Name: Raspberry Truffles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup raspberry preserves; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup freeze-dried raspberries, crushed; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup finely chopped dark chocolate

Raspberry Truffles are the kind of treat that instantly feels special, yet secretly couldn’t be easier to make at home. With their rich chocolate base, bright bursts of raspberry flavor, and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture, these little bites strike the perfect balance between elegant and approachable. They look like something you’d find in a high-end chocolate shop, but the truth is, they come together with simple ingredients and absolutely no baking required—which is always a win in my book.

I still remember the first time I made chocolate truffles for the holidays, standing in my kitchen late in the evening, rolling them by hand and sneaking a taste or two along the way. There was something so satisfying about transforming a handful of pantry staples into a dessert that felt gift-worthy and indulgent. These Raspberry Truffles bring that same cozy, celebratory feeling, whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a holiday platter, or just because you’re craving something sweet and chocolatey.

With just about 20 minutes of prep time, a short chill in the fridge, and a yield of 18 beautiful truffles, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can dress them up with different coatings, package them as edible gifts, or keep them on hand for a special after-dinner treat. And the best part? Once you see how effortlessly smooth and flavorful they turn out, you’ll understand exactly why this recipe works so well—and why it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Truffles Recipe

Rich Chocolate and Raspberry Flavor

What truly sets these truffles apart is the beautiful balance between semi-sweet chocolate and the bright, slightly tart notes of raspberry preserves. The chocolate brings depth and richness, while the raspberry cuts through with a pop of fruity freshness that keeps every bite from feeling too heavy. Adding freeze-dried raspberries takes that flavor even further—they deliver an intense raspberry punch without adding moisture, giving these truffles that unmistakable, luxurious truffle-shop taste you’d expect from a specialty chocolatier.

Simple Ingredients You Already Have

One of the best parts of this recipe is how approachable it is. Chances are, you already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or can find them easily at any grocery store. There’s no need to hunt down specialty items or invest in fancy tools. If you have a bowl, a saucepan, and a spoon, you’re already well on your way to making something truly special.

Easy, Foolproof Preparation

This is a no-bake recipe, and that alone makes it a winner. There’s no oven to preheat, no candy thermometer to monitor, and no complicated techniques to master. The process is straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for beginners. With minimal hands-on time and a little patience while the ganache chills, you’ll have perfectly scoopable truffles every time.

Perfect for Gifting and Special Occasions

These Raspberry Truffles shine during the holidays, on Valentine’s Day, or whenever you want a dessert that feels extra thoughtful. Rolled in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or chopped chocolate, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious—ideal for sharing, gifting, or celebrating any special moment.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients and Their Roles

Semi-sweet chocolate chips – This is the backbone of the recipe, providing structure and that classic chocolate richness. Choose a good-quality chocolate for the smoothest, most flavorful truffles.
Heavy cream – Warm cream melts the chocolate gently and creates a silky, luscious ganache that sets up beautifully once chilled.
Raspberry preserves – Adds sweetness and fruity depth. Preserves work best because they contain real fruit pieces, giving a fuller raspberry flavor than jelly.
Vanilla extract – A small amount enhances and rounds out the chocolate, making the overall flavor taste warmer and more complete.
Freeze-dried raspberries – These add concentrated raspberry flavor without extra liquid, keeping the ganache perfectly smooth and rich.
Cocoa powder – A classic truffle coating that adds a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet center.
Powdered sugar – Creates a soft, elegant finish for a sweeter coating option.
Finely chopped dark chocolate – Adds texture and visual appeal, perfect for a more indulgent outer layer.

Ingredient Tips:

Opt for chocolate with cocoa butter listed on the label for best melting results.
Preserves offer more flavor than jam or jelly.
Freeze-dried raspberries are key for bold flavor without compromising texture.

How to Make Raspberry Truffles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the cream gently. Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Avoid boiling, as overheated cream can affect the texture of the ganache.
Melt the chocolate. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit undisturbed for about two minutes. This allows the chocolate to melt evenly without scorching.
Stir into a smooth ganache. Gently stir until the mixture is glossy and completely smooth. If you see small lumps, keep stirring slowly until they disappear.
Add flavor. Mix in the raspberry preserves and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and evenly colored.
Chill to set. Cover and refrigerate the ganache until firm enough to scoop but still pliable—this usually takes one to two hours.
Roll the truffles. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture, then roll into uniform balls.
Coat and finish. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, freeze-dried raspberries, or chopped chocolate.

Beginner Tips:

If your ganache looks grainy, gently warm it over a double boiler and stir slowly to bring it back together.
A small cookie scoop helps keep truffles evenly sized for a polished, professional look.

What to Serve with Raspberry Truffles

Suggested Pairings

Raspberry Truffles are rich and indulgent on their own, but pairing them thoughtfully can turn them into a truly memorable dessert experience. Whether you’re serving them after dinner or adding them to a celebration spread, these pairings help balance and highlight their chocolatey, fruity goodness.

Drinks
- Coffee, espresso, or cappuccino – The slight bitterness of coffee beautifully complements the sweetness of the truffles.
- Black tea or raspberry tea – A lighter option that still enhances the raspberry notes.
- Champagne or red wine – Perfect for special occasions; bubbly champagne adds elegance, while red wine deepens the chocolate flavor.
Desserts
- Vanilla ice cream – Creamy and simple, it lets the truffles shine.
- Chocolate mousse – For a truly decadent dessert plate.
Occasion Pairings
- Dessert boards with fruit, nuts, and cheeses
- Holiday platters alongside cookies and candies

Variations and Substitutions

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

For those who love a more intense chocolate experience, swap the semi-sweet chocolate for 70% cacao dark chocolate. This version is slightly less sweet, with a deeper, more sophisticated flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart raspberry preserves. It’s an excellent choice for dark chocolate lovers or when serving truffles alongside wine or espresso.

White Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

If you prefer something sweeter and creamier, white chocolate is a lovely alternative. The mild sweetness of white chocolate allows the raspberry flavor to really shine, creating a softer, dessert-like truffle. Rolling these in crushed freeze-dried raspberries gives them a gorgeous pink coating and makes them especially eye-catching for Valentine’s Day or baby showers.

Dairy-Free or Vegan Raspberry Truffles

To make these truffles dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use a high-quality dairy-free chocolate. The coconut flavor is subtle and pairs surprisingly well with raspberry and chocolate. This variation is just as smooth and indulgent, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature Storage

Raspberry Truffles can be kept at room temperature for short periods, especially in cooler weather. They’re safe to leave out for a few hours when serving, as long as the room isn’t too warm. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent softening.

Refrigeration Tips

For longer storage, refrigeration is best. Place the truffles in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions and Make-Ahead Tips

These truffles freeze beautifully. You can freeze them uncoated for the best results, then coat after thawing. Place them in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator to avoid condensation, ensuring they stay smooth and picture-perfect.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Getting bakery-worthy Raspberry Truffles at home is easier than you might think, especially with a few simple tips in your back pocket. These little details make all the difference between “good” truffles and truly irresistible ones.

Use high-quality chocolate. Since chocolate is the star of the recipe, choosing a good brand with real cocoa butter ensures a smoother ganache and richer flavor.
Don’t overheat the cream. Warm it just until it begins to simmer. Boiling cream can cause the chocolate to separate, leading to a grainy texture.
Chill the ganache properly. If it’s too warm, it will be messy to roll; too cold, and it becomes hard and crumbly. Aim for firm but scoopable.
Use gloves for rolling. This keeps the truffles neat and prevents the ganache from melting in your hands.
Coat truffles in batches. Working with a few at a time keeps coatings even and tidy.
Clean your hands between rolls. This helps maintain smooth, uniform truffles.
Avoid storage mistakes. Always use airtight containers and keep truffles away from heat or humidity.

Related Recipes

If readers enjoy this Raspberry Truffles recipe, they might also love other sweet treats from Creative Cookery:

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls (easy no‑bake dessert) – creamy, raspberry-infused bite-sized cheesecake.
Decadent White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe – rich cheesecake with a raspberry swirl for celebrations.
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos (fun fruit dessert) – an inventive dessert with strawberry and creamy cheesecake filling.
Vampire Bite Red Velvet Cheesecake with Raspberry Drizzle – bold flavored dessert with raspberry accent for parties.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?

Fresh raspberries contain a lot of moisture, which can throw off the texture of the ganache. Raspberry preserves are thicker and more concentrated, making them ideal for truffles. If using fresh berries, they should be cooked down and strained first.

Why are my truffles too soft or too hard?

Truffles that are too soft usually need more chilling time. If they’re too hard, they may have been over-chilled. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before rolling.

How long do homemade raspberry truffles last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade raspberry truffles will stay fresh for up to one week. Their flavor often improves after the first day.

Can raspberry truffles be frozen?

Yes! They freeze very well. Freeze them uncoated for best results, then coat after thawing to maintain a clean, polished look.

What is the best chocolate for truffles?

High-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate with cocoa butter listed on the label melts smoothly and creates the best texture and flavor.

Can I make raspberry truffles without heavy cream?

Absolutely. Full-fat coconut cream works well as a substitute and creates a rich, dairy-free ganache with a subtle coconut note.

Conclusion

Raspberry Truffles bring together everything we love in a homemade dessert—rich chocolate flavor, bright raspberry notes, and an elegant look with surprisingly little effort. They’re simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for special occasions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different coatings or chocolate varieties to make them your own. If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment, share your photos, or pin it for later—I’d love to see how your truffles turn out!