Jump to Recipe Print RecipeI can still feel the warmth of the kitchen as a rich smell of caramel begins to fill the air—there’s just something magical about making salted caramel truffles from scratch. The joy of crafting these delightful treats is like unwrapping a present; you get a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors encased in luscious chocolate. Not only do these homemade candies impress anyone fortunate enough to receive them, but they are also surprisingly easy to whip up! Whether you’re planning a special celebration or simply wishing to elevate your dessert game, these truffles are a surefire crowd-pleaser. So, are you ready to embark on the sweet adventure of crafting your own indulgent treats? Why are Salted Caramel Truffles so irresistible? Irresistible Texture: Each truffle offers a luxurious combination of creamy caramel and smooth chocolate. Sweet & Salty Harmony: The delightful contrast between sweet caramel and just the right amount of sea salt elevates your taste buds. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can enjoy these gourmet treats without the bakery price tag. Versatile Options: Whether you prefer dark, milk, or even white chocolate, customize each batch to fit your flavor cravings perfectly. Perfect for Gifting: These truffles make stunning homemade gifts that will impress friends and family alike, ideal for any occasion. Quick & Convenient: Ready in just a few hours, you can whip up a batch and share delightful sweetness in no time. Dive into the magic of homemade indulgence with your very own easy caramel truffles! Salted Caramel Truffles Ingredients For the Caramel Center • Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and structure for the caramel. Note: Avoid stirring once it starts melting to prevent graininess. • Unsalted Butter – Adds creaminess and richness to the caramel. Substitution: If using salted butter, reduce added sea salt to ½ teaspoon. • Heavy Cream – Essential for creating a silky texture in the caramel. Tip: Use cream at room temperature to prevent seizing. • Sea Salt – Enhances flavor by providing a salty contrast to the sweetness. Note: Flaky salt varieties like Maldon can also be used. • Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor to the caramel. For the Chocolate Coating • Dark Chocolate (60–70% cocoa) – Coats the truffles, providing richness. Optional: Use milk chocolate for sweeter truffles, or white chocolate for contrast. • Coconut Oil – Optional, used to create a smoother chocolate coating. Note: Can be substituted with shortening. For Finishing Touches • Cocoa Powder or Crushed Sea Salt – For rolling or sprinkling on finished truffles. Get ready to create decadent salted caramel truffles that will melt in your mouth! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Truffles Step 1: Caramel Preparation In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add granulated sugar. Stir gently until the sugar melts and turns a deep golden amber color, which should take about 8–10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning; the sugar should bubble vigorously but not smoke. This caramel will form the luscious center of your salted caramel truffles. Step 2: Incorporate Butter and Cream Once the sugar mixture has reached the desired color, carefully add unsalted butter. Expect a vigorous bubbling reaction! Stir until the butter is completely melted, then slowly pour in room-temperature heavy cream while continuously mixing. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute; the caramel will thicken slightly and embrace a silky texture. Step 3: Flavoring the Caramel Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in sea salt and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Carefully pour the caramel into a bowl, allowing it to cool to room temperature. This cooling process is essential for achieving the right consistency; refrigerate for about 30 minutes until the caramel is firm yet still pliable for forming into truffles. Step 4: Forming Truffles Once cooled, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the caramel using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, and quickly roll it into smooth balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. This step is vital to creating the bite-sized delight that defines your salted caramel truffles. Step 5: Freezing the Truffle Centers To easily dip the truffles in chocolate later, freeze the caramel balls for at least 2 hours. This will help them maintain their shape and firmness while you work with the chocolate coating. It’s the secret to perfectly formed truffles that won’t break apart during dipping! Step 6: Preparing the Chocolate Coating In a double boiler or microwave, melt dark chocolate until smooth, stirring continuously. If desired, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to create a thinner, glossier coating. Keep a close eye on the chocolate to prevent it from burning; the consistency should be creamy and shiny for the ultimate finish on your salted caramel truffles. Step 7: Dipping the Truffles Using a fork, dip each frozen caramel ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the truffle back on the parchment-lined sheet. This step creates that luxurious layer of chocolate that beautifully encases the sweet caramel filling. Step 8: Finishing Touches Before the chocolate sets, immediately sprinkle each truffle with flaky sea salt or roll them in cocoa powder for an elegant finish. This adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel. Allow the dipped truffles to chill for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is fully firm. Step 9: Serving Suggestions To enjoy your homemade salted caramel truffles at their best texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief wait allows the chocolate to soften slightly, enhancing the melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will love. Happy indulging! Salted Caramel Truffles Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore and customize your salted caramel truffles with these delightful variations that will tickle your taste buds! Different Chocolate Types: Swap out dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate to adjust sweetness and flavor. Infused Flavors: Add a splash of orange zest or a drop of peppermint extract to the caramel for a refreshing twist. Nuts Galore: Roll truffles in crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a satisfying crunch alongside that sumptuous caramel. Sweetener Change: Experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar in the caramel for a deeper, more complex flavor. Fruity Add-ins: Consider adding dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries, to the caramel for a fruity surprise in every bite. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the caramel can create a unique sweet and spicy contrast. Healthier Options: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, and use dark chocolate to keep it rich yet lighter. Finishing Touches: Experiment with toppings—try sprinkling crushed graham crackers, espresso powder, or even edible glitter for an elegant presentation. Get creative with your salted caramel truffles, and don’t hesitate to check out our easy caramel truffles recipe for helpful tips! How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Truffles Room Temperature: Store salted caramel truffles in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Fridge: These truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing odors. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the truffles for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to avoid sticking. Reheating: Simply let frozen truffles thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor. Make Ahead Options These salted caramel truffles are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still treating themselves to a delightful dessert! You can prepare the caramel center up to 3 days in advance—just make sure to refrigerate it in an airtight container once it cools. When you’re ready to finish the truffles, simply scoop and roll the chilled caramel into balls and freeze them for at least 2 hours before dipping in chocolate. To maintain the truffles’ exquisite texture and flavor, ensure the chocolate is melted slowly and kept warm while you work. A little forward planning means you can quickly coat and enjoy these luxurious salted caramel truffles with minimal effort when the cravings strike! Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Truffles Caramel Watch: Keep a close eye on the sugar while melting; a deep amber color is ideal, but avoid burning by stirring only initially. Room Temperature Cream: Always use cream at room temperature to prevent the caramel from seizing and becoming grainy. Chill for Firmness: Keep your caramel balls in the freezer while dipping them; this ensures they hold their shape during the chocolate coating process. Tempering Chocolate: For a glossy finish, consider tempering your chocolate before dipping the truffles; it can elevate your dessert’s presentation and texture. Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to customize your salted caramel truffles with flavor infusions like orange zest or coffee to make them uniquely yours. Storage Tip: Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze them for longer storage, separated with parchment paper. What to Serve with Salted Caramel Truffles? Creating a delightful meal experience? Treat your loved ones to indulgent combinations that complement the rich sweetness of these truffles. Coffee or Espresso: The deep, roasted flavors of coffee provide a perfect contrast to the sweetness of your truffles, enhancing each bite remarkably. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside your truffles; the creaminess and vanilla notes elevate the flavors and add a refreshing touch. Chocolate Fondue: Dip fresh fruits or pretzel bites into warm chocolate fondue for a playful dessert option that pairs beautifully with salted caramel. Espresso Martini: A creamy cocktail infused with coffee flavors and a touch of chocolate makes for a perfect pairing with these decadent treats. Sea Salt Brownies: These rich brownies can amplify the sweet-salty profile of your truffles, offering a delightful texture contrast. Dark Chocolate Tart: A classic tart with a smooth chocolate filling mirrors the luxury of your truffles, making for an elegant dessert spread. Berry Compote: Fresh or cooked berries add a tart brightness that balances the richness of the truffles while providing a pop of color on the plate. Wine Pairing: A dessert wine like late-harvest Riesling can complement the sweetness while the acidity cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious blend. Salted Caramel Truffles Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select my ingredients for salted caramel truffles? Absolutely! When making salted caramel truffles, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for granulated sugar that’s white and free from clumps. Make sure your heavy cream is fresh and at room temperature to prevent it from seizing when added to the hot caramel. Also, select good quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) for a rich coating. How should I store salted caramel truffles, and what is their shelf life? You can store salted caramel truffles at room temperature, in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days. If you’re keeping them longer, pop them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Can I freeze salted caramel truffles? Yes! To freeze salted caramel truffles, layer them with parchment paper inside an airtight container to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to achieve the perfect texture. My caramel didn’t turn out smooth; what went wrong? Very! If your caramel seized or became grainy, it might be due to moisture. Ensure that your cream is at room temperature before mixing it into the hot caramel and avoid stirring the sugar once it starts melting. If it does seize while adding cream, you can try reheating the mixture gently while stirring continuously until it becomes smooth again. Are salted caramel truffles suitable for people with allergies? Always check your ingredients! These truffles contain dairy and sugar, which may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or diabetes. For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate. It’s always best to discuss your dietary concerns with family and friends before serving. Decadent Salted Caramel Truffles That Melt in Your Mouth These salted caramel truffles offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors encased in chocolate, providing an indulgent treat that melts in your mouth. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 12 trufflesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Caramel Center1 cup granulated sugar Avoid stirring once it starts melting to prevent graininess.6 tablespoons unsalted butter If using salted butter, reduce added sea salt to ½ teaspoon.½ cup heavy cream Use cream at room temperature to prevent seizing.1 teaspoon sea salt Flaky salt varieties like Maldon can also be used.1 teaspoon vanilla extractFor the Chocolate Coating8 ounces dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) Optional: Use milk chocolate for sweeter truffles, or white chocolate for contrast.1 teaspoon coconut oil Can be substituted with shortening.For Finishing Touchescocoa powder or crushed sea salt For rolling or sprinkling on finished truffles. Equipment heavy-bottomed saucepanCookie scoopParchment-lined baking sheetDouble boiler or microwave Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Salted Caramel TrufflesIn a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add granulated sugar. Stir gently until the sugar melts and turns a deep golden amber color, about 8–10 minutes.Once the sugar mixture has reached the desired color, carefully add unsalted butter. Stir until melted, then slowly pour in room-temperature heavy cream while continuously mixing. Allow to boil for 1 minute until thickened.Remove from heat and stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Pour the caramel into a bowl and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm yet pliable.Scoop about 1 tablespoon of caramel and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Freeze the caramel balls for at least 2 hours to maintain shape during dipping.Melt dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Optionally, add coconut oil for a thinner coating.Dip each frozen caramel ball into melted chocolate using a fork. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing back on the parchment-lined sheet.Before chocolate sets, sprinkle each truffle with flaky sea salt or roll them in cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Chill for about 30 minutes until chocolate is firm.Before serving, let truffles sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes for the best texture. Nutrition Serving: 1truffleCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage, separated with parchment paper. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
