Mascarpone Chocolate Truffles with Pistachio and Hazelnut Crunch

Chocolate Truffles with Mascarpone Cream
Category: Sweets
Serves: 20

Indulge in the exquisite blend of dark chocolate and mascarpone cream with a delightful crunch from crushed pistachios and hazelnuts in these irresistible homemade chocolate truffles. The rich, velvety filling paired with a crunchy topping makes for the perfect treat for any occasion. These truffles are not only delicious but also a visual treat that will impress your guests!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cups
   Begin by finely chopping the dark chocolate using a knife. This will make it easier to melt evenly. Next, use a brush to coat the inside, including the edges, of small silicone cupcake molds (pirottini) with the dark chocolate. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for about 1 hour, allowing the chocolate to set firmly.

2. Check and Remove the Chocolate Cups
   After 1 hour, check the chocolate cups. They should be solid and firm to the touch. Gently pop them out of the molds, being careful not to break them.

3. Make the Mascarpone Cream
   While the chocolate cups are setting, focus on making the mascarpone cream filling. Start by chopping the milk chocolate into small pieces and melt it over a double boiler (bagnomaria). Once the milk chocolate has melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Combine the Chocolate and Mascarpone
   In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with the melted milk chocolate. Add a splash of rum and scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the mixture. Stir well until smooth and fully combined.

5. Chill the Cream
   Transfer the mascarpone and chocolate mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Place the piping bag in the fridge and let the cream firm up for about 1 hour. This will help it hold its shape when piped into the chocolate cups.

6. Assemble the Truffles
   After the mascarpone cream has firmed up, remove both the chocolate cups and the piping bag from the fridge. Pipe a generous swirl of the mascarpone cream into each chocolate cup.

7. Finish the Truffles
   Once all the chocolate cups are filled, it’s time to decorate! Half of the truffles should be topped with crushed hazelnuts, and the other half with crushed pistachios. This not only adds a lovely crunch but also an extra burst of flavor to complement the creamy mascarpone filling.

8. Serve and Enjoy
   Allow the truffles to chill for an additional 15-20 minutes to ensure the filling sets. Once firm, the chocolate truffles are ready to serve! Enjoy these decadent treats at any time, whether for a special occasion or as a delightful sweet snack.

These rich and creamy chocolate truffles, filled with mascarpone, offer the perfect balance of indulgent sweetness and rich flavor. The crispy, nutty toppings give them the right texture contrast, making them a hit at parties, festive gatherings, or simply as a personal treat to savor.

Nutritional Information (per truffle)

These chocolate truffles offer an indulgent bite without compromising on flavor, making them an irresistible treat to share or enjoy alone!