Hemp-Coated Dark Chocolate Truffles

Dark chocolate truffles rolled in hemp hearts. The hemp hearts provide a textural contrast to the smooth ganache filling and contribute complete protein. Suitable as a dinner party dessert, holiday gift, or post-dinner treat.

Hemp-Coated Dark Chocolate Truffles

Yields 18 to 20 truffles. Prep time 30 minutes plus 4 hours chilling. No cooking required (except heating cream).

Ingredients

• 200 g good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped fine
• 120 mL heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon liqueur (optional: Grand Marnier, rum, or kahlua)
• 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt
• 1 cup hemp hearts (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for variation)

Method

1. Place chopped dark chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium-low until it just begins to simmer around the edges (do not boil).
3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let stand for 2 minutes without stirring.
4. Whisk gently from the centre outward until the mixture is completely smooth.
5. Whisk in the butter, liqueur (if using), and sea salt. The ganache should be glossy and smooth.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the ganache (prevents skin formation).
7. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firm enough to scoop.
8. Pour hemp hearts into a shallow bowl.
9. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop the firm ganache into roughly 1-inch portions. Roll each portion quickly between your palms to form a ball (work quickly so the ganache does not melt from hand warmth).
10. Drop each ball into the hemp hearts and roll to coat completely.
11. Place coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray.
12. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving to firm up.

Nutrition per truffle

Approximately 95 calories, 2 grams protein, 7 grams fat, 7 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fibre.

Why this recipe works

The ganache (chocolate plus warm cream) creates a smooth, rich interior that contrasts with the textured hemp coating. Hemp hearts are mild enough not to overwhelm the chocolate but assertive enough to provide a meaningful flavour and texture layer. The complete protein contribution from hemp makes these truffles slightly more substantial than typical chocolate confections.

Variations

• Hemp-cocoa coating: roll half in hemp hearts alone, half in a mixture of hemp hearts and cocoa powder.
• Espresso truffles: dissolve 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder in the warm cream before pouring over chocolate.
• Salted caramel: add 1 tablespoon dulce de leche or caramel sauce to the ganache.
• Spiced: add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ganache.
• Mint: use mint-infused cream (steep 1 tablespoon fresh mint in the cream while heating, then strain).
• Vegan: substitute coconut cream for dairy cream; use vegan butter or coconut oil; verify dark chocolate is dairy-free.

Presentation and gifting

For gifts, place each truffle in a small paper or foil cup. Store in a box with a tight lid. Truffles keep refrigerated for one week or frozen for one month. Allow to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best mouthfeel.