Discover the ultimate indulgence with this Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe, combining luscious caramel, rich chocolate, and a perfect pinch of sea salt for a harmonious bite-sized treat. These irresistible candies are not only a joy to eat but also a fantastic project to make at home, whether you’re gifting loved ones or simply spoiling yourself with something decadent and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe plays a crucial role in developing the smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and that unforgettable buttery caramel flavor. You’ll appreciate how simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: The foundation for our deep, golden caramel, sugar’s careful melting creates that signature flavor and color.
- Unsalted butter, 6 tablespoons (cut into pieces): Adds a silky richness and smooth mouthfeel to the caramel base without overpowering sweetness.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup (room temperature): Cream introduces luscious creaminess and softens the caramel’s texture perfectly.
- Sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Just the right touch to elevate the caramel’s sweetness with hints of savory contrast.
- Semi-sweet chocolate, 8 oz (finely chopped): Melts into the warm caramel to add decadent chocolate depth.
- Vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all flavors with a gentle aromatic warmth.
- Dark or milk chocolate, 1 cup (for coating): Provides the smooth, glossy shell that encases these little treasures.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Sprinkled atop for that irresistible crunch and salty finish.
How to Make Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Create the Caramel Base
Start by melting the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Watch carefully as the sugar transforms into a deep amber liquid—the rich color signals those complex caramel notes developing. Once ready, add the butter pieces, stirring until fully incorporated. This ensures a beautifully smooth finish.
Step 2: Incorporate Cream and Salt
Slowly pour in the room temperature heavy cream. It will bubble vigorously, which is normal—just stir continuously to blend everything into a silky caramel sauce. Sprinkle in the sea salt, then remove from the heat to preserve the caramel’s delicate flavors.
Step 3: Combine Chocolate and Vanilla
Immediately add the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate to the hot caramel and stir until it melts completely. The mixture should become silky and rich. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Pour the luscious caramel-chocolate blend into a shallow dish and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm. This chilling stage is key to achieving the perfect texture for rolling the truffles.
Step 5: Shape and Freeze the Truffles
Once set, scoop small portions using a cookie scoop or spoon, then roll them quickly between your hands to form neat balls. Place each truffle on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up before coating.
Step 6: Coat with Chocolate and Finish
While the truffles chill, melt the dark or milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or gently in bursts in the microwave. Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off, then place them back on the tray. Before the coating sets, sprinkle flaky sea salt atop each one for that signature salty crunch. Refrigerate until firm.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each truffle just before the chocolate sets highlights the sweet and salty balance beautifully. You can also dust some cocoa powder or finely chopped toasted nuts for added texture and an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Salted Caramel Truffles are delightful on their own, but they pair stunningly with a cup of strong coffee or black tea to cut through the richness. They also complement dessert wine or a creamy hot chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these truffles on a decorative plate with edible gold leaf accents or place them in colorful mini cupcake liners for parties and gifting. Wrapping them individually in cellophane tied with ribbon makes a charming homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover truffles will stay fresh and delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The cool container helps maintain their glossy coating and creamy center without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your Salted Caramel Truffles in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving to retain their perfect texture.
Reheating
Generally, reheating truffles isn’t necessary or recommended since they are best served chilled. However, if the chocolate coating becomes too firm, letting them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes will soften them naturally without losing their delicate structure.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for the coating?
Absolutely! Both dark and milk chocolate work wonderfully for coating, depending on your preference for bitterness or sweetness. White chocolate is also an option but may require adjustments since it melts differently.
What if my caramel hardens too much while cooking?
If the caramel hardens or crystallizes, gently reheat it with a little water to melt it back down smoothly. Stir constantly to avoid burning and maintain that lush texture.
Is it necessary to chill the caramel mixture before rolling?
Yes, chilling is essential. It firms up the caramel so that it’s easier to scoop and roll without sticking or melting in your hands, ensuring perfectly shaped truffles.
Can I make these truffles vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream; just be aware it may subtly change the flavor and texture.
How long do these truffles last at room temperature?
Due to the cream and chocolate, it’s best to keep them refrigerated and consume within a week. Leaving them at room temperature can cause spoilage or melting, especially in warm conditions.
Final Thoughts
Making Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe at home is such a satisfying experience—each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness that feels both luxurious and comforting. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple to share at gatherings or enjoy as a little personal reward. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and dive into this delightful treat today!
Print
Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 24 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Caramel Truffles are rich, creamy bite-sized treats made with smooth caramel, silky chocolate, and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for gifting or indulging, these decadent candies are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Caramel Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Mixture
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating and Topping
- 1 cup dark or milk chocolate (for coating)
- flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
- Add Cream and Salt: Slowly pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble) and stir until smooth. Stir in sea salt and remove from heat.
- Mix with Chocolate and Vanilla: Add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla extract to the hot caramel and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate for 2–3 hours or until firm.
- Shape the Truffles: Once chilled, scoop out small portions and roll into balls using your hands. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15–20 minutes.
- Melt Coating Chocolate: Meanwhile, melt the coating chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts.
- Coat the Truffles: Dip each truffle into the melted coating chocolate, letting the excess drip off, and place back on the tray.
- Finish and Set: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before the coating sets. Refrigerate until firm.
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized truffles.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- You can roll the truffles in cocoa powder or chopped nuts instead of coating them in chocolate.
