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lemon truffles
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4-Ingredient Lemon Truffles Recipe

This Lemon Truffles Recipe creates creamy, melt-in-your-mouth citrus treats using just 4 simple ingredients. Perfect for busy summer days or gifting, these no-bake sweets bring a bright pop of sunshine to any dessert table!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 115

Ingredients
  

  • 14 ounces Quality white chocolate Use a bar or block, coarsely chopped. Avoid chips!
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter Softened to room temperature.
  • ¾ cup Heavy cream Do not substitute with milk; we need the fat for a silky set.
  • 2 large Lemons We will use the zest and 1 tablespoon of juice.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon extract For that extra punch of citrus aroma.
  • ½ cup Powdered sugar or yellow sprinkles Used for the final coating.

Equipment

  • 1 1.5-quart stainless steel small saucepan Perfect for heating cream evenly.
  • 1 Large clear glass heatproof mixing bowl Glass is best for watching the chocolate melt.
  • 1 Stainless steel handheld microplane zester Use this to get just the yellow zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
  • 1 Small stainless steel cookie scoop Keeps your truffles uniform and professional-looking.
  • 1 Aluminum half-sheet baking pan Line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Method
 

  1. Start by finely chopping your quality white chocolate. I always find that the smaller the pieces, the smoother the melt! Place the chocolate and unsalted butter into your large heatproof bowl. My grandmother used to say patience is the best ingredient in the kitchen, so just set this aside for a moment while we prep the cream.
  2. Pour your heavy cream into the saucepan over medium heat. Watch it closely, like a hawk! You want to see tiny bubbles dancing around the edges. Once it just starts to boil, pull it off the heat immediately. There’s a very fine line between perfect cream and a mess on your stovetop!
  3. Now for the magic! Whisk in the lemon extract, fresh lemon juice, and that beautiful lemon zest into the hot cream. It’ll smell just like a summer morning in a citrus grove. Give it a good stir until everything is fragrant and combined.
  4. Pour that hot, citrusy cream right over your quality white chocolate. Let it sit for about 90 seconds, this gives the chocolate time to soften. Then, using a spatula, stir slowly in one direction. Watch as it transforms into a glossy, smooth ganache. It’s so satisfying to see those lumps disappear!
  5. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface so a skin doesn't form. Let it rest at room temperature for an hour, then tuck it into the fridge for at least 6 hours. I usually leave mine overnight; it makes the rolling process so much easier for my hands the next morning.
  6. This is the part where Emma usually jumps in to help! Scoop the chilled mixture and roll it quickly between your palms to make a ball. Drop it straight into a bowl of powdered sugar or yellow sprinkles and roll until coated. Working fast is key here so the warmth of your hands doesn't melt our hard work!

Nutrition

Serving: 1truffleCalories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 45mgSugar: 9gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 1.5mgCalcium: 35mg

Notes

The Golden Rule: Always use white chocolate bars (like Lindt or Ghirardelli) instead of chips. Chips have stabilizers that will make your truffles grainy rather than silky.
Storage: Keep these in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay delicious for up to 10 days, making them a great make-ahead treat!
Freeze for Later: You can freeze these for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before you’re ready to enjoy a little bite of sunshine.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!