Craving something decadent yet mindful of your dietary choices? These vegan Ferrero rocher chocolate truffles are the perfect treat.
They capture the luxurious, nutty, and chocolatey essence of the classic Ferrero Rocher while being completely plant-based and gluten-free.
These truffles are not only delightful to eat but also fun and simple to make. Let’s dive into this guilt-free indulgence!
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate)
Total Time: 30 minutes + 1 hour chilling time
Servings: 16 truffles
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Truffle Center:
- 1 cup (150g) hazelnuts, roasted and skins removed
- 1 cup (200g) dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 16 whole hazelnuts (for the center of each truffle)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup (200g) dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Hazelnut Coating:
- 1 cup (150g) finely chopped roasted hazelnuts
How To Make Vegan Ferrero Roche
1. Prepare the Hazelnut Base
Begin by roasting the hazelnuts if they aren’t already roasted. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.
Allow them to cool slightly, then rub them between a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins. Some skins may remain, which is fine. Set aside 16 whole hazelnuts for the truffle centers.
Next, transfer the remaining hazelnuts to a food processor. Pulse them until they are finely ground, resembling coarse sand. Be careful not to over-process them, as you want to avoid turning them into hazelnut butter.
2. Create the Truffle Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine the dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 3–5 minutes. Once melted, remove from the heat.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the ground hazelnuts in the food processor. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are just combined, forming a thick, sticky mixture. You might need to scrape down the sides of the food processor to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Shape the Truffles
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the truffle mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms.
Press one of the reserved whole hazelnuts into the center of the ball, then reshape it into a smooth ball, fully encasing the hazelnut. Place the truffle on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
Once all the truffles are formed, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Let the truffles chill for at least 30 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch.
4. Coat the Truffles
While the truffles are chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a heatproof bowl, melt the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals. Stir the mixture until smooth.
Place the chopped hazelnuts in a shallow bowl. Remove the truffles from the refrigerator. Using a fork, dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately roll the truffle in the chopped hazelnuts, ensuring it is fully coated.
Place the coated truffle back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat the process for each truffle. Once all the truffles are coated, return them to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Your vegan and gluten-free Ferrero Rocher chocolate truffles are now ready to enjoy! For the best experience, let the truffles sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving. This will soften the chocolate slightly and bring out the rich flavors.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. These truffles also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
Tips for Success
- Roasting Hazelnuts: Roasting enhances the flavor of hazelnuts, but keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly. The nutty aroma will be your cue that they are perfectly roasted.
- Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. It’s essential for firming up the truffles and ensuring they hold their shape during the coating process.
- Chocolate Coating: If your chocolate begins to harden during the coating process, simply reheat it gently until it’s smooth again.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the hazelnuts with roasted sunflower seeds and use sunflower seed butter in place of ground hazelnuts for a nut-free version.
Variations
- Almond Joy: Substitute hazelnuts with almonds and add a hint of almond extract to the truffle mixture for a different nutty twist.
- Coconut Delight: Roll the truffles in shredded coconut instead of chopped hazelnuts for a tropical flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use a high-percentage dark chocolate (70% or higher) for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information (per truffle)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
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Conclusion
These vegan and gluten-free Ferrero Rocher chocolate truffles are an exquisite treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. They offer a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and rich chocolate flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, they make an impressive homemade gift or a delightful addition to any dessert table.
With their easy preparation and mouth-watering taste, these truffles are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Indulge in these sweet delights and share them with friends and family for any occasion.
