Chocolate Raspberry Truffles are a sweet and simple treat that brings together rich chocolate and tangy raspberries in every bite. These little truffles have a smooth, creamy center with a burst of fruity flavor, all coated in silky chocolate that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for a cozy Valentine’s Day dessert or just to share a special moment with someone you love.
I love making these truffles because they feel fancy but don’t take forever to put together. One of my favorite things about them is how the fresh raspberry taste balances the sweetness of the chocolate — it’s not too rich, just the right mix. I usually roll them in cocoa powder, but sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a little extra touch.
When I serve these truffles, I like to arrange them on a pretty plate with some fresh raspberries around. They’re always a big hit and make the moment feel a bit more special without needing a lot of fuss. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing — I can never eat just one! It’s a small Valentine’s dessert that goes a long way in spreading a little love and sweetness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and helps bind the truffles. You can swap it for mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese if you want a richer or vegan option.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries give a bright, natural flavor, but frozen ones work well too. Just thaw and drain them to avoid extra liquid that can affect texture.
Powdered Sugar: It sweetens and firms up the filling. If you want to cut down on sugar, try using less or a powdered sugar substitute, but the texture may change slightly.
Chocolate for Coating: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate is best for a nice balance of rich and sweet. You can use milk chocolate for a creamier taste or vegan chocolate for a dairy-free treat.
Pink Candy Melts & Decorations: These add a festive touch. If you don’t have candy melts, colored white chocolate or even sprinkles alone work great too.
How Do I Get Smooth, Even Chocolate Coating on Truffles?
Coating truffles can be tricky, but a few tips help get a beautiful finish without clumps or uneven spots.
- Melt Chocolate Gently: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring between, to avoid burning or seizing the chocolate.
- Use Tools: Dip truffles with a fork or a dipping tool to let excess chocolate drip off before placing them on parchment paper.
- Work Quickly: Coat all truffles while chocolate is smooth and warm. If it gets too thick, reheat gently.
- Set Properly: Let truffles harden at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for faster setting without moisture buildup.
- Decorate While Wet: Add drizzles or sprinkles before chocolate sets to make them stick nicely.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your cream cheese, raspberries, and sugar smoothly.
- Fork or potato masher – perfect to mash raspberries into a puree easily.
- Small cookie scoop or spoon – helps you make evenly sized truffle balls quickly.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – to melt chocolate gently without burning.
- Fork or dipping tool – to dip truffles in chocolate and let excess drip off cleanly.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps the truffles from sticking when setting.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Substitute raspberries with chopped strawberries or cherries for a sweeter, fruitier twist.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling for a fresh citrus note that brightens the chocolate.
- Mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a bit of crunch inside.
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate with white or milk chocolate for different flavor and sweetness levels.
Chocolate Raspberry Truffles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (230 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (if frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid)
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 12 oz (340 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (for coating)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)
- Pink candy melts or colored white chocolate (for decoration)
- Crushed freeze-dried raspberries or crushed pink & white candy sprinkles (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare for about 20 minutes of active prep time. Then chill the filling for 1 hour, freeze the truffles for 30 minutes, and let the chocolate set for 15-20 minutes. Overall, plan for about 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Raspberry Mixture:
Start by mashing the raspberries in a bowl with a fork until smooth. If you want a smoother texture, press the mixture through a fine sieve to remove seeds.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Then fold in the raspberry puree. The mixture should be thick enough to roll into balls.
3. Chill and Shape:
Cover the filling and refrigerate it for about 1 hour to firm up. Once chilled, scoop out small portions and roll into bite-sized balls. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
4. Coat with Chocolate:
While the truffles freeze, melt the chopped chocolate gently using a double boiler or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip each chilled truffle in the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off, then return to the parchment paper.
5. Decorate and Set:
Drizzle melted pink candy melts or colored white chocolate on top of the coated truffles. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries or candy sprinkles for a pretty finish. Allow the truffles to set at room temperature or in the fridge until firm.
6. Serve:
Arrange the truffles on a plate with fresh raspberries if you like. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious Valentine’s treat!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This helps keep the truffle filling from becoming too wet and ensures a better texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Truffles?
Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Make These Truffles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and shape the truffles a day or two in advance. Keep them frozen or refrigerated and coat with chocolate right before serving for maximum freshness.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Candy Melts for Decoration?
No worries! You can melt white chocolate and add a few drops of food coloring as a substitute, or simply skip the decoration and sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries or sprinkles directly on the chocolate coating.
