Imagine sinking your teeth into a smooth, creamy truffle that melts in your mouth, leaving behind the lingering sweetness of caramel perfectly balanced by a luscious cream cheese base. With their elegant appearance and gourmet flavor, these truffles make a stunning addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will deliver results that rival your favorite confectionery shop.

Caramel and cream cheese form a match made in dessert heaven. The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly complements the deep, buttery notes of caramel, creating a truffle filling that is both rich and satisfying. Coated in silky melted chocolate and garnished with your choice of toppings, these truffles offer a customizable, bite-sized indulgence.

What’s more, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires only a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to whip up a professional-looking dessert without needing advanced skills or specialized tools. Whether you’re crafting a last-minute treat for guests or creating edible gifts for loved ones, these truffles are sure to impress.

Let’s dive into the process of creating these decadent truffles, step by step, so you can bring this indulgent dessert to life!

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Ingredients

For the Truffle Base:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120g) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For Coating:

• 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate coating)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed pecans or walnuts
• Sea salt flakes
• White chocolate drizzle
• Sprinkles

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Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Truffle Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce, blending until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until the mixture is firm enough to handle.
2. If the mixture remains too sticky, you can add an additional 1/4 cup of powdered sugar to firm it up.

Step 3: Shape the Truffles

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls between your palms.
3. Place the rolled truffles on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour to set.

Step 4: Coat the Truffles

1. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off before placing the truffle back on the parchment-lined sheet.
3. Immediately sprinkle toppings such as crushed nuts, sea salt, or sprinkles onto the truffles before the chocolate sets.

Step 5: Final Chill

1. Once all the truffles are coated and decorated, refrigerate them for 30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
2. Store the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

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Variations

• Salted Caramel Truffles: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each truffle after coating them with chocolate.
• Nutty Delight: Mix 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the truffle base for added texture.
• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use bittersweet chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Holiday Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the truffle mixture for festive flair.

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Cooking Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Work quickly when coating the truffles, as the melted chocolate may begin to harden.
• If the caramel flavor isn’t strong enough, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top of the finished truffles for a bolder taste.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve these truffles as part of a dessert platter alongside cookies and pastries.
• Package them in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.

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Tips

1. To make rolling easier, lightly grease your hands with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
2. Use high-quality chocolate for coating, as it enhances the flavor and texture of the truffles.
3. Chill the truffles for at least 30 minutes after dipping to ensure the coating sets properly.
4. Experiment with toppings and coatings to customize the look and taste of your truffles.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for chocolate melting)

Chilling Time: 4-5 hours (including resting and setting)

Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per truffle, yields approx. 20 truffles)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1.5g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 13g

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FAQs

Q: Can I make these truffles in advance?
A: Yes! These truffles store well in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Q: What type of caramel sauce works best?
A: You can use store-bought caramel sauce, but homemade caramel provides a richer, fresher flavor.

Q: Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Absolutely! White chocolate gives the truffles a lighter, sweeter coating and pairs beautifully with the caramel flavor.

Q: How can I fix a too-sticky truffle mixture?
A: Add a bit more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is firm enough to roll.

Q: Are these truffles gluten-free?
A: The truffles themselves are gluten-free, but ensure your caramel sauce and chocolate are certified gluten-free if needed.

Conclusion

Caramel-Infused Cream Cheese Truffles are a show-stopping dessert that combines simplicity with decadence. With their smooth, creamy center and rich chocolate coating, these truffles are guaranteed to impress. Perfect for gifting, parties, or a personal indulgence, they’re versatile and easy to customize. Try this recipe today, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time.