Description
Indulge in the luxury of Dubai with these handcrafted chocolate truffles, inspired by the city’s rich flavors. These silky, melt-in-your-mouth truffles blend premium camel milk chocolate, saffron, and Medjool dates to create an exotic, Arabian-inspired treat. Each bite delivers a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of earthy saffron and caramel-like date sweetness. Perfect for gifting, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to a taste of Dubai’s chocolate excellence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Truffle Ganache:
- 200g camel milk chocolate (or high-quality milk chocolate)
- 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads (lightly crushed)
- 2 tablespoons Medjool date paste
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating & Garnish:
- ½ cup cocoa powder (for rolling)
- Chopped pistachios or almonds (for crunch)
- Edible gold dust (optional) (for an elegant finish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ganache
- Chop Chocolate: Finely chop the camel milk and dark chocolate and place them in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the Cream: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat.
- Infuse with Saffron: Add saffron threads to the hot cream and let it steep for 5 minutes for full flavor infusion.
- Combine with Chocolate: Pour the warm saffron-infused cream over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- Stir to Combine: Add butter, date paste, cardamom, and vanilla extract, then whisk until smooth.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm enough to shape.
Step 2: Shape the Truffles
- Scoop the Ganache: Use a teaspoon or small cookie scoop to portion out small balls. Roll them gently in your hands to shape them.
- Coat the Truffles: Roll the truffles in cocoa powder for a classic finish, or coat them with chopped pistachios/almonds for extra crunch.
- Optional: Lightly dust with edible gold dust for a luxurious Dubai-inspired touch.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
- Chill Before Serving: Place truffles in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to set completely.
- Enjoy! Serve your Dubai chocolate delights with a cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Truffles:
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Let the ganache sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling to prevent melting.
- For extra richness, add a touch of honey or date syrup to the ganache mixture.
Variations:
- Spiced Truffles: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, spiced twist.
- Coffee-Infused: Mix in 1 teaspoon espresso powder for mocha-flavored truffles.
- Rose & Pistachio: Swap saffron for ½ teaspoon rose water and roll in crushed pistachios.
Pairing Suggestions:
Beverages:
- Arabic coffee ☕
- Mint tea 🌿
- Saffron-infused milk 🥛
Serving Ideas:
- As a luxurious dessert platter for guests
- Packaged in gold gift boxes for special occasions
- Served alongside baklava or dates for a complete Middle Eastern dessert spread
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze truffles for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Gourmet
Nutrition
- Calories: ~90 kcal
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~5mg
- Fat: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~9g
- Protein: ~1g