Keto Truffles

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 5 mins

Chill: 2 hrs

Total: 2 hrs 25 mins

Servings: 24 servings

Yield: 24 truffles

A chocolate truffle is a bite-sized treat made from an extra thick chocolate ganache. To make truffles, you heat heavy cream and butter, and then use them to melt chocolate chunks or chips. Once they’ve firmed up in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, the treats are formed by scooping small quantities with a spoon or mini ice cream scoop. They can be left as is, rolled in cocoa powder, or dipped in melted chocolate.

To make a keto version of chocolate truffles, we needed only one simple swap: sugar-free chocolate chips, instead of the standard version. The result is a low-carb truffle that’s just as indulgent as the regular version, but without the carbs from sugar. You can use any sugar-free chocolate chips; we prefer ChocZero or Lily’s. If you’re unable to find sugar-free chips or chunks, you can make this with unsweetened chocolate and a keto sweetener separately—we’ll detail that ahead.

These keto truffles are perfect as is, but you can make them even more fun with different flavor extracts, spices, or zests. They're a great gift for loved ones, but we suspect you'll be keeping many for yourself.

“It only takes five ingredients and minimal effort to make these truffles. I rolled mine in cocoa powder, but I love that you can customize your toppings! You can roll them in chopped nuts for an added crunch, in espresso powder for some added depth, or in sugar free sprinkles for color.” —Jacqueline Tris

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup sugar-free chocolate chips, such as ChocZero or Lily's
1/2 cup cocoa powder, for dipping, optional

Steps to Make It

Gather the ingredients.
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture simmers.
Add the vanilla extract, stir to combine, and remove from heat.
Pour chocolate chips into a medium bowl, then pour the cream mixture over it. Let sit until the chocolate melts, about 4 minutes.
Use a spatula to blend the mixture together. Once fully combined, place in the refrigerator, uncovered, until the mixture firms up, about 2 hours.
Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and line a baking sheet with parchment. Scoop the truffle mixture with a teaspoon or a small scoop, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet. If they aren't fully spherical, roll again very briefly in your hands.
If rolling in cocoa powder, place the cocoa powder in a small bowl and gently toss each truffle one or two at a time. Repeat until finished.

Recipe Tips

Any sugar-free chocolate can be used for this, such as ChocZero or Lily's. Note that brands like those, which use stevia and erythritol for sweetening, are gentler on stomachs than brands that use maltitol.
If dipping the truffles in chocolate, using a fork to help toss is your best bet so that you don't have to touch them at all. After dipping, let cool on a wire rack.

Recipe Variations

If you don't have sugar-free chocolate chips or chunks on hand, but you do have unsweetened chocolate, you can make this recipe with that instead. Use 1 cup chopped unsweetened chocolate and add 1/4 cup powdered keto sweetener.
In addition to rolling the truffles in cocoa powder, you can toss them in finely chopped nuts. If you'd prefer to dip them in melted chocolate, place them in the freezer for 30 minutes then dip in sugar-free chocolate melted in a double boiler.

Flavor these differently with one or more of the following options:

1 teaspoon citrus extract, such as lemon or orange
1 tablespoon of citrus zest
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder

How to Store and Freeze

Store truffles in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. They will keep for at least one week.
Truffles can also be stored in the freezer in a tightly sealed container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge, or on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes before serving.

Is chocolate keto?

Cacao does not contain any sugar, and is low in carbs. Cocoa powder is keto, as is chocolate that has been made with sugar-free sweetener. However, processed chocolate like chocolate bars and chips generally have sugar added and are not keto, unless the label expressly states otherwise.

Do truffles have carbs?

Truffles made with sweetened chocolate or with unsweetened chocolate and sugar are high in carbs.

Conversely, truffles made with sugar-free chocolate, or unsweetened chocolate with a keto sweetener, are very low in carbs.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount per serving
Calories	91
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g	10%
Saturated Fat 5g	23%
Cholesterol 12mg	4%
Sodium 2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 4g	1%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Calcium 5mg	0%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 8mg	0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.