If you are craving a sweet treat that hits all the right notes of rich, buttery caramel with a delightful pinch of salt, this Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, smooth, and decadently coated in dark chocolate, these little bites are irresistible little treasures that melt in your mouth, balancing sweet and salty in the best possible way. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring slowly with a cup of coffee, this recipe brings a luxurious twist to everyday indulgence that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role to create that luscious texture and harmonic flavor. You’ll see how straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to make a truly crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 397g): Provides the creamy base and natural sweetness that forms the gooey caramel center.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, cubed): Adds richness and smoothness while preventing the caramel from sticking.
- Golden Syrup (1/3 cup): Introduces a subtle golden color and deep malted sweetness; you can substitute with treacle syrup if desired.
- Dark Chocolate (180 grams, good eating quality): The silky coating that gives the truffles their bite and balances the sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
- Coarse Sea Salt (1 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top to enhance and contrast the caramel’s sweetness with its satisfying crunch and briny zing.
How to Make Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Create the Caramel Base
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk, cubed unsalted butter, and golden syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. It’s important to stir continuously during this stage to avoid burning and ensure the mixture thickens evenly. After about 5 to 10 minutes, watch as it transforms into a gorgeous caramel color with a luscious, thickened consistency. This step sets the stage for that melt-in-your-mouth truffle center.
Step 2: Cool and Shape the Truffles
Once your caramel mixture looks just right, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool until it is completely set. This patience will pay off in perfectly firm but tender truffles. After cooling, shape the caramel into small, bite-sized balls using your hands or a small spoon. Place these balls on a tray and chill them in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours until firm enough to dip.
Step 3: Dip in Chocolate and Add Salt
While the caramel balls are chilling, melt your dark chocolate gently, using a double boiler or microwave in bursts to avoid scorching. When ready, take each caramel ball and dip it thoroughly in the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the dipped truffles onto a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Immediately sprinkle each one with coarse sea salt before the chocolate sets — this is what makes this Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe truly come alive.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic coarse sea salt, you can elevate presentation by adding flaky sea salt crystals for extra texture, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish. Chopped toasted nuts or edible gold leaf make for exquisite garnishes that impress when giving these truffles as gifts.
Side Dishes
Salted caramel truffles pair beautifully with robust coffee or a deep, rich red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon. For a festive touch, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries that cut through the sweetness and add a fresh flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get playful? Package these truffles in small decorative boxes tied with twine for an effortless gift. They also look stunning arranged on a tiered dessert tray at parties or nestled in cupcake liners for an elegant baked goods table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your salted caramel truffles fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy later or share with guests.
Freezing
If you want to save them for much later, these truffles freeze fantastically well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay stored for up to three months and thaw beautifully without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
When it’s time to indulge, simply take the truffles out of the fridge or freezer and let them come to room temperature naturally. Avoid heating them directly, as this might affect the chocolate coating’s smoothness and cause premature melting.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate offers a sweeter, creamier coating that some prefer, but keep in mind it will soften the balance between sweet and salty. Choose the chocolate that best suits your taste preference.
What if I don’t have golden syrup or treacle syrup?
You can substitute with light corn syrup or honey, though they will slightly change the flavor profile. Golden syrup is ideal because it provides that perfect malted sweetness and texture.
How do I prevent the caramel from sticking while cooking?
Continuous stirring is key! Using unsalted butter helps as well, creating a smooth caramel that doesn’t stick or burn. Also, cooking over moderate heat helps maintain control over the mixture’s thickness.
Can I make these truffles vegan or dairy-free?
This traditional recipe uses condensed milk and butter, which are dairy products, so for a vegan twist, you would need to experiment with coconut condensed milk and a vegan butter substitute, but flavors and textures may differ.
How long do these truffles last at room temperature?
It’s best to keep salted caramel truffles refrigerated, especially if your environment is warm. At room temperature, they may soften and lose firmness after a day or two.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your taste buds with something truly special but not complicated, you will absolutely love making and sharing this Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe. It’s a delicious way to bring a touch of elegance and warmth to any occasion, and once you try making these at home, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite you return to again and again.
Print
Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Description
Delicious Salted Caramel Truffles made with creamy condensed milk, golden syrup, and dark chocolate, coated with a sprinkling of coarse sea salt. These rich, indulgent treats have a perfect balance of sweet caramel and salty chocolate, ideal for gifting or enjoying as a special dessert.
Ingredients
Caramel Base
- 1 can (397g) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup Golden Syrup (or Treacle Syrup)
Coating
- 180 grams Dark Chocolate (good eating quality) – 6.5 oz
- 1 teaspoon Coarse Sea Salt
Instructions
- Make the Caramel: Place the sweetened condensed milk, cubed unsalted butter, and golden syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring continuously for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel color.
- Cool and Shape: Remove the caramel mixture from heat and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, roll the mixture into small truffle-sized balls. Place the balls on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for one to two hours until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Dip and Season: Dip each chilled caramel ball into the melted dark chocolate, fully coating it. Place the coated truffles on a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Immediately sprinkle each truffle with coarse sea salt to finish.
Notes
- Ensure continuous stirring while simmering to prevent the caramel from burning or sticking to the pan.
- Use good quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor and smoother coating.
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Golden syrup can be substituted with light corn syrup if unavailable.
- For a different flavor twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the caramel base.
