Bright, zesty, and utterly indulgent, these Lemon Truffles are a refreshing twist on traditional chocolate confections. The vibrant citrus flavor cuts through the creamy sweetness, creating a perfect balance that dances on your taste buds with every bite.
I developed this recipe after craving something that captured sunshine in dessert form. These little gems require no baking and come together in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you need a special homemade gift that looks impressively gourmet.
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required—just mix, chill, and roll!
- Bright lemon flavor that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings
- Make-ahead friendly—they actually taste better after a day in the refrigerator
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Versatile recipe that can be easily customized with different coatings
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese or coconut butter, softened
- 2 tbsp butter or additional coconut butter, softened
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar or erythritol
- Zest of one lemon
- 3 oz white chocolate chips (optional)
- Optional drop of natural food coloring or pinch of turmeric for color
Instructions
- Make sure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing. If they’re cold, let them sit out for about 30 minutes until soft.
- Blend cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer works best for smooth results, but stirring well with a fork will also work.
- For a more vibrant yellow color, add a drop of natural food coloring or a tiny pinch of turmeric and mix well.
- Either spread mixture into a small container, or freeze for a few minutes until firm enough to scoop into balls using a mini cookie scoop. Place balls on a parchment-lined plate and freeze until firm.
- If using the container method, cut firm mixture into squares or bars. If desired, dip truffles in melted white chocolate (adding ½ tsp oil to the melted chocolate helps create a smoother coating). For half-dipped truffles like in photos, cut each in half as soon as chocolate sets.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon extract.
- Try rolling the truffles in finely crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies instead of powdered sugar.
- Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the mixture for lemon poppy seed truffles.
- If the mixture becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up.
- For a colorful twist, roll some truffles in finely grated lemon zest mixed with a bit of yellow sanding sugar.
- Substitute lime zest and juice for a lime truffle variation.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon truffles make a beautiful addition to any dessert platter alongside fresh berries and mint sprigs. Serve with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or pair with champagne or prosecco for an elegant dessert option at special celebrations.
For a complete citrus-themed dessert spread, serve alongside lemon shortbread cookies and a bowl of macerated berries with a touch of limoncello.
Notes
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Truffles can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- The powdered sugar coating may absorb moisture over time; you can re-roll in fresh powdered sugar before serving if needed.
- Allow truffles to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled. Just be sure to still include the fresh lemon zest, which contains essential oils that give these truffles their vibrant flavor.
Why did my truffle mixture turn out too soft to roll?
This usually happens if the cream cheese was too warm or if the white chocolate wasn’t fully set. Simply refrigerate the mixture for an additional 15-30 minutes until it firms up enough to handle.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and vegan white chocolate chips. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How do I know when the truffles are ready to serve?
The truffles should feel firm to the touch but still yield slightly when pressed. If they’re too soft, they need more chilling time; if they’re too firm, let them stand at room temperature for a few minutes.
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