Chestnut Truffles: the Easy and Delicious Gluten-Free Recipe


The chestnut truffles are delicious, soft, and fragrant autumn treats, perfect to prepare in minutes without an oven. Whenever I serve them, they disappear right away: dark chocolate and vanilla make them irresistible, and they contain no eggs, milk, or flour, ideal for those intolerant to gluten or lactose.
If you want an alternative and easy way to enjoy chestnuts, also try the recipe for Air Fryer Chestnuts, aromatic, crispy on the outside, and soft inside, perfect to serve on their own or as an ingredient for desserts.
These truffles are great as a dessert at the end of a meal accompanied by a coffee, but also packed in colorful baking cups they become a splendid gift idea.
Let’s discover it together.
See you soon, Susy

You might be interested in:

Close-up of a chestnut truffle covered in bitter cocoa in a decorated white cupcake liner, with plate and spoon in the background
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Cost: Medium
  • Preparation time: 20 Minutes
  • Portions: 20
  • Cooking methods: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
51.48 Kcal
calories per serving
Info Close
  • Energy 51.48 (Kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 7.89 (g) of which sugars 3.68 (g)
  • Proteins 1.07 (g)
  • Fat 2.35 (g) of which saturated 1.06 (g)of which unsaturated 1.00 (g)
  • Fibers 1.98 (g)
  • Sodium 1.54 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 15 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 chestnut truffles

  • 7 oz chestnuts, boiled (steamed)
  • 2.1 oz 85% dark chocolate (gluten-free and dairy-free)
  • 1.4 oz sugar
  • 2 tbsp coconut milk
  • 1 vanilla bean (seeds)
  • 0.35 oz sunflower oil
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (gluten-free certified)

Tools

  • Food Processor – I use Bimby tm31
  • Bowl
  • Spatula
  • Baking cups
  • Scale
  • Sieve

Prepare the chestnut truffles

  • 1. Wash the chestnuts well and, using a sharp knife, make a cut on the skin. Boil them in water for about 30–35 minutes, until they become soft.
    2. Peel them while they’re still warm, removing both the outer skin and the inner peel to obtain only the tender pulp.
    3. Transfer the chestnuts to the food processor along with the other ingredients specified in the recipe. Pulse until a smooth and homogeneous mixture with a creamy consistency is obtained.
    4. With slightly moist hands, form balls of the same size, about the size of a walnut, to obtain regular truffles.
    5. Roll them in unsweetened cocoa powder until completely covered and place them in colorful baking cups or on a serving plate.
    The chestnut truffles are ready to be enjoyed: soft, fragrant, and truly irresistible!

Storage and Useful Tips

The chestnut truffles can be stored in the refrigerator, kept in an airtight container, for 3–4 days. I recommend taking them out a few minutes before serving, so they become soft and fragrant again.

You can also speed up the recipe by using pre-steamed chestnuts, which are easily found packaged at the supermarket: they are convenient and allow you to prepare the truffles in very little time.

Chestnuts, naturally gluten-free, are rich in starch, vitamin C, copper, and manganese. They are low in fat but are still a source of carbohydrates: better to enjoy them in moderation if following a low-calorie diet.

The chestnut truffles are also perfect as a gift idea: place them in colorful baking cups and package them in a transparent box or bags tied with a ribbon. They will make a great impression!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chestnut Truffles

  • Can I replace the cocoa powder?

    If you prefer a milder taste, you can roll them in coconut flour or chopped hazelnuts. They will be different but still delicious.

  • How far in advance can I prepare them?

    You can prepare them the day before and store them in the refrigerator: in fact, after a few hours of rest they will be even better because the flavors blend more effectively.

Author image

idolcidisusy

Idolcidisusy is the blog of Tiziana, a pastry chef and food blogger. It features recipes for simple and delicious desserts, explained step by step: tarts, soft cakes, cheesecakes, and desserts for every occasion.

Read the Blog