Aztec Truffles

Aztec Truffles
(c) Elizabeth LaBau
Prep: 60 mins
Cook: 6 mins
Total: 66 mins
Servings: 40 servings
Yield: 40 1-inch truffles

I named these "Aztec truffles" because these dark chocolate treasures are flavored with cinnamon and red pepper, two spices commonly paired with chocolate in Aztec culture. There is also a hint of orange to complement the fruitiness of the dark chocolate. This is definitely a recipe where you want to splurge on the best chocolate you can afford--good chocolate transforms truffles into a truly gourmet experience.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup heavy cream

  • 12 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped or grated

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons orange zest, from 1 orange

  • 2 cinnamon sticks

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Steps to Make It

  1. Place the chopped chocolate in a large bowl and set aside.

  2. Combine the orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and crushed red pepper flakes with the cream in a medium small saucepan over medium heat, and bring the cream to a simmer.

  3. Once simmering, remove the pan from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

  4. After 30 minutes, remove the lid, return the pan to the heat, and bring the cream to a simmer once more.

  5. Pour the hot cream through a fine mesh strainer into the chocolate bowl, straining out the cinnamon, orange zest, and pepper flakes.

  6. Allow the hot cream and chocolate to stand for one minute to soften the chocolate, then whisk the mixture gently until the chocolate melts and the mixture is entirely smooth.

  7. Add the room temperature butter and salt, and whisk them in. This is your ganache.

  8. Cover the ganache with cling wrap, placing the cling wrap directly on top of the ganache so that it is not exposed to air.

  9. Refrigerate the ganache until it is firm enough to scoop but not rock-hard, about 45 to 60 minutes.

  10. Pour the cocoa powder into a shallow bowl. Dust your hands with cocoa powder. Scoop teaspoonfuls of ganache and roll them between your hands to make them round, adding more cocoa powder as necessary to keep them from sticking.

  11. You should get 36 to 40 1-inch truffles from this recipe. Place the truffles on a baking sheet covered with parchment or waxed paper.

  12. Store Aztec Truffles in an airtight container for up to a week. They are best served at room temperature when their flavor and texture is the best. 

Note: I like a bit of a kick in my truffles, and I find 1 /2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes is just to my liking. If you are worried they will be too spicy for you, try using only 1/4 tsp instead. 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
68 Calories
5g Fat
6g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 40
Amount per serving
Calories 68
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 3g 14%
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Sodium 10mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 1mg 3%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 53mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)