Keto Truffles

By
Ariane Resnick
headshot for ariane resnick
Ariane Resnick
Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, and bestselling author who takes great joy in shattering the image of what, and how, nutritionists eat.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/22/21
Keto Truffles

The Spruce Eats / Ariane Resnick
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Chill: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 25 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Yield: 24 truffles
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
91 Calories
8g Fat
4g Carbs
1g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount per serving
Calories 91
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 13mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 5mg 0%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 8mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A chocolate truffle is a bite-sized treat made from an extra thick chocolate ganache. To make truffles, you heat heavy cream and butter, and then use them to melt chocolate chunks or chips. Once they've firmed up in the refrigerator for two hours, the treats are formed by scooping small quantities with a spoon or mini ice cream scoop. They can be left as is, rolled in cocoa powder, or dipped in melted chocolate.

To make a keto version of chocolate truffles, we needed only one simple swap: sugar-free chocolate chips, instead of the standard version. The result is a low-carb truffle that's just as indulgent as the regular version, but without the carbs from sugar. You can use any sugar-free chocolate chips; we prefer ChocZero or Lily's. If you're unable to find sugar-free chips or chunks, you can make this with unsweetened chocolate and a keto sweetener separately—we'll detail that ahead.

These keto truffles are perfect as is, but you can make them even more fun with different flavor extracts, spices, or zests. They're a great gift for loved ones, but we suspect you'll be keeping many for yourself.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup sugar free chocolate chips

  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and butter over medium heat until butter is melted and incorporated and cream is gently simmering. Add vanilla extract, stir to combine, and remove from heat.

  3. Pour chocolate chips into a medium-sized mixing bowl, then pour the cream mixture over it. Let sit for 4 minutes.

  4. Use a spatula to stir the cream mixture into the now melted chips. Once combined fully, place in the refrigerator, uncovered.

  5. After two hours, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and line a baking sheet with parchment or plastic wrap. Scoop the truffle mixture into balls with a teaspoon or a mini ice cream scooper, and place on the baking sheet. If they aren't fully spherical, roll very briefly in your hands.

  6. Once all of your truffles are rolled, they are ready to be topped, if desired. If rolling in cocoa powder, place a 1/2 cup of cocoa powder on a plate and gently toss each truffle in it. Alternately, you can toss in finely chopped nuts. If you'd prefer to dip them in melted chocolate, place them in the freezer for 30 minutes then dip in sugar-free chocolate melted in a double boiler.

Recipe Tips

  • Any sugar-free chocolate can be used for this, such as ChocZero or Lily's. Note that brands like those, which use stevia and erythritol for sweetening, are gentler on stomachs than brands that use maltitol.
  • If dipping the truffles in chocolate, using a fork to toss them in there is your best bet so that you don't have to touch them at all. After dipping, let cool on a wire rack.

Recipe Variations

If you don't have sugar-free chocolate chips or chunks on hand, but you do have unsweetened chocolate, you can make this recipe with that instead. Use 1 cup chopped unsweetened chocolate and add 1/4 cup powdered keto sweetener.


Flavor these differently with one or more of the following options:

  • 1 teaspoon citrus extract, such as lemon or orange
  • 1 tablespoon of citrus zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder

How to Store and Freeze

  • Store truffles in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. They will keep for at least one week.
  • Truffles can also be stored in the freezer in a tightly sealed container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge, or on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes before serving.

Is chocolate keto?

Cacao does not contain any sugar, and is low in carbs. Cocoa powder is keto, as is chocolate that has been made with sugar-free sweetener. However, processed chocolate like chocolate bars and chips generally have sugar added and are not keto, unless the label expressly states otherwise.

Do truffles have carbs?

Truffles made with sweetened chocolate or with unsweetened chocolate and sugar are high in carbs.


Conversely, truffles made with sugar-free chocolate, or unsweetened chocolate with a keto sweetener, are very low in carbs.

Recipe Tags: