What are chocolate truffles and how to recognise them

The history of chocolate truffles 

French pastry chef Louis DuFour is often credited with inventing the chocolate truffle. In 1895, on Christmas Eve, while preparing his traditional holiday chocolates, DuFour decided to surprise his customers with something special.  

DuFour blended a rich chocolate ganache, shaped it into small balls, and dusted them with cocoa powder to keep them from melting. The result was a unique and luxurious treat that quickly captured the hearts of his customers and is very similar to the chocolate truffles enjoyed today.  

 

What are chocolate truffles made from? 

Chocolate truffles are created from just two essential ingredients: rich chocolate and heavy cream. When these ingredients are combined, they create chocolate ganache, which makes up the filling of truffles.  

Each type of chocolate creates its own delicious variation of the truffle. Dark chocolate is a favourite among purists, rich in cocoa beans and prized for its intense, bold flavour and how it melts quickly. For a sweeter twist, milk chocolate brings a mild, nourishing flavour, while white chocolate offers a delicate, creamy finish.  

Rich, indulgent, and loved worldwide, chocolate truffles are known for their distinct shape and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Typically shaped into slightly uneven balls and dusted with cocoa, they hide a chocolate ganache centre. Their imperfect shape is no accident—the name “truffle” comes from the Latin word for “lumpy” and is a nod to the dessert's easily recognisable shape that also resembles the truffle mushroom.  

 

What is the difference between normal chocolate and truffle? 

Chocolate truffles should not be confused with chocolate, as their textures are completely different. Truffles feature a soft, ganache-filled centre and cocoa-covered outside. In contrast, high-quality chocolate is crisp at room temperature thanks to the tempering process, which transforms cocoa beans into chocolate.  

Chocolate truffles are made from chocolate, which gives the truffles its signature flavour. Once the chocolate is combined with boiling hot cream, the texture of the chocolate transforms into truffles.  

 

The different types of chocolate truffles 

Chocolate truffles are available in a delightful variety of flavours and styles: 

•  European versions are often made with sugar syrup, milk, and cocoa and are especially known for their rich, butter-based ganache centres. For those seeking pure indulgence, Swiss truffles stand out as the most luxurious and creamy, though their richness means they don’t stay fresh for long.  

• American truffles, on the other hand, typically blend milk and dark chocolate with a touch of coconut oil, and they’re easily recognised by their larger egg shape. 

Modern-day truffles are often infused with bold flavours such as orange, mint, nuts, and liquors like champagne.  

 

Discover Venchi's vast assortment 

Treat your senses to Venchi’s exquisite Chocoviar truffles—crafted to make every moment feel a little more special. These truffles are packed with a variety of fillings and feature a crisp 75% dark chocolate shell crumb that gives a satisfying crunch when bitten into.  

For the perfect blend of sweet and savoury, try our Salted Caramel Truffles. Or, for a more refreshing flavour profile, choose our Arancia truffles, which combine chocolate with the juicy, bold flavour of Sicilian Blood Orange.  

Venchi’s Pistachio and Gianduia Hazelnut truffles highlight nutty flavours with a mix of creamy and crunchy textures. On the other hand, our Chocoviar stracciatella truffles bring together an irresistibly soft filling with a textured chocolate coating for a memorable tasting experience that celebrates classic flavours.