These bittersweet homemade chocolate truffles are flavored with Chinese 5-spice powder (cinnamon, fennel, clove, star anise and white pepper) and crystallized ginger bits. It’s a special treat with a sophisticated flavor that’s still very easy to make.
For more delicious chocolate recipes check out these Espresso Bourbon Truffles and this Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Ganache.
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About the recipe:
I came across a recipe for an Asian 5-spice chocolate cake the other day and was intrigued by the idea. The author, chef Christian Thornton, suggests to serve the cake with ginger whipped cream and I took those concepts and applied them to the chocolate truffles here.
The crystallized ginger bits give you something to bite into and the 5-spice powder (cinnamon, fennel, clove, star anise and white pepper) adds a delicious and complex flavor. The truffles are not very sweet at all and the anise comes through quite strongly so if you’re not a fan of its licorice-like taste, then I predict you won’t like these truffles. If you do, I think you’ll love them. It’s something special and out of the ordinary and at the same time very easy to make.
Ingredients:
For the truffles:
For rolling the truffles:
A few notes on the ingredients:
- be sure to chop the chocolate very finely because the finer the chocolate, the easier it will be to melt it. This is the most labor-intensive part of the recipe but it is well worth it.
- don’t use chocolate morsels, those have stabilizers in them that prevent them from melting properly
How to make the truffles:
Step 1. In a small saucepan, heat up:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder
- a pinch of salt
Step 2. As soon as the mix starts to boil, pour it over 8 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes.
Step 3. Stir the mix until it’s nice and uniform.*
*RECIPE NOTE: If you end up with unmelted pieces of chocolate, get a small pot of water to boil, then set the bowl with the chocolate on it and let the chocolate warm up enough until everything is melted.
Step 4. Mix in 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger. Let the chocolate cool to room temperature, then cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for 3 hours to let the chocolate solidify.
Step 5. To make the truffles, grab a melon baller or a 2-teaspoon metal scoop or a simple spoon, scoop out the chocolate and roll it into small balls with your hands. (You want to work quickly here because the warmth of your hands will start to melt the chocolate quickly.)
Step 6. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder.
How to store the truffles:
Keep the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
How to serve the truffles:
Serve the truffles cold and be careful not to inhale before biting into them!
How long do homemade chocolate truffles keep?
You can store the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Made this recipe? It would be awesome if you could leave a rating. Either tap or click the stars in the recipe card or leave a comment below. Thanks!
Recipe Card
Chinese Five-Spice Chocolate Truffles with Crystallized Ginger
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder
- pinch of salt
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (I used Ghirardelli 60 percent cacao bittersweet chocolate baking bars)*
- 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
- unsweetened cocoa powder to roll the truffles in
Instructions:
- Add cream, butter, spice and salt to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Pour the hot cream mix over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir together until everything is well combined and no large chocolate clumps remain. (You may need to heat the mixture over a pot of simmering water to get rid of the last clumps).
- Stir in the crystallized ginger.
- Cover and put in the fridge for 3 hours.
- With a melon baller or a 2-teaspoon scoop or spoon, scoop out the chocolate and quickly roll into balls with your hands.
- Roll each ball in the cocoa powder.
- Keep the truffles in the fridge until you're ready to serve them and don't inhale when you bite into them.
Wendi Spraker
That is just the loveliest photo ever! I am positive that those truffles are just to die for! I am thinking that ginger, 5 spice and that chocolate are SUPER – ok, well, I’ve talked myself into it – I’ll be making these soon! Thanks for a great recipe AND another beautiful photo!
Nicole B.
And thank YOU so much for your nice comment, Wendi! :)
Fanny
Very brave and interesting idea! I would definitely give it a try! :)
Nicole B.
Thank you so much, Fanny! Yes, I am sometimes brave in the kitchen. :)
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage
My love for truffles has no limits, lol. And I like licorice a lot so these are a win win for me, great recipe. Love the coffee cup. Take care.
Nicole B.
Thanks, Stacey! I love that cup too, found it in an antique store and was immediately smitten with the tall, curvy handle. :)
Abbe @ This is How I Cook
I would call these a grown up cookie. I am so glad I am a grown up!
Nicole B.
Definitely grown-up food! :)
Hannah Hossack-Lodge (Domestic Gothess)
What an interesting flavour combination, I have never thought to use Chinese five spice in sweet recipes but it does makes sense to as all it’s individual components work well in sweet dishes. Lovely photo too (as always) :)
Nicole B.
Thank you, Hannah! It didn’t know exactly what to expect but it turned out really well. :)
Kevin | Keviniscooking
These sounds spectacular! I love the candied ginger and use it often, its a refreshing pop of flavor and I bet works perfectly in these.
Nicole B.
Candied ginger is awesome, isn’t it? I always keep a bag in the pantry. Need to work on incorporating it into recipes more often.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
I really love Chinese 5 spice and I don’t know why I don’t use it more. But I’m hanging my head in shame right now because I have a bottle of it that is almost full. I brought it from our old house — 15 years ago :-( I think I need to buy a new container. Now for your wonderful shot — yes it looks perfect. A touch of old-fashioned elegance. I feel as if I stopped by an elderly aunt’s and we’re in her parlor. Have a great day!!
Nicole B.
Yes, definitely buy a new container! :) I have to admit that so far I haven’t used Chinese 5-spice much either…
Kim | Low Carb Maven
Wow! What a flavor pairing. I love gingered whipped cream and love the suggestion with the spiced chocolate. I must try this. As always, lovely photography. I sometimes spend an hour just looking at the pictures on your site. Thanks for a lovely recipe.
Nicole B.
That is SUCH a nice compliment, thank you so much, Kim, I truly appreciate it. :)