Strawberry Truffles

These Strawberry Truffles are a delightful bite-sized treat, offering the perfect blend of creamy white chocolate, fresh strawberries, and a hint of crunch from the graham cracker coating.

These truffles are incredibly easy to make and are sure to impress guests at any gathering. With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, they’re an indulgent yet simple dessert that anyone can enjoy. They also make a great homemade gift, beautifully packaged in a cute box or jar. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these Strawberry Truffles are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Full Recipe:

1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
8 oz white chocolate, chopped

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

Wash and hull the strawberries, setting them aside.
Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Dip each strawberry into the melted white chocolate, coating them thoroughly.
Immediately roll the dipped strawberries in graham cracker crumbs to coat them.
Place the truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.

Serve chilled for a delightful treat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per truffle | Servings: 12 servings

History and Origin

While the exact origins of strawberry truffles are not easily traceable, the concept of chocolate-dipped fruit has been around for centuries, with chocolate being a symbol of luxury and indulgence across various cultures. Truffles themselves are named after the prized fungus, but in the culinary world, truffles refer to rich, bite-sized confections that often contain ganache or some type of creamy filling. The pairing of chocolate with fruit, however, is a more modern invention, often found in candy shops or as homemade treats for special occasions.

Strawberries, in particular, have long been a beloved fruit, celebrated for their sweet and slightly tart flavor. They’ve been enjoyed since the Roman Empire and have become a symbol of summer and romance. Combining the classic white chocolate coating with the fresh, juicy taste of strawberries creates a flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of people, from chocolate lovers to fruit enthusiasts.

While there’s no definitive historical record of strawberry truffles, they’re a natural evolution of other popular fruit-and-chocolate combinations, like chocolate-covered strawberries, which gained mainstream popularity in the mid-20th century. These truffles are a modern twist on that concept, with the added creaminess of white chocolate and a satisfying crunch from graham cracker crumbs.

Variations and Adaptations

Though the classic strawberry truffle is always a hit, there are many fun and exciting ways to customize this treat to suit different preferences or occasions.

Dark Chocolate Truffles: For those who prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, swapping out the white chocolate for dark chocolate provides a richer, slightly bittersweet taste that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Flavored Coatings: While graham cracker crumbs are traditional, you can experiment with different coatings like crushed nuts (such as almonds or pistachios), shredded coconut, or even chocolate sprinkles for added texture and flavor.
Vegan Strawberry Truffles: By using dairy-free chocolate and vegan cream cheese or a plant-based alternative, you can easily make this recipe suitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle. This variation still offers the same delightful balance of fruity and chocolatey goodness without any animal products.
Berry Variations: Though strawberries are the star of this recipe, other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries can also be used. These berries add their own unique flavor and can create an exciting twist on the original recipe.

Stuffed Truffles: For an added surprise, you could stuff the truffles with a small dollop of flavored jam, like strawberry or raspberry, before dipping them in chocolate. This variation adds another layer of flavor that makes each bite even more satisfying.
Alcohol-Infused Truffles: For a more grown-up version, a splash of liqueur such as Chambord, Grand Marnier, or Baileys Irish Cream can be mixed into the cream cheese filling. This creates an adult-friendly twist that can be perfect for dinner parties or special events.

Nutritional Information

Strawberry Truffles are a treat, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. That said, they offer a combination of fats, carbohydrates, and a bit of protein, making them a satisfying dessert. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value of one standard truffle (based on a 12-truffle batch):

Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per truffle
Fat: 9g (of which 5g is saturated fat from the white chocolate and cream cheese)

Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 9g (mostly from the strawberries and chocolate)
Protein: 1g (mainly from the cream cheese)

Fiber: 1g (from the graham crackers and strawberries)
Vitamins and Minerals: Truffles made with strawberries provide some vitamin C and potassium, thanks to the fruit. However, the added chocolate provides a small dose of antioxidants as well.

Though these truffles are not a “health food,” they do offer some vitamins and antioxidants due to the strawberries and dark chocolate (if you choose that variation). The creamy filling can also provide a bit of energy, making them a perfect indulgence for a sweet craving without being overly heavy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Strawberry Truffles are a versatile treat and can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion.

Dessert Buffet: Serve them as part of a dessert spread at a party or gathering, alongside other bite-sized sweets like macarons, cake pops, or chocolate-dipped pretzels.
Special Occasion Gift: These truffles make a beautiful homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or even as a sweet surprise for your loved one. Package them in a cute box or jar for an extra thoughtful touch.
With a Glass of Wine: Pair strawberry truffles with a glass of sweet wine or champagne for a luxurious treat. A Moscato d’Asti or a sparkling rosé would complement the sweet fruit and white chocolate perfectly.

Coffee or Tea Pairing: These truffles also go wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. A rich espresso or a delicate chamomile tea can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the truffles.
Ice Cream Pairing: Serve the truffles alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a fun and indulgent dessert. The creamy texture of the ice cream balances the rich chocolate and fruitiness of the truffles.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, always use fresh strawberries, not frozen. They should be ripe and firm to ensure a perfect texture when dipped in chocolate.

Tempering the Chocolate: When melting the white chocolate, do it gently. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring every 30 seconds. This prevents the chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy.
Allow the Truffles to Set: Be patient and let the truffles chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This ensures the white chocolate hardens properly and gives the truffles their signature crisp coating.
Experiment with Coatings: If you’re using a different coating, ensure the crumbs or sprinkles stick by dipping the truffles while the chocolate is still warm but not too hot. This helps the coatings adhere better.

Make a Large Batch: If you’re entertaining or want to make these for a party, double or even triple the recipe! Strawberry truffles are incredibly easy to make in large batches and can be stored in airtight containers for up to a week.

Potential Health Benefits

While strawberry truffles are mainly a decadent dessert, there are a few health benefits linked to some of their key ingredients.

Strawberries: Known for being rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, strawberries support a healthy immune system and may contribute to better skin health. They also contain fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Dark Chocolate: If you decide to use dark chocolate in this recipe, it provides beneficial antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which have been linked to heart health. Dark chocolate may also help improve brain function and reduce inflammation when consumed in moderation.

Conclusion

Strawberry Truffles are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that brings together the classic pairing of strawberries and chocolate in a fun and creative way. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to indulge in a sweet treat, these truffles are sure to impress. Their versatility in flavors, textures, and pairings makes them a go-to choice for any dessert lover. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time in the fridge, you’ll have a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for all ages. Give them a try, and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of these irresistible truffles!