Chocolate Cashew Truffle Balls

There is no perfect name for these little treats, because they’re a cross between truffles and rum balls. So I call them truffle balls. I love to make up recipes for these bite-sized treats because just about everything works. Real chocolate truffles aren’t difficult to make, I’ve heard, but they’re way more delicate in nature. Plus I’m no chocolatier. These “balls” are sturdier, with a cookie crumb or cake mixed with chocolate, nuts, and spices, plus sometimes a liqueur.

I’ve made a holiday version with a gingersnap cookie base, called ginger spice truffles, with cinnamon and ginger. I created that recipe for a holiday charity event many years ago because the ingredients are inexpensive, but the individual truffle balls are great for serving hundreds of people. But it’s really easy to only make a couple of dozen truffle balls, too.

Years ago I won the top award for having the best chocolate at a local Chocolate & Champagne Gala. These Florentine truffle balls are what I made, using ladyfingers, almonds, butter, and chocolate. There are so many ways to make truffle balls.

For a dinner party, something like truffle balls are an appreciated treat served with espresso or sherry. They’re not an overbearing dessert like a huge slice of cake that one feels obligated to eat.

At the bottom of this post is a guideline for creating your own truffle ball recipe. For now, here’s my most recent creation that I made for my cashew-loving husband. Any nut butter can be substituted. Even a chunky nut butter. I doubled the recipe, because the balls freeze well.

Chocolate Cashew Truffle Balls
Makes about 2 dozen

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
4 ounces or 1 stick unsalted butter
3/4 cup or 6 ounces cashew butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ounces, or approximately 6 graham cracker squares
2 heaping tablespoons cocoa, sieved
2 heaping tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, sieved

In the top of a double boiler, place the broken up chocolate, butter, cashew butter, and vanilla extract.

Slowly, over low heat, let the water heat up and allow the chocolate and butter to melt. Make sure the water doesn’t boil. Using a stiff spatula, stir occasionally. Remember, you’re not trying to cook these ingredients, simply melt them, and it’s safer if you do it slowly.

When the ingredients have blended together smoothly, remove the pan from atop the pot and set aside for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, place the graham crackers in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, then place in a large bowl.

Pour the chocolate mixture into the graham crackers and stir.

Make sure the chocolate and graham crackers are uniformly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The mixture should be cold.

When you’re ready to make the balls, sift together the cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar together in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.

Scoop out the “dough” using a teaspoon or cookie scoop. Roll the dough into similarly-sized balls, and then place them in the cocoa-confectioners’ sugar mixture. After you’ve made 4 or 5, toss them in the coating, then place them in a serving bowl, or a plastic bag. (If you’re not serving immediately, they store very well in a sealable bag.)

Right before serving, take them out of the freezer or refrigerator and let warm slightly. They are not as sensitive to melting as real truffles, but I wouldn’t put these out hours before a party, either. The texture should be firm, yet melt in your mouth.

These are really so good. I don’t really taste the cashew flavor, it’s like a new nutella flavor that’s dominated by good chocolate.

If you want to create your own recipe for truffle balls, here are some guidelines:

1. Pick a cookie, either a flavored cookie (like gingersnaps) or a plain one (like shortbread). Make it seasonal!

2. Pick a chocolate – the sweetness of the chocolate depends on the other ingredients.

3. Pick a liqueur. Because these truffle balls are not cooked, don’t go overboard. Alternatively use espresso.

4. Butter is a must because it helps firm up the balls and add richness.

5. Extraneous ingredients can include nuts, crystallized ginger, chocolate chips, broken candies or dried fruits.

6. Seasoning, if desired, can be cinnamon, nutmeg, espresso powder, etc.

7. Pick a coating. Truffle balls need something to fancy them up a little, which can be melted chocolate into which they’re dipped, or a combination of cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar, like I used. Adjust the ratio depending on how sweet you want the coating; just cocoa, or even cocoa mix will work just as well. I prefer my truffle balls not cloyingly sweet.

By Published On: November 27th, 202338 Comments on Chocolate Cashew Truffle Balls

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

38 Comments

  1. angiesrecipes November 27, 2023 at 7:12 AM - Reply

    They are great to share and to gift!

    • Chef Mimi November 27, 2023 at 5:48 PM - Reply

      Definitely! I’d triple the recipe!

  2. Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen November 27, 2023 at 7:47 AM - Reply

    Lovely! The ginger has my vote for sure.
    People’s eyes light up when they see a truffle!

    • Chef Mimi November 27, 2023 at 5:47 PM - Reply

      But they’re not a real truffle. Those are too fancy for me to even attempt!

  3. ajeanneinthekitchen November 27, 2023 at 9:18 AM - Reply

    They look decadently delicious!

    • Chef Mimi November 27, 2023 at 5:47 PM - Reply

      Thanks! They’re very good!

  4. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats November 27, 2023 at 11:41 AM - Reply

    A plate of these tasty nibbles is bout to uplift the spirit of any party!
    I need to try the cashew butter. Haven’t used it yet. :)

    • Chef Mimi November 27, 2023 at 5:48 PM - Reply

      Any kind of butter would work, of course. I just used it because my husband is addicted to cashews!

  5. Charlie DeSando November 27, 2023 at 11:45 AM - Reply

    Those look fabulous, Filling with liquor is just a plus for me

    • Chef Mimi November 27, 2023 at 5:49 PM - Reply

      thanks!

  6. BERNADETTE November 27, 2023 at 1:59 PM - Reply

    Great clear directions on how to make that tasty morsel.

    • Chef Mimi November 27, 2023 at 5:49 PM - Reply

      Thanks, Bernadette!

  7. terrie gura November 27, 2023 at 5:12 PM - Reply

    This looks fun, Mimi! I’ve made something similar with bourbon and pecans for Kentucky Derby, but I love your “template” for adding fun twists. Definitely want to try it! Have you ever made them with white chocolate, by chance?

    • Chef Mimi November 27, 2023 at 5:49 PM - Reply

      I haven’t, because white chocolate does nothing for me.

      • Sherry Mackay December 3, 2023 at 2:51 AM

        if you use a really good white chocolate like callebaut, it makes all the difference.

      • Chef Mimi December 3, 2023 at 9:07 AM

        I only use good chocolate – I think my brain thinks all chocolate should be brown!

  8. Ben | Havocinthekitchen November 27, 2023 at 5:50 PM - Reply

    Truffles always a good idea – so elegant and delicious. As a huge fan of cashews myself, this recipe is calling my name!

    • Chef Mimi November 28, 2023 at 3:25 PM - Reply

      Real truffles are magnificent. These guys are a close second!

  9. Debra November 27, 2023 at 7:17 PM - Reply

    There’s absolutely no chance that I won’t make these, and soon, Mimi. I love the way you’ve described them as a cross between rum balls and truffles. I don’t have the patience for some chocolate recipes, but these I can make. And I will have to make quite a few if I plan to use them in my gifting, because my family will eat them all! :-)

    • Chef Mimi November 28, 2023 at 3:26 PM - Reply

      A kid could make these they’re so easy! And they are great for gifting.

  10. Sherry Mackay November 27, 2023 at 9:02 PM - Reply

    i made actual hazelnut truffles one time – what a mess! here in humid subtropical Queensland it didn’t fare well! Yes using cake or biscuit crumbs is a much better idea for us at christmas time.

    • Chef Mimi November 28, 2023 at 3:26 PM - Reply

      Well good. Not so messy, and super easy!

  11. Tandy | Lavender and Lime November 27, 2023 at 9:53 PM - Reply

    These are perfect to have in the freezer for when unexpected guests arrive. I might make this a December project with Hannah.

    • Chef Mimi November 28, 2023 at 3:27 PM - Reply

      Great idea! Check out the Florentine and the Ginger Spice recipes, too.

  12. nancyc November 28, 2023 at 7:39 PM - Reply

    I’m a fan of both chocolate and cashews, so I know I would love these! :)

    • Chef Mimi November 30, 2023 at 6:43 AM - Reply

      You’ll love them!!!

  13. Healthy World Cuisine November 29, 2023 at 8:41 PM - Reply

    We could really do some damage on this bowl of delicious chocolate cashew truffle balls! (smiling) Love how you can really make this recipe unique by changing up the add ins. Rich and decadent!

    • Chef Mimi November 30, 2023 at 6:45 AM - Reply

      As a fellow cook, you know how much you can change these with various ingredients. Even dried fruits, although I don’t ever want them to be too much like protein balls! They’re still a chocolate treat.

  14. spicedblog December 1, 2023 at 6:45 AM - Reply

    What a great post, Mimi! Thank you so much for sharing these tips – including cookies is a great idea not only for texture but ease of rolling. And truffles are always (!) a hit at holiday cocktail parties!

    • Chef Mimi December 1, 2023 at 10:59 AM - Reply

      People used to order these from me during the holidays (when I catered) just to pull out from the freezer as necessary. They’re so sturdy and delicious!

  15. Molly December 1, 2023 at 7:59 AM - Reply

    These look so delicious! I just bookmarked this to come back to when I am doing my holiday baking/gifting!

    • Chef Mimi December 1, 2023 at 10:59 AM - Reply

      And as a fellow cook, you know you can switch out many ingredients to make them yours!

  16. Raymund December 7, 2023 at 3:46 PM - Reply

    This gingersnap version sounds absolutely delicious, truffle balls are really versatile. These would be perfect for any occasion, and I can’t wait to try making them myself!

    • Chef Mimi December 7, 2023 at 3:58 PM - Reply

      I think you’ll enjoy them! They’re not fancy, but delicious!

  17. David Scott Allen December 13, 2023 at 12:36 PM - Reply

    These kinds of teats are so addictive! I would love it if my host or a restaurant served just one after a meal. The perfect ending!

    • Chef Mimi December 14, 2023 at 7:57 AM - Reply

      They really are!

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