Chocolate Truffles 101

If you're a chocolate lover, you know that there are dozens of types and styles of chocolate out there. There are so many aspects of chocolate: everything from cocoa percentage to shape to texture to its final intended use determines how it can be classified. Persistently popular, chocolate is quickly becoming a culinary staple across cuisines, and what was once many people's favorite dessert has moved beyond the final course to become a superstar ingredient in surprising and unexpected ways.

But even if you are a dedicated chocolate fanatic, you may be uncertain as to what different types of chocolates actually are. For example, what's the difference between a truffle and a bonbon? Why do we here at Euphoria Chocolate Company offer two distinctive styles of truffle, and how are they different? If you've ever wondered about chocolate delicacies in general or want to know more about our truffles in particular, we hope you can find some answers to your chocolate truffle questions here!

What are Chocolate Truffles?

A chocolate truffle is a small, rounded bit of chocolate ganache that is coated in a thin layer of chocolate, cocoa powder, or nuts. Chocolate ganache is generally made by slowly and carefully heating a 1-to-1 ratio of heavy cream and chocolate together to create a smooth, creamy texture.

A Delicious History

The invention of the chocolate truffle is commonly attributed to Frenchman Louis Dufour sometime around 1896. According to the story, the hapless chef was trying to make a dessert but was low on ingredients. He created the ganache by melting chocolate into warming cream, and then--upon realizing that the ganache was rather unstable--he decided to coat it in additional cocoa powder to help it set and stay formed. Its resemblance to a certain black underground mushroom, already revered as a high-end ingredient, led to the new ganache-based chocolate creation being named a 'truffle.'

What's the Difference Between a Truffle and a Bonbon?

While the two chocolate creations may seem similar, there are real technical differences between the two.

A bonbon contains a layered center molded inside of a tempered chocolate shell. The outer shell is usually formed to have a flat bottom and rounded top. Bonbons typically have fruit, nougat, ganache, caramel, or nut centers. Due to the fact that they are molded inside of tempered chocolate, they can also contain liquid centers, unlike truffles.

Tempered chocolate is a type of chocolate that has been intentionally heated and cooled within a specific temperature range to remove impurities and ensure that the crystal structure of the chocolate hardens in a particular way. Tempering chocolate is important because it improves texture and mouthfeel, gloss and shine, and the distinctive 'snap' sensation that high-quality chocolates provide. Proper tempering can also help extend the freshness of the chocolate or filling inside. Tempered chocolate is used in both chocolate and bonbons.  

How Our Truffles are Made

Here at Euphoria Chocolate Company, we make two different types of truffles: our Classic line and our more 'traditional' line of truffles found in our gift box assortments. Both styles of truffles remain true to the historical roots of the treat and are built around ganache cores. Our Classic truffles have a higher amount of fresh heavy cream in the ganache, which means they require refrigeration. Our more traditional truffles are also based around ganache cores, but these ganache cores contain less cream and have tempered chocolate shells, which allows them to remain fresh at room temperature.

For our Classic truffles, we create our chocolate ganache cores, hand-dip them in milk, dark, or white chocolate, and decorate them by hand.

Our traditional-style truffles are made in a similar fashion: we create the cores first, then they are enrobed in tempered milk, dark or white chocolate, then decorated by hand.

Proudly Handmade in Eugene

Check out our Classic series Kahlua & Cream truffles being made!

Ingredients

Here at Euphoria Chocolate Company, we strive to use locally-sourced PNW ingredients wherever possible. We use fresh heavy cream from Lochmead Dairy, Oregon-grown herbs, oils, and hazelnuts, and make all of our truffles by hand in our Eugene-based factory.

Shelf Life

Our Classic truffles are dated best-by about 2-3 weeks from the production date. Our gift box assortments are dated best-by about 9 months from the date of production. The life of our chocolate can be extended by double-wrapping the product to protect it from moisture and then freezing; allow 24 hours for thawing in a refrigerator.

FAQs

 
1. Are the chocolate truffles gluten-free? The majority of our truffles are gluten-free, but are made in a facility that shares equipment. Please see our Allergen Statement Page for more information about gluten sensitivities and our products.
 
2. Do the chocolate truffles need to be refrigerated? Yes, ideally all Classic truffles should remain at a temperature between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Our assorted gift boxes are safe at room temperature for approximately 9 months.
 
3. How long do they last? With proper refrigeration, our Classic truffles are dated for 2-3 weeks due to their heavy cream content. Our gift box truffles can be held at room temperature if they are out of direct sunlight without major temperature fluctuations.
   
4. Can I store them past 30 days? Yes! We recommend double-bagging your Classic truffles for moisture protection; once they're wrapped, they can be frozen until you're ready for them! Then, simply allow them to thaw for 24 hours in a refrigerator before taking them out of their double-bag. Alternatively, if you are looking to extend the shelf-life of our more traditional truffles, you can follow the same freezing procedures.
 
5. Can chocolate truffles be shipped? Yes! All of our Classic truffles can be shipped, BUT they MUST be shipped either overnight or second-day air to maintain freshness. They will be shipped with ice and insulated packaging. Our gift boxes ship also ship with ice during warmer months.
 
6. Are Euphoria's truffles considered bonbons? No, we do not make bonbons. We make truffles based around our signature ganache recipes.