To all of my readers who are last-minute gift shoppers and procrastinating date-night planners, this wine-infused chocolate recipe is for you! It’s also for anyone who loves chocolate and wine…so I think that pretty much covers everyone and anyone, right?! (For bourbon-lovers, these boozy Bourbon Balls are for you.) Indulgent, velvety smooth, and decadently dark, these red wine truffles are an easy (yet impressive) homemade gift idea for loved ones in your life. Speaking from personal experience, they (apparently) make the perfect dessert for one too (for a chocolate-loving group, check out Flourless Chocolate Torte). After making a batch and putting them out of sight in the fridge for safe-keeping, I quickly discovered my stash had dwindled to a single truffle (I’m definitely the lone suspect here since I couldn’t point a finger at my anti-dessert husband).
How to Make Red Wine Truffles
Making homemade truffles (and Chocolate Peppermint Covered Pretzels) is as simple as melt, stir, and roll, with a little chill time in between. Honestly, it’s a little dangerous having this kind of power. Strike that: it’s exceedingly dangerous having this kind of power. The finished wine-infused chocolate truffles are indulgent, sinfully delicious, and sure to win the affection of whoever takes a taste.
The Ingredients
Chocolate. Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate will work best here (as it does for these Pistachio Chocolate Balls).
Red Wine. The best wine for chocolate truffles is a dry, fruit-forward red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel.Heavy Cream. For the most creamy and rich truffles.
Vanilla + Espresso Powder. Both of these additions intensify the chocolate flavor.Cocoa Powder. Deepens the cocoa flavor and helps balance out the bold flavor of the wine.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Homemade truffles may be stored at room temperature in an airtight, covered, container for 3 to 4 days. They may also be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Let come to room temperature prior to serving.To Freeze. Homemade chocolate truffles may be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Batter Scoop. For making perfectly-sized truffles.Mixing Bowls. These are durable and dishwasher-safe, plus make preparing the batter simple.Small Whisk. No more splashing all over the place, and perfect for smaller batches.
If it’s a crime to eat every last one of these red wine truffles yourself, then I plead guilty, your Honor!
Cocoa Powder. Because I’m a firm believer in the idea that there’s no such thing as too much chocolate (evidence: Dark Chocolate Cookies).Freeze-Dried Raspberries or Strawberries. For a festive touch, especially if serving these for Valentine’s Day or Christmas.Sprinkles. Basic chocolate, or any color and shape your heart desires would be a fun and cute addition.More Chocolate. You may also dip each chocolate ball in a bit of melted chocolate mixed with a few teaspoons of coconut oil to make a hard chocolate shell for these homemade red wine truffles.
Note that the wine flavor does lose its intensity as time passes; for max taste, I find these truffles are best eaten within 3 days.If freezing, I suggest storing them in a plastic freezer bag inside another covered container to protect the chocolate from freezer burn as best you can.
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