once set, they can be transferred to an airtight container.

Step 9: Serve

Remove truffles from the refrigerator 5-10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. The slight chill enhances the crunch!

Notes

Why Apricots? Dried apricots provide natural sweetness, moisture, and most importantly, a sticky texture that binds all ingredients together, preventing the truffles from crumbling.

Chocolate Choice: Semi-sweet chocolate (50-60% cocoa) works best. Dark chocolate (70%+) can be used for a more intense, less sweet truffle.

Make-Ahead: These truffles actually taste better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Make them up to 5 days in advance.

Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.

Gift Packaging: Place in mini paper cups and arrange in a gift box lined with tissue paper. They make beautiful homemade gifts!

Flavor Variations:

  • Lemon Truffle: Replace orange zest with lemon zest
  • Espresso Truffle: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder
  • Coconut Orange: Roll in shredded coconut instead of cocoa
  • Spiced Orange: Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information (Per Truffle – 4 truffles per serving)

  • Calories: 95
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 5mg

Tips for Success

🍊 Fresh Zest is Key: Use a microplane to get fine orange zest without any bitter white pith. The zest provides intense citrus flavor.

🍫 Don’t Overheat: Keep chocolate temperature low when melting. Overheated chocolate can seize and become grainy.

❄️ Perfect Consistency: The truffle mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape but not rock hard. If too soft, chill longer; if too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.

👐 Quick Hands: Work quickly when rolling truffles. The heat from your hands melts the chocolate, so speed is essential.

✨ Smooth Coating: For the smoothest coating, make sure your melted chocolate isn’t too thick. Add a tiny bit more coconut oil if needed.

🎨 Get Creative: Try different coatings on the same batch for variety—cocoa powder, chopped pistachios, and crystallized orange peel all work beautifully.

Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “FINALLY! Truffles that don’t fall apart! The orange flavor is amazing and not too strong.” – Rachel P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Made these for a dinner party and everyone thought I bought them from a fancy chocolate shop!” – Thomas H.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The apricot addition is genius! You can’t really taste it but it makes such a difference in texture.” – Linda M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Best truffle recipe I’ve tried. The chocolate-orange combo is perfection.” – Kevin S.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious! Only took off one star because they’re so good I ate way too many!” – Amanda B.

FAQ

Q: Can I taste the apricot in the final truffle?
A: Not really! The apricot flavor blends into the chocolate and mainly adds subtle fruity sweetness. Its primary purpose is texture, not flavor.

Q: My chocolate coating is too thick. What do I do?
A: Add 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil at a time and stir until you reach a thinner, more dippable consistency.

Q: Can I use white chocolate instead?
A: Yes! White chocolate creates a sweeter, creamier truffle. Reduce the apricots to 2 tablespoons as white chocolate is already quite sweet.

Q: How do I prevent the chocolate coating from cracking?
A: Make sure the truffles aren’t too cold when dipping. Take them out of the fridge 5 minutes before coating. Also, tempered chocolate prevents cracking.

Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Absolutely! Use dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate and ensure your chocolate doesn’t contain milk solids. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.

Q: Why are my truffles misshapen?
A: Roll them quickly before they warm up too much. You can also chill them for 5 minutes after initial shaping, then re-roll for perfect spheres.

Q: Can I skip the coconut oil?
A: Yes, but coconut oil helps create a smoother, shinier finish. You can substitute with vegetable oil or leave it out entirely for a slightly thicker coating.

Did you make this recipe? We’d love to hear how your Chocolate Orange Crunch Truffles turned out! Leave a review below and share any creative variations you tried. Your feedback helps our baking community grow and inspires others to try new recipes. Happy truffle-making! 🍊🍫✨

More No-Bake Treats You’ll Love:

  • Classic Chocolate Truffles
  • Peanut Butter Energy Balls
  • No-Bake Cheesecake Bites
  • Coconut Date Balls
  • Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

Serving Suggestions:

☕ Beverage Pairings: Earl Grey tea, espresso, hot chocolate, or dessert wine

🍽️ Presentation Ideas: Dust with edible gold powder for special occasions, arrange on a bed of candied orange slices, or serve in decorative truffle cups

🎁 Gift Ideas: Package 8 truffles in a clear box with ribbon for party favors or hostess gifts

🎉 Party Platter: Create a chocolate board with these truffles alongside fresh berries, nuts, and chocolate bark

Save this recipe and share it with your chocolate-loving friends! 📌🍫

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