Chocolate Cheesecake Truffles
Highlighted under: Dessert Delights Co.
I love making chocolate cheesecake truffles because they are the perfect blend of creamy and rich chocolate flavor. Each truffle has a velvety smooth filling that literally melts in your mouth. It’s truly satisfying to roll them into bite-sized pieces, especially when they’re coated in either cocoa powder or crushed cookies. These treats are one of my go-to recipes for parties or a special treat at home, and they never fail to impress friends and family alike with their decadent taste and elegant appearance.
When I first decided to make chocolate cheesecake truffles, I was amazed at how simple yet impressive they are to make. I started with a classic cheesecake filling, blending cream cheese and powdered sugar, then added rich melted chocolate to elevate the flavor. The key is in chilling the mixture long enough to allow it to set properly before rolling into truffles, which ensures they hold their shape perfectly.
One of my favorite variations is experimenting with different coatings. While cocoa powder is a classic choice, I’ve also tried using crushed graham crackers and even chopped nuts for a more textured finish. Each time I make these truffles, I get excited to see how the flavors and presentations can slightly change, but they always deliver that satisfying chocolate kick.
Why You'll Love These Truffles
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cheesecake filling
- Decadent and satisfying bite-sized treats
- Perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions
Mastering the Perfect Texture
The key to achieving the velvety texture of your cheesecake truffles lies in the cream cheese. Ensure it is completely softened before starting; this makes for a smoother blend with the powdered sugar and melted chocolate. If you inadvertently forget to take the cream cheese out of the fridge ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by cutting it into smaller cubes and microwaving it in 10-second intervals until it’s spreadable, ensuring not to overheat.
Mixing the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture should ideally be done when the chocolate has cooled slightly, but is still pourable. If the chocolate is too hot, it can cause the cream cheese to melt, resulting in a runny mixture that won’t hold its shape. By letting the melted chocolate sit for a few minutes off the heat, you can safely combine it, creating a luxurious filling.
Coating Options and Additions
For coating, cocoa powder is a classic choice, providing a rich flavor that complements the chocolate. However, don’t hesitate to get creative! Crushed cookies, such as Oreos or graham crackers, can add texture and a sweet crunch. Additionally, consider adding a dash of sea salt to your cocoa powder for a sweet-salty flavor that elevates the truffles even further.
If you want to give your truffles an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling them with melted white chocolate after they have been coated. This not only adds a delightful visual appeal but also an intriguing contrast to the dark chocolate and cream cheese filling. Just ensure the dipped truffles are set in the fridge after decorating to allow the topping to solidify.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Truffles:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder or crushed cookies (for coating)
Instructions:
Instructions
Preparation Steps:
Prepare Cheesecake Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy, then mix in the melted semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 15 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to shape into truffles.
Form the Truffles
Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the cheesecake mixture into bite-sized balls. Roll them between your palms to make them smooth and round.
Coat the Truffles
Roll each truffle in cocoa powder or crushed cookies, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the coated truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill Again
Refrigerate the truffles for another 10 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy these delightful bites as a sweet treat!
Enjoy Your Truffles!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, try drizzling melted white chocolate over the chilled truffles before serving for a visually striking contrast.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the fantastic aspects of these chocolate cheesecake truffles is that they are perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can prepare the truffle mixture up to two days in advance. Once shaped into balls and coated, store them in an airtight container separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the refrigerator for several days without losing flavor or texture.
If you want to prepare them well in advance, consider freezing the uncoated truffles. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Afterward, you can transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat them in cocoa powder or crushed cookies after thawing for a fresh taste.
Common Issues and Fixes
A common issue when making cheesecake truffles is that the mixture is too soft to form balls. If this happens, simply chill the mixture for an additional 10-15 minutes in the fridge. If you find that the mixture still isn’t holding its shape, adding a bit more powdered sugar can help firm it up without compromising the flavor.
Another problem might be uneven coating. When rolling the truffles in cocoa powder or crushed cookies, make sure to do so in small batches. This helps ensure that each truffle gets an adequate covering. If the mixture is too sticky, dust your hands with cocoa powder or powdered sugar to make rolling easier and achieve a smooth finish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may alter the creaminess slightly.
→ How long do these truffles keep?
These truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in a sealed container.
→ Can I freeze these truffles?
Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container.
→ What can I use instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
You can substitute with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate, depending on your preference.
Chocolate Cheesecake Truffles
I love making chocolate cheesecake truffles because they are the perfect blend of creamy and rich chocolate flavor. Each truffle has a velvety smooth filling that literally melts in your mouth. It’s truly satisfying to roll them into bite-sized pieces, especially when they’re coated in either cocoa powder or crushed cookies. These treats are one of my go-to recipes for parties or a special treat at home, and they never fail to impress friends and family alike with their decadent taste and elegant appearance.
Created by: Arabella Scott
Recipe Type: Dessert Delights Co.
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 20 truffles
What You'll Need
For the Truffles:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder or crushed cookies (for coating)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy, then mix in the melted semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 15 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to shape into truffles.
Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the cheesecake mixture into bite-sized balls. Roll them between your palms to make them smooth and round.
Roll each truffle in cocoa powder or crushed cookies, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the coated truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate the truffles for another 10 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy these delightful bites as a sweet treat!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, try drizzling melted white chocolate over the chilled truffles before serving for a visually striking contrast.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g