These incredible Chocolate Hibiscus Truffles are unbelievably delicate, elegant and delicious. They literally melt in your mouth. The flavor of these truffles is a little bit tangy with some floral and fruity hints, while slight sourness and bitterness accompanied by sweetness, create an unbelievable combo. So you definitely need to try this recipe, you’ll absolutely love these chocolate hibiscus truffles!
Hibiscus is a tropical plant with large bright flowers. Everybody knows hibiscus tea that has a delightful red color and a vibrant floral and berry flavor that reminds cranberries and pomegranate. But how about using it in desserts? Desserts with hibiscus petals are unique, very interesting and very flavorful. Hibiscus sounds interesting in frostings, mousse desserts, jellies, beverages and even truffles.
You will need:
- Dark chocolate (with 70-75% cacao). This type of chocolate has a higher percentage of cocoa solids and less sugar than milk chocolate, giving it a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Maple syrup to naturally sweeten the truffles as a healthier alternative to refined sugar, as it contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese.
- Hazelnut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the truffles. It’s also a good source of healthy fats and protein.
- Dried hibiscus flowers: These flowers have a tart, fruity flavor and a deep red color.
- Water to make the hibiscus tea.
- Ground cinnamon: This warm, fragrant spice adds a subtle flavor and complexity to the truffles, enhancing this riot of taste and makes the truffles even richer.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Unique and exotic flavors. These Chocolate Hibiscus Truffles offer a unique combination of flavors that you won’t find in traditional truffle recipes. The tart and fruity taste of the dried hibiscus flowers, along with the nutty and creamy flavor of the hazelnut butter, create a flavor profile that is both delicious and unexpected.
- Healthier ingredients. This recipe uses maple syrup as a natural sweetener, which is a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Additionally, dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids provides antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate. Hazelnut butter is a good source of healthy fats and protein.
- Easy and quick to make. You can whip up this decadent dessert in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. See the tips for success section to ensure the best results.
- Versatile. The recipe includes substitution and variation ideas, so you can customize the truffles to your liking. You can also experiment with different coatings and flavors to create your own unique truffle recipe.
- Perfect for special diets. These truffles are dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free, making them a perfect treat for those with special dietary needs.
These truffles are a delicious and healthier twist on the traditional chocolate truffle recipe. They offer a unique flavor profile, are easy and quick to make, and are customizable to your liking.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overheat the chocolate. When melting the chocolate, be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy. If melting in a microwave, stir well after each 15-second interval to ensure the chocolate isn’t overheated.
- Let the filling set before rolling. It’s important to let the chocolate filling set in the fridge for about 1-1.5 hours before rolling into balls. This will help the mixture to firm up and make it easier to work with.
- Use good quality ingredients. It’s important to use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best possible flavor. Make sure to use high-quality dark chocolate and hazelnut butter for the best results.
- Make sure to use boiling water and let the hibiscus tea steep for at least 5 minutes to ensure that the flavor is infused into the water.
- When coating the truffles, work quickly to prevent the chocolate from setting before you’ve finished. If the chocolate begins to harden, reheat it gently in the microwave or double boiler.
- Roll the truffles in almond flour immediately after dipping them in the melted chocolate while the chocolate isn’t still set.
Storage instructions
These Chocolate Hibiscus Truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Before serving, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving, this will help them to thaw evenly and maintain their shape and texture.
Possible Substitutions and Variations
Here are just a few ideas to get you started. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and ingredients to make the recipe your own.
- Almond or Cashew Butter. Hazelnut butter goes very well with the floral and berry flavor of hibiscus and is a perfect addition to chocolate. But if you want, you can replace it with almond butter or cashew butter. Peanut butter isn’t recommended for this recipe as the intense aroma of peanuts will overshadow the subtle flavor of hibiscus.
- Hibiscus tea bags. If you don’t have dried hibiscus flowers, you can use hibiscus tea bags instead. Simply steep one tea bag in 1/4 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes and use that in the recipe instead.
- Cocoa powder or chopped nuts for coating. You could also use cocoa powder or chopped nuts instead of almond flour. You could also experiment with drizzling melted white chocolate over the top for a pretty finish.
- Extra flavors: For a fun twist on this recipe, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick, or a splash of orange liqueur for a citrusy twist. This can influence tender hibiscus flavor but will be also an interesting combo. You could also experiment with using different types of chocolate for coating, such as milk or white chocolate, for a different flavor profile.
More recipes for chocolate truffles
Also, be sure to check out our other super yummy chocolate truffles:
- Chocolate Earl Grey Truffles
- Amaretto Chocolate Truffles
- Pistachio Truffles with Raspberries
- Super Easy Oreo Balls (with just 3 ingredients!)
These extraordinarily rich, creamy, and very delicious Chocolate Hibiscus Truffles really melt in your mouth and are definitely something you need to try! With the incredible floral and fruity flavor in combination with elegant chocolate and hazelnut, they create the perfect combination of flavors and tastes.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 5 oz (140 g) dark chocolate (with 70-75% cacao)
- 4 tbsp (80 g) maple syrup
- ⅓ cup (80 g) hazelnut butter
- 1 tsp dried hibiscus flowers
- ¼ cup (60 ml) boiling water
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Coating:
- 5 oz (140 g) dark chocolate
- almond flour or cacao powder (optional)
Instructions
- Place hibiscus flowers in a cup and pour boiling water into it. Cover and steep the tea for 5 minutes. Strain tea solids and let the tea cool for a couple of minutes.
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler (bain-marie) or in a microwave (stir well after each 15 second interval to make sure chocolate isn't overheated).
- Pour maple syrup, hibiscus tea, hazelnut butter and cinnamon into chocolate. Use a silicone spatula to mix well until smooth and glossy consistency.
- Cover a bowl with a layer of plastic wrap touching the top of the chocolate mixture and place it into the fridge for about 1-1.5 hours to set. Mixture should be easy to work with, it should not be too thick.
- Form the balls with your hands (about 0.5 oz or 15 g each) and put them back in the fridge for 30 minutes to thicken.
- To coat the truffles with chocolate glaze, finely chop chocolate and melt it using a double boiler.
- Using a fork, dip each truffle in the chocolate and tap off some of the excess chocolate. If desired, roll them in almond flour immediately while chocolate has not set yet. Place onto the parchment paper to set.
