Chestnut Truffles: a little gem of sweetness that delights the palate! With the arrival of autumn, chestnuts become a staple on our tables, and what better way to celebrate them than with delicious chestnut treats? They are the epitome of autumn comfort food: soft and enveloping, perfect for pampering yourself after a meal or accompanying a cup of coffee or steaming tea.
These chestnut pralines are designed to enhance the unique and delicate flavor of this autumn fruit; imagine the softness of the filling that melts in your mouth, wrapped in a coating of bitter cocoa. They are a perfect dessert to be gifted, perhaps packaged in elegant boxes. Don’t miss the chance to bring these little masterpieces of homemade pastry to the table: we will guide you step by step in creating these delightful treats, guaranteeing you an applause-worthy result.
If you are looking for more chestnut recipes, also try:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 10 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
- Energy 97.93 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 19.20 (g) of which sugars 7.91 (g)
- Proteins 1.18 (g)
- Fat 2.15 (g) of which saturated 1.12 (g)of which unsaturated 0.97 (g)
- Fibers 1.70 (g)
- Sodium 0.91 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 30 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for 10 Chestnut Truffles
- 9 oz chestnuts
- 3.5 tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- as needed bitter cocoa powder
Tools
- Pot
- Knife
How to Make Chestnut Truffles
To prepare the chestnut truffles, first wash the chestnuts well, then make an incision on each one with a knife. Place them in a pot with cold water, add the bay leaf, and cook for 30 minutes at high heat, or until they are soft. While they are still hot, use a spoon to extract the pulp.
Place everything in a blender and blend until you get a coarse mixture. Transfer the blended chestnuts to a pot, add butter, milk, and sugar. Cook for 5 minutes at high heat until the sugar has dissolved.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Take the now-firm mixture, extract small portions, and shape them with your hands to form the truffles, then roll them in bitter cocoa. Once ready, let them firm up in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Your chestnut truffles are ready to be served!
Storage
Chestnut pralines can be prepared in advance, as they keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. They can also be frozen: place them on a tray and freeze for an hour, then transfer to a food bag or airtight container. They keep for about 1-2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What types of chestnuts can I use for the chestnut treats?
You can use fresh chestnuts (boiled or roasted and then peeled), pre-cooked vacuum-packed or canned chestnuts, or directly ready-made chestnut puree or cream for a quicker version.
How can I make the truffles more indulgent?
You can add a splash of rum, brandy, or amaretto liqueur to the mixture for an alcoholic touch. Alternatively, add chopped dark chocolate pieces or nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts) inside. You can also coat them with melted dark chocolate.
What are the best coatings for chestnut pralines?
Classic coatings include bitter cocoa powder, hazelnut or pistachio crumbs, shredded coconut, chocolate sprinkles, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Are they suitable for people with celiac disease?
If you make the recipe as described, using only chestnuts, cocoa, butter, and milk, then these chestnut treats are fine. Always ensure that all the ingredients used are certified “gluten-free”.
What drinks pair well with chestnut truffles?
They pair beautifully with a dessert wine, a small glass of Vin Santo, an herbal liqueur, or simply a cup of espresso coffee or spiced black tea.
