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    Hop Flavored Dark Chocolate Truffles

    Published: Mar 18, 2021

    Note: This site is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for the site to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

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    Hop Flavored Dark Chocolate Truffles

    Originally Posted September 8, 2010. Updated 3/18/2021

    A mound of dark chocolate truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.

    Hops are capable of imparting intense flavours into food AND beverage - which works really well with Hop Flavored Dark Chocolate Truffles!

    If you've seen my Hop Flavoured Beer Lollipops Recipe, you have already had a preview of the kind of yummy, twisted thinking that an unfortunate fall ended up inspiring.

    This is the second half of that epiphany: Ladies and gentlemen, I present you with Hop Flavored Dark Chocolate Truffles!

    What is a Hopped Infused Chocolate Truffle?

    Truffles consist of two main parts - the center (chocolate ganache), and the coating.

    The ganache center is made from just a few very basic ingredients - chocolate, cream, flavoring - in this case, an infusion of hops - and butter.

    The coating can be made from almost anything - your creativity is pretty much your only limit!

    Typically, you’ll see store-bought truffles enrobed in chocolate. While that’s certainly a popular option, it does veer off into “intimidating” territory - tempering chocolate, etc.

    Personally, I don’t bother - I find rolling truffles in various non-chocolate coatings is not only more fun and less work, I prefer the taste.

    Tempering chocolate (required for chocolate enrobed truffles) is far too annoying to get into here, given the alternatives!

    A mound of dark chocolate hop truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.

    Making Hopped Chocolate Ganache

    Chocolate ganache is quite easy to make, but there are a few basic principles to keep in mind:

    1. Too much liquid will prevent your ganache from setting up enough to roll properly.

    Fairly straightforward rule, right? If this happens, try adding extra chocolate... or use your runny
    ganache as a chocolate fondue or sauce for ice cream!

    2. Not all chocolate varieties are created equally.

    While this applies to flavor, texture, and overall quality, I’m actually talking about behavior.

    Dark chocolate requires more liquid than milk chocolate, which requires more liquid than white chocolate.

    Sugar free chocolate requires a smaller amount of liquid than other varieties of chocolate... Please be sure to follow the basic instructions for the variety of chocolate you are using, without swapping the type.

    3. Water is chocolate’s enemy.

    Be very careful to use a dry bowl, dry utensils, and to not allow any water to fall into your chocolate.

    Water causes melted chocolate to “seize”. Seizing is when melted chocolate comes in contact with even the tiniest amount of water, and becomes grainy, clumpy, and unpleasant.

    For this reason, you should never use a lid when melting chocolate (condensation will occur, and drip in!), and you should always be careful when using a double boiler.

    A mound of dark chocolate hop truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.

    4. Fat amount is important.

    The fat content in the chocolate ganache contributes to the smoothness, and the ganache’s ability to hold together.

    Using milk instead of heavy cream really isn’t an option. Additionally, if a high percentage of the liquid is coming from a non-fatty source (liqueur, rather than cream), it’s a good idea to add extra butter.

    5. Liquid added to chocolate must be warm.

    Pretty basic rule - cold liquid added to melted chocolate will cause it to seize.

    Warm liquid will not - this is why it’s important to heat up the cream mixture before adding it to the chocolate. Do not skip this step!

    6. Chocolate chips are just fine to use.

    Yes, I’m sure the purists just had a heart attack over that phrase... deal with it!

    Chocolate chips are a highly unusual medium for truffle making, consistently being eschewed for bars of pure chocolate.

    The thing is, however, that not only are chocolate chips are easy to find, they lack the sticker shock that comes with the more traditional chocolate options.

    I find that this makes chocolate chips a far more accessible option for those who are new to making truffles.

    Not only that, but they can make a great product, too - only the most avid chocolate connoisseur can really tell the difference between truffles made with a high end bar of chocolate, and those made with a good brand of chocolate chips.

    For that reason, I believe chocolate chips are a great way to get in to making truffles. I developed a series of recipes using chocolate chips!

    Anyone can make these truffles at home, with common ingredients, for only about $4.00/30 truffles. Far less scary of a commitment than the traditional approach!

    A mound of hop flavored dark chocolate truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.

    Flavouring Ganache with Hops

    Choice of Hop Varieties

    The first time around, we used Centennial hops to flavour this recipe, but have moved to preferring Columbus hops for this.

    That said, many/most, if not all hop varieties would work well as a truffle flavouring - it’s just a matter of what flavour profile you like!

    Most home brew shops - online or in person - will have some sort of chart of the hop varieties they carry, and what flavours they bring to the table. Peruse the options available to you, and have some fun with it!

    Choice of Hop Format

    When I developed this recipe, it was using fresh whole hops, as that’s what we had on hand.

    You can use whole fresh hops, as we did that first time: about 6-8 cones. Alternately, you can use a handful of dried hops, or a teaspoon or so of hop pellets.. (Highly precise, I know - taste as you go!).

    Whichever way you go, this recipe doesn’t take much... so your next batch of homebrew won’t miss it!

    A Note on Potency

    Whether fresh or dried, know that hops can vary wildly in size and flavor.

    Be sure to taste as you go – you may not want to use the whole 10 minute steeping time.

    A Note on Absorption

    When you’re using dried hop flowers or pellets, you’re going to lose some volume of the cream to the hops, when strained.

    I like to start with a bit more heavy cream, when using a dried hop product - usually a cup or so - and remeasure before adding it to the chocolate.

    A mound of dark chocolate truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.

    “Stuff to Roll Them In”

    Cocoa powder, coconut flakes, finely chopped nuts, and powdered sugar are all traditional options. I generally advocate going wild with this aspect of truffle making, buuut...

    Most of the fun options will distract from the flavour of the hops, IMHO.

    Cocoa powder has far and away been the best coating for these truffles.

    If you’re interested in truffle coatings in general, be sure to check out my post for the full list of suggestions. The ones I’ve listed in this post are just the ones I recommend for this particular recipe!

    A mound of dark chocolate hop truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.

    How to Make Hop Infused Truffles

    1. Place chocolate chips into a glass mixing bowl, and put aside.

    2. On the stovetop, bring heavy whipping cream, hops, sugar, and butter to a light simmer. Remove from heat, allow to steep for 10 minutes. Once steeping time is complete, bring to just a simmer again.

    3. Strain hot cream mixture into bowl of chocolate chips, discarding hop cones/leaves. Let sit for 3-5 minutes.

    4. Starting in the middle of the bowl, slowly start stirring the chocolate and cream until all of the chocolate is
    melted and the cream has disappeared into it – it should be smooth.

    5. Cover with plastic wrap, preferably resting right on top of the surface – this prevents a skin from forming while it cools.

    6. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour or two, until it’s pretty solid.

    7. Once solid, scoop out small amounts (a teaspoon or two), and roll them into balls. Try to handle the chocolate as quickly as possible, or it will melt.

    8. Once all of the ganache is rolled into balls: wash and dry hands, then roll ganache centers in whichever coating(s) you’d like.

    Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

    A mound of hop flavored dark chocolate truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.

    More Hops Recipes!

    Are you - or do you know - a die hard hophead? Just interested in learning more about adding a punch of flavour to your culinary repertoire? Either way, I have some more recipes for you!

    Homemade Hop Extracts
    Homemade Hop Spa Bath Set
    Hop Flavoured Beer Lollipops - Lollihops!
    Hopped Cheesecake with Citrus Glaze
    Hoppy Citrus French Macaron Recipe
    Hoppy Citrus IPA Glazed Wings
    Hoppy Dill Pickle Relish
    Hoppy IPA BBQ Sauce
    Hoppy IPA Pickles Recipe

    Cover image for the "Hedonistic Hops" cookbook.  Cover consists of a compilation of images depicting recipes made with hops.

    Fan of hops? You'll LOVE my cookbook, Hedonistic Hops: A Hop Head's Guide to Kitchen Badassery"!

    Hops are prized for their ability to impart varied, complex flavours to beer… but did you know they can also be used culinarily? While hops may seem like a bizarre or exotic item to cook with, it’s the same as using other herbs and spices in your kitchen… you just have to know what to do with them. Appetizers, main dishes, beverages.. even desserts can be uplifted with hops! Even those who are not fans of beer will love the unique flavours that various types of hops can bring to their plate. Floral, earthy, peppery, citrusy… Cooking with hops is a great way to expand your seasoning arsenal!

    Order your copy directly through this website, through Amazon, or through any major bookseller!

    A mound of dark chocolate truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.

    Share the Love!

    Before you chow down, be sure to take some pics of your handiwork! If you Instagram it, be sure to tag me - @CelebrationGenerationCA - or post it to My Facebook Page - so I can cheer you on!

    Also, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, and subscribe to my free monthly email newsletter, so you never miss out on any of my nonsense.

    Well, the published nonsense, anyway!

    A mound of hop flavored dark chocolate truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.

    With all of that said... on to the Hop Flavoured Dark Chocolate Truffles recipe!

    A mound of hop flavored dark chocolate truffles rests on a pile of hop leaves and hop bines.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 1 vote

    Hop Flavored Dark Chocolate Truffles

    Hops are capable of imparting intense flavours into food and beverage - which works really well with dark chocolate!
    Prep Time30 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Chilling Time2 hrs
    Total Time2 hrs 35 mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: French, Gluten-free
    Keyword: Candy, Candy Making, Chocolate, chocolate truffles, dark chocolate, Hedonistic Hops Book, Hops, The Spirited Baker Book
    Servings: 35 Truffles
    Calories: 81kcal
    Author: Marie Porter

    Ingredients

    • 12 oz Hershey Special Dark chips
    • ¾ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 6 Fresh Hop Cones Crushed (we used Centennial)*
    • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
    • 3 tbsp Butter
    • Cocoa – We used Hershey’s Special Dark

    Instructions

    • Place chocolate chips into a glass mixing bowl, and set aside.
    • On stovetop, bring heavy whipping cream, hop cones, sugar, and butter to a light simmer. Remove from heat, allow to steep for 10 minutes. Once steeping time is complete, bring to just a simmer again.
    • Strain hot cream mixture into bowl of chocolate chips, discarding hop cones/leaves. Let sit for 3-5 minutes. Starting in the middle of the bowl, slowly start stirring the chocolate and cream until all of the chocolate is melted the cream disappeared into it – it should be smooth.
    • Cover with plastic wrap, preferably resting right on top of the surface – this prevents a skin from forming while it cools.
    • Chill in the fridge for at least an hour or two, until it’s pretty solid.
    • Once solid, scoop out small balls (a teaspoon or so), and roll them into balls. Try to handle the chocolate as quickly as possible, or it will melt.
    • Then, roll them in cocoa and eat them!

    Notes

    * Hops can vary wildly in size and flavor. Be sure to taste as you go – you may not want to use the whole 10 minute steeping time. If you don’t have access to whole dried hop cones, you can use ¼ tsp – ½ tsp of hop pellets! It doesn’t take much, so your next batch of homebrew won’t miss it!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

    More Truffle Recipes!

    Once you find out how easy it is to make tasty truffles at home, you may find yourself wanting to try MORE! Here are a few recipes to help you out!

    Andes Mint Chip Truffles
    Basic Dark Chocolate Truffles
    Sugar Free Truffles Recipe
    Dark Chocolate Coffee Truffles
    Low Carb Bananas Foster Truffles
    Milk Chocolate Chai Truffles
    Peanut Butter Chip Truffles
    Tropical White Chocolate Truffles
    White Chocolate Almond Amaretto Truffles

    Related posts:

    Several Tropical White Chocolate Truffles are piled at the base of a cocktail glass. More truffles are contaied within the glass, and there is a coconut behind it. Tropical White Chocolate Truffles Recipe A tray of pink grapefruit daiquiri cupcakes - in silver liners, topped with pink frosting. There is a pink grapefruit daiquiri next to the cupcakes. Pink Grapefruit Daiquiri Cupcakes 3 Hop flavoured beer lollipops - lollihops - in front of fresh hop leaves. Hop Flavored Beer Lollipops Recipe - LolliHOPS! Limoncello Madeleines Limoncello Madeleines
    Previous Post: « Hoppy Dill Pickle Relish
    Next Post: Hoppy Citrus IPA Glazed Wings »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ellie Joseph

      July 27, 2011 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      What an unusual flavor idea for a truffle. I can't wait to try this and also take a look see through your cookbook. If everything is as unusual as this recipe it should be quite an adventure.

      Reply

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