Homemade Ferrero Truffles

The blend of chocolate and hazelnuts shines in this homemade version of the famous Ferrero Rocher. These vegan truffles, made without animal products or controversial palm oil, capture true indulgence with their melty center and crunchy coating that perfectly mimics the original.

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Precious Ingredients

• Roasted hazelnuts: toasting them first boosts their flavor and brings that deep taste found in premium chocolates
• Hazelnut butter: pick a 100% hazelnut option without added sugars to fully control the sweetness level
• Dark chocolate (at least 70%): ensures rich flavor and creates a coating that breaks perfectly between your teeth
• Maple syrup: adds natural sweetness with more depth than regular sugar while binding everything together nicely
• Coconut oil: its low melting point creates a shiny coating that melts instantly in your mouth

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Step-by-step Creation

Making homemade praline

Put 100g of roasted hazelnuts in your food processor and pulse until you get a fine powder. Keep blending longer until the natural oils start to release. Then add hazelnut butter, maple syrup, and a tiny pinch of salt. Continue mixing until you have a smooth, slightly sticky dough that holds together.

Shaping the centers

Take about a teaspoon of your mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Put a whole hazelnut in the middle then gently close the dough around it to fully cover the hazelnut. Roll between your hands to make a perfect ball. Do this with all the mixture then put your truffles on a tray lined with parchment paper before cooling them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Fancy coating

While your truffles cool, finely chop the remaining 50g of hazelnuts to get various sized pieces that will add character to the coating. Gently melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler, stirring often so it doesn't burn. Once it's completely smooth, mix in the coconut oil which will make your coating shiny and fluid. Let it cool for a few minutes but don't let the chocolate start to harden.

Final assembly

Take your truffles out of the fridge. Using a dipping fork or two toothpicks, dunk each truffle in the melted chocolate making sure to cover it completely. Let excess chocolate drip off then immediately roll the truffle in the chopped hazelnuts. Carefully place it on a rack or parchment paper and let it set in the fridge for at least an hour before eating.

The first time I tried a real Ferrero Rocher as a kid, it was mind-blowing. Creating this vegan version was a challenge I tackled with excitement. Hazelnuts are still the star here, with their woody flavor that works so well with the slight bitterness of dark chocolate.

Elegant Serving

These vegan truffles look stunning when served with after-dinner coffee, placed in little gold paper cups to remind you of the iconic original packaging. For a festive look, stack them in a pyramid on a clear plate. They also make a wonderful homemade gift, nicely arranged in a box tied with ribbon. For the best tasting experience, enjoy them with a strong espresso or a lightly smoked black tea.

Endless Possibilities

What's great about this recipe is how flexible it is. For a no-added-sugar version, swap the maple syrup with a few drops of vanilla extract. If you like exotic flavors, try adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the hazelnut paste. For an even more decadent treat, mix some crushed vegan wafer pieces into the coating to recreate the signature texture of original Ferrero Rocher.

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Staying Fresh

These little gems last up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container. To keep them longer, put them in the freezer where they'll stay perfect for two months. Just let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before eating. If you live somewhere hot, keep them cool until the last minute so the chocolate doesn't get soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you store these homemade Ferrero truffles?

Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Let them sit at room temp for 15 minutes before eating for the perfect texture.

→ Can I use a different kind of chocolate?

Sure, milk chocolate makes it sweeter, and white chocolate creates a fun twist. Just adjust the maple syrup in the filling to balance sweetness.

→ What’s the best way to toast and peel hazelnuts?

Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes. Then rub them in a clean towel to easily remove the skins.

→ Can maple syrup be swapped for something else?

Yep, use honey, agave syrup, or even powdered sugar mixed with a little water. Each option will slightly change the flavor.

→ Why are my truffles getting too soft quickly?

If they’re too soft, the filling might be too moist. Mix in some ground hazelnuts to firm it up, and chill longer if needed.