Raspberry Chocolate Truffles
Making Raspberry Chocolate Truffle is one of the easiest and most impressive desserts you can whip up, especially when you’re short on time. These decadent, no-bake treats are a lifesaver for busy parents craving something special without the fuss.
You’ll Love These Truffles
- 5-Ingredient Magic – With just a handful of pantry staples, you’re minutes away from gourmet homemade chocolate truffles.
- No-Bake & Kid-Friendly – No oven required, making it a safe and fun activity to do with little helpers. Make-Ahead Marvel – Perfect for prepping days in advance, so you have a fancy dessert ready to impress. Chaos-Proof Process – The simple ganache method is forgiving, so even first-time truffle makers get perfect results.
Gathering Your Truffle Toolkit
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped – forms the rich, velvety base of your truffles.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – creates the luxurious, smooth ganache texture.
- 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam – adds a vibrant, fruity burst of raspberry flavor.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature – makes the truffle centers extra silky and rich.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for rolling – provides the classic, slightly bitter truffle coating.
Your Timetable for Truffle Success
I know your time is precious, so let’s talk timing. Active prep for these raspberry jam truffles is just about 20 minutes. The actual cook time is a mere 5 minutes to heat the cream.
The majority of the time is hands-off chilling. You’ll need to let the ganache firm up in the fridge for at least 2 hours. So, the total time is about 2 hours and 25 minutes, but most of that you’re free to tackle the after-school chaos.
This makes it a perfect weekend project or a make-ahead dessert for the week. For another fantastic no-bake chocolate dessert that’s equally simple, check out my fantasy fudge recipe.
Adapting for Sugar-Conscious Diets
If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can easily adapt this easy dessert recipe. I’ve had great success using a sugar-free seedless raspberry jam, which significantly cuts down the sugar content.
You can also explore natural sweetener options. For a low glycemic index alternative, consider using a stevia-sweetened dark chocolate. Just be mindful that the texture might be slightly different.
Portion control is your friend here too. These truffles are rich, so enjoying one or two is often perfectly satisfying.
My Best Truffle-Making Secrets
After making countless batches of these homemade chocolate truffles, I’ve picked up a few tricks to guarantee perfection every single time.
Flavor Swap: Not a raspberry fan? Swap the jam for orange marmalade or even a thick cherry preserves for a different fruity twist.
Diet Tweak: For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a vegan butter alternative. The result is still incredibly creamy.
Texture Fix: If your ganache isn’t firm enough to roll after chilling, it just needs more time. Pop it back in the fridge for another 30 minutes. For more chocolate texture tips, see my guide to achieving perfect chocolate crinkle cookies.
Storage Tip: Keep these no-bake truffles in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. If you love treats that keep well, you’ll appreciate my make-ahead peppermint bark.

Raspberry Chocolate Truffle
Equipment
- heatproof bowl
- saucepan
- whisk
- plastic wrap
- shallow bowl
- melon baller
- airtight container
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup seedless raspberry jam
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for rolling
Instructions
- Place the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it stand, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. After it sits, whisk the mixture slowly from the center outward until it is completely smooth and glossy.
- Whisk in the seedless raspberry jam and the room temperature butter until the jam is fully incorporated and the butter has melted into the mixture.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm enough to scoop and holds its shape when handled.
- Place the cocoa powder in a shallow bowl or plate. Using a melon baller or a small teaspoon, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the chilled chocolate mixture. Quickly roll it between your palms to form a rough 1-inch ball, then immediately roll it in the cocoa powder to coat it completely. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Transfer the finished truffles to an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers if stacking. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve, letting them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating.
Notes
A Sweet Treat with Surprising Perks
While these are definitely a dessert, dark chocolate offers some benefits. Bittersweet chocolate is a good source of iron and contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants.
Compared to many store-bought candies, these cocoa powder truffles allow you to control the quality of ingredients. You can choose a high-quality chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.
Raspberries also contribute a touch of vitamin C. For another dessert that incorporates fruit in a delicious way, explore my festive Christmas cheesecake bars. Remember, moderation is key to enjoying sweets as part of a balanced diet. You can learn more about the composition of chocolate from resources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. For a different chocolate experience, try my rich Mississippi mud pie.
Creating a Lighter Bite
If you want to lighten up these chocolate ganache truffles a bit, there are a few simple tweaks. Using a dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content naturally reduces the sugar.
You can also lightly dust the truffles with cocoa powder instead of doing a full, thick coating. This cuts down a small amount of the overall content while still delivering that classic look and taste.
Serving Your Homemade Masterpiece
I love presenting these truffles on a pretty plate for a party, or just keeping them in a jar for a special after-dinner treat. They make any moment feel a bit more celebratory.
For a real wow factor, serve them alongside a glass of champagne for adults or sparkling cider for the kids. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They’re the perfect ending to a rich meal like my decadent chocolate lasagna.
For a holiday cookie platter, these truffles look stunning next to other classics like chocolate peppermint blossoms.
Sidestepping Common Truffle Troubles
Even an easy recipe can have pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid the most common issues when making raspberry chocolate truffles.
Grainy Ganache: This happens if the cream isn’t hot enough to melt the chocolate completely. Ensure your cream is simmering hot when you pour it over the chocolate.
Too Soft to Roll: Don’t rush the chilling time. The ganache must be firm. If it’s too soft, it won’t hold a ball shape. Patience is key!
Jammy Leaks: Using a seedless jam is crucial. Seeds can create weak spots in the truffle. For more on working with jams and fillings, see my tips for reindeer brownie bites.
Another common query is about chocolate seizing. If you get any water in the chocolate, it can become grainy. Always ensure your bowls and utensils are completely dry. For a deeper dive into chocolate techniques, the King Arthur Baking guide is an excellent resource. I also find that using a cookie scoop, like I do for my white chocolate macadamia cookies, helps create uniform truffles.
I remember one time I tried to shortcut the cooling process by putting the bowl in the freezer. Let’s just say I ended up with a rock-solid block instead of a scoopable ganache. Learn from my mistake!
Keeping Your Truffles Fresh
These truffles store beautifully, which is a huge win for busy schedules. I always make a double batch to have on hand.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you need to stack them, place a layer of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Your Turn to Make Magic
I promise you, making these Raspberry Chocolate Truffle delights is easier than you think. The look on your family’s faces when you tell them you made truffles from scratch is absolutely priceless.
It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is totally approachable. Give it a try this weekend. You won’t be disappointed. If you love this, you might also enjoy my other chocolate creations like classic chocolate brownies, festive chocolate Christmas desserts, or the simple crockpot candy.
More Irresistible Chocolate Desserts
If you loved making these truffles, you’re probably hooked on easy, impressive chocolate desserts. Here are a few more of my family’s absolute favorites that deliver on flavor without complicated steps.
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies – The ultimate classic cookie, chewy and packed with chocolate chips.
Chocolate Mint Cookies – A refreshing and chocolatey combination that’s always a hit.
Raspberry Lemon Chia Water – A wonderfully refreshing and healthy drink to balance the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet for the truffles?
You can, but the truffles will be much sweeter. Bittersweet chocolate balances the sweetness of the raspberry jam perfectly. Milk chocolate might make the final Raspberry Chocolate Truffle overly sweet for some tastes.
How do I prevent the cocoa powder from melting into the truffle?
Make sure the ganache balls are well-chilled and firm before rolling. Work quickly with cool hands, and roll them in the cocoa powder right after shaping. Then, place them back in the fridge to set completely.
What’s the best way to chop chocolate for ganache?
Use a serrated bread knife on a cutting board. The teeth grip the chocolate, making it easier to create small, fine pieces that will melt evenly for a smooth Raspberry Chocolate Truffle ganache.
Can I flavor the truffles with something other than jam?
Absolutely! You can use a tablespoon of a flavored liqueur like Grand Marnier or Chambord, or even a bit of espresso powder dissolved in the cream for a mocha twist on these homemade chocolate truffles.
Why did my truffle mixture separate?
Separation usually occurs if the cream was too hot when added or if it was whisked too vigorously. Gently whisk from the center outwards to emulsify the ganache properly for perfect no-bake truffles.
How long do homemade truffles last?
Stored correctly in the fridge, these easy dessert recipe truffles will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. They are best enjoyed at room temperature after a brief 10-minute rest out of the refrigerator.