Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe
Indulge in rich, homemade Salted Caramel Truffles featuring creamy caramel centers wrapped in smooth dark chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt or cocoa powder for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling and freezing times)
- Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
For the Salted Caramel Centers:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
For Finishing:
- Cocoa powder for rolling, OR
- Crushed sea salt or flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- Optional: melted white chocolate for drizzling
- Make the Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the sugar melts evenly and turns a golden amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Be vigilant to prevent burning as the caramel develops.
- Add Butter and Cream: Carefully add the butter pieces to the hot sugar; it will bubble vigorously. Stir until melted and combined. Slowly pour in the room temperature heavy cream while stirring constantly; the mixture will bubble and steam. Stir until smooth, then allow it to boil for 1 minute.
- Season and Cool: Remove from heat, stir in sea salt and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the caramel into a bowl and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm but still pliable.
- Shape the Caramel Centers: Using about 1 tablespoon of caramel at a time, quickly roll into smooth balls between your palms. Work swiftly to prevent melting. Place formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep a bowl of ice water nearby to cool hands if needed.
- Freeze the Caramel Balls: Freeze the caramel balls on the baking sheet for at least 2 hours until completely firm. This step ensures easier chocolate coating.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Optionally, add coconut oil for a smoother, thinner coating. Cool slightly; chocolate should be warm but not hot.
- Coat with Chocolate: Working in small batches, dip each caramel ball into the melted chocolate using a fork, coating completely and letting excess drip off. Place coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
- Finish and Set: Immediately roll coated truffles in cocoa powder or sprinkle with crushed sea salt before chocolate sets. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to fully harden the chocolate shell.
- Serve: Let truffles sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use caution during caramel-making as the mixture is extremely hot.
- Keep hands cool while shaping to prevent caramel from melting—using ice water can help.
- Freezing the caramel centers is essential for an easy, clean chocolate coating process.
- Adding coconut oil to the chocolate helps achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
- Storing truffles in the refrigerator keeps them firm; allow a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
Keywords: salted caramel truffles, homemade truffles, caramel candy, chocolate truffles, dessert truffles