Easy Chocolate Balls Recipe (Dairy-Free Truffles)

This no-fuss chocolate balls recipe is the answer! These bite-sized chocolate truffles are rich, healthy, delicious, and addictive! Warning, they disappear fast!

This is a family recipe (thanks Dad for sharing), and is always a staple at my parents' home. A stash of these truffles vanishes from the freezer in no time—but because they’re so quick and fuss‑free to whip up, there’s always a fresh batch on the way.

For more chocolate recipes, you might want to try these chocolate coconut balls, this chewy chocolate coconut slice, these dates with chocolate coating, or this no-bake chocolate tart.

Jump to:

• Why you will love these Frozen Chocolate Truffles
• Ingredients list
• Substitutions and variations
• How to make these Delicious Chocolate Balls
• Storage
• Equipment
• Top tips to make the best Chocolate Balls Recipe!
• Love this recipe? Let's stay connected!
• More chocolate recipes you will love!
• Easy Chocolate Balls Recipe (Dairy-Free Truffles)
• See what other people think about this recipe!

Why you will love these Frozen Chocolate Truffles

• These chocolate balls are simply delicious and will make you look like a pro! Ideal treat for a special occasion like a dinner party or Valentine's Day.
• Easy to make, although you will get your hands dirty, the process is super quick and easy. There's no food processor or double boiler method required, just a small pot, whisk, and your hands!
• Chocolate flavor explosion! Made with real chocolate and coated in raw cacao powder, these truffles are a great recipe for chocolate lovers.
• They last for weeks in the freezer, so they're ideal to make a big batch.
• Made with simple ingredients, I give you some options for additional flavors, but feel free to customize to your taste.
• Dairy-free & gluten-free, they're suitable for those with food intolerances.

Ingredients list

This chocolate balls recipe is made with simple ingredients:

• Canned coconut milk or cream - can be substituted for soy cream, or dairy cream if you can tolerate dairy.
• Orange zest - wash the orange thoroughly before grating! Be mindful of grating the skin just once on the same area, to avoid grating the white part, as otherwise it'll give a bitter flavor.
• Coffee - I use espresso decaf, but you could also use instant coffee powder mixed with water.
• Liquor (optional) - I use cognac, but rum, or whiskey would work well too. While it’s an optional ingredient, I highly recommend adding it—it gives the truffles a rich, aromatic depth that takes them to the next level.
• Dark bittersweet chocolate - minimum 70%. Normal chocolate works; you don't need special melting chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the more bitter the balls will be. You could use semi-sweet chocolate if preferred, but bear in mind it'll mean higher sugar content.
• Raw cacao, to coat the truffles.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and variations

• Vanilla extract - a few drops will do the job
• Unsweetened cocoa powder - instead of raw cacao powder
• For a nutty twist - whisk a couple of tablespoons of nut butter—peanut or almond butter work especially well—into the melted chocolate mixture before chilling

How to make these Delicious Chocolate Balls

Prepare the chocolate mixture

1. Chop the chocolate into small chunks — this helps it melt faster and more evenly. (See photo for size reference).
2. Heat the coconut milk in a small pot over medium heat until it just starts to bubble. Add the orange zest, coffee, and liquor. Stir well to combine.
3. Lower the heat to very low, then add the chopped chocolate. Stir continuously until all the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
4. Chill the warm chocolate mixture in the fridge until the melted chocolate becomes solid and hard enough to shape the balls. If you're short on time, you can place it in the freezer to speed things up.

Make the chocolate balls

1. Prepare a tray by lining it with parchment paper. Pour some raw cacao powder into a small bowl or plate for coating.
2. Scoop and shape the truffles: Use a small spoon to scoop out portions of the chilled chocolate mixture. Roll into bite-size chocolate spheres using your hands. It will get messy, especially in warm weather, as the chocolate will melt quickly at room temperature. Place the small balls on the wax paper.

3. Coat the rolled balls in the raw cacao powder by rolling them gently until fully covered.

4. Freeze the truffles on the prepared tray. Once they’re fully frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for storage.

Tip! It's super important to melt the chocolate on very low heat to avoid burning it!

Storage

Store the chocolate balls in the freezer in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month (I doubt they'll last that long though, they're addictive!!).

Equipment

• Sharp knife & chopping board - to chop the chocolate
• Pot & whisk - to cook the chocolate mixture
• Small spoon - to scoop the chocolate mixture
• Plate or medium bowl
• Parchment paper & tray

Top tips to make the best Chocolate Balls Recipe!

Melt the chocolate on very low heat – Take your time with this step. Chocolate burns easily and becomes grainy if overheated. Set the stove on very low heat and stir often, to keep it smooth and glossy.

Combine the chocolate mixture thoroughly with a whisk – Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated. Whisking helps emulsify the mixture and prevents clumps of unmelted chocolate or uneven texture in your truffles. Smooth, consistent batter = perfect bite every time!

Love this recipe? Let's stay connected!

If you like this recipe, please leave me a comment below, share it on Pinterest, tag me on Instagram, and follow me on socials! Instagram @bitesinthewild and Pinterest @bitesinthewild. This way you can stay up-to-date with my latest recipes and tips!

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