Name: Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 3 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60% or higher); 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 ounces heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon coffee grinds (or instant coffee); Sea salt to taste

There’s something incredibly irresistible about the marriage of deep, rich chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth treat, this Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence.

Several round scoops of dark brown chocolate truffles are shown close together on a white marbled surface. Each truffle has a rough, textured surface with small cracks and uneven edges. Coarse white salt crystals are sprinkled unevenly on top of the truffles, adding a contrasting sparkle to the dark chocolate. The truffles fill the frame, with one scoop in sharp focus in the foreground and the others softly blurred behind it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these truffles—there’s just something so satisfying about how silky the chocolate becomes with that subtle hit of coffee and the crunchy burst of sea salt on the finish. They impress everyone, whether you serve them at a dinner party or just sneak a few bites during a cozy night in.

Perfect Balance: The bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolates create a deep, rich flavor that’s not overly sweet.
Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples—yet the flavor feels gourmet.
Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed, and shaping them is hands-on and fun!
Customizable Touch: Tweak the coffee or salt to dial the flavor exactly how you like it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering your ingredients, look out for good-quality chocolate and fresh heavy cream; they really make all the difference in texture and taste. The coffee grinds? A secret weapon that deepens the chocolate without adding a strong coffee flavor.

Flat lay of a small pile of glossy bittersweet chocolate chunks, a modest heap of shiny semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a tiny white ceramic bowl with a clear vanilla extract liquid, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich dark brown coffee grinds, and a delicate scattering of coarse sea salt crystals artfully arranged, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bittersweet chocolate: Adds intense chocolate flavor with a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bring smooth sweetness and help with a creamy texture.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky ganache base for the truffles.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolate notes with a warm, fragrant touch.
Coffee grinds (or instant coffee): A subtle enhancer that elevates the chocolate depth without overpowering.
Sea salt: The star contrast—sprinkled on top to add crunch and highlight sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste or occasion. Whether you want to experiment with flavors or adjust for dietary needs, these truffles are a delicious blank canvas.

Variation: For a minty twist, I like to add a few drops of peppermint extract instead of vanilla. It gives the truffles a refreshing lift that's especially nice around the holidays.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk to make these truffles vegan-friendly without losing that luxurious creaminess.
Seasonal Touch: Stir in finely chopped crystallized ginger or orange zest for a subtle pop of seasonal flavor that complements the bittersweet notes perfectly.
Flavor-Freezing: If you’re in a hurry, after chilling the mixture for 2 hours, you can freeze the mixture for about 30 minutes to firm it up quickly before shaping.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles Recipe

There are six dark brown chocolate truffles on a white plate, each with a smooth and slightly cracked surface, topped with a few grains of white salt. One truffle is being held by a woman's hand with bright pink nail polish, showing a small bite that reveals a creamy, rich chocolate inside. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm the Cream Gently

Start by heating 8 ounces of heavy cream in a small pan over low heat. The key here is to warm it slowly and keep a close eye so it just reaches the boil point without actually boiling over. You’ll see little bubbles forming around the edges—that’s your cue! This gentle warming ensures the cream’s richness blends harmoniously with the chocolate.

Step 2: Prep Your Chocolate Mix

While your cream is warming, place 8 ounces of bittersweet chocolate (60% or higher) and 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips into a heat-proof bowl. Having both types of chocolate gives the truffles a perfect balance of deep, rich bitterness and a smooth sweetness. Ready your bowl and utensils—you’ll be combining the cream in the next step.

Step 3: Pour and Stir Slowly

Remove the cream from heat just as it starts to boil. Then, slowly pour the hot cream over your chocolate mixture. Start stirring gently but consistently—the heat from the cream will melt the chocolate smoothly. It’s important to take your time here; continue stirring until you have a silky, lump-free ganache that’s rich and glossy.

Step 4: Flavor It Up

Now for the magic touch: stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of coffee grinds or instant coffee. Don’t worry, the coffee doesn’t overpower; it simply deepens the chocolate’s flavor, making it even more indulgent. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature—this pause helps the flavors meld beautifully before chilling.

Step 5: Chill Until Firm

Cover your bowl and refrigerate the chocolate mixture for 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial—it firms up the ganache so it’s easy to handle and scoop. When you’re ready, the mixture should be cool, thick, and slightly stiff to the touch.

Step 6: Shape Your Truffles

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scooper or two spoons, scoop out the chocolate mixture into roughly even-sized mounds. Roll each mound quickly between your hands to form round balls—don’t worry about perfection here; the rustic shape is part of their charm. Place each truffle on the parchment-lined sheet.

Step 7: Salt and Set

Once shaped, lightly sprinkle sea salt over each truffle. This simple step adds a lovely crunchy contrast and highlights the chocolate’s deep flavors. Finally, place your truffles back in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes to set fully before serving—patience pays off!

Top Tip

Making sea salt chocolate truffles might seem like a delicate art, but a few insider tips can make your experience smoother and your treats even more irresistible.

Chocolate Quality: Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content to ensure a rich, deep flavor that stands up well to the sea salt contrast.
Temperature Control: When pouring hot cream over chocolate, remove it from heat right before boiling to prevent the chocolate from seizing or scorching—stir slowly and patiently for that perfect silky mixture.
Consistent Scooping: Using a small cookie scooper not only speeds up shaping but also helps keep your truffles roughly the same size, which means even chilling and a uniform bite every time.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the mixture first is key—trying to form truffles too soon often leads to sticky hands and misshapen candies. Patience really pays off here!

How to Serve Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with thick, dark chocolate batter showing smooth, glossy texture with slight ridges from mixing. On top of the batter is a sprinkle of dark brown powder, and an orange spatula is partially stuck in the batter, coated with the same chocolate mix. A woman's hand with colorful nail polish holds a silver spoon above the bowl, dropping more dark brown powder. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a cream cloth with red stripes nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your truffles even further, try sprinkling a few with crushed pistachios or finely chopped toasted almonds along with the sea salt for added texture. A light dusting of cocoa powder or edible gold flakes also adds a touch of elegance perfect for gift-giving or special celebrations.

Side Dishes

These sea salt chocolate truffles pair wonderfully with a glass of rich red wine like a Merlot or a bold espresso for coffee lovers. You might also serve them alongside fresh berries or a creamy vanilla bean panna cotta to balance their richness with some bright, fresh flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their silky texture and shape. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week—perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings throughout the week.

Freezing

To store for longer periods, freeze your truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw them gently in the refrigerator overnight to preserve that creamy texture.

Reheating

Since these truffles are best enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t necessary, but if you want to soften them slightly, just let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the truffles unevenly and ruin their silky finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of chocolate for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolates give the best balance for these truffles, you can experiment with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier result. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change.

What does the coffee add to the truffles?

The coffee grounds subtly enhance the depth and richness of the chocolate without making the truffles taste like coffee, adding a lovely complexity to the overall flavor.

How important is the sea salt for this recipe?

Sea salt is a key player here—it provides a delightful crunch and balances the sweetness, making each bite perfectly sweet and savory. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can I make these truffles vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate, but results may vary. The texture might be slightly different, so experiment to find your perfect version!

Final Thoughts

Creating these Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles is not just about the end result, but the joy found in each step—from stirring warm chocolate to finally tasting that perfect sweet and savory bite. Whether for a special occasion or a little everyday indulgence, this recipe brings a touch of homemade magic to your dessert table. Happy truffle making!