4-ingredient chocolate orange truffles

Choc-orange is a classic and popular flavour combination (and with good reason!) and this recipe will be a hit with anyone who’s ever enjoyed a segment or two of Terry’s Chocolate Orange chocolate at Christmas. Our 4-ingredient chocolate orange truffles are easy to make, contain only 4 ingredients (as the name suggests!) and have the most satisfying texture. 

This recipe is essentially a flavoured chocolate ganache that's chilled and rolled. Once you master this technique, you unlocked endless truffle variations. That's powerful knowledge from just four ingredients! 

Plan ahead: these truffles need 2 hours of refrigeration. These actually improve after a day in the fridge as the flavours meld. Perfect for entertaining or gift-giving since you can make them well in advance.

How to make chocolate orange truffles: key tips

Steeping the peel infuses subtle, aromatic oils into the cream, while the zest and juice add bright, punchy citrus notes. You get three levels of orange flavour from one fruit.

By removing the peel strips after 5 minutes rather than leaving them in, you extract the fragrant oils without the bitter pith flavours. It's a gentle, controlled infusion.

The chocolate-to-cream ratio creates a truffle that's firm enough to roll but still melts luxuriously on the tongue. Too much cream and they'd be fudgy; too little and they'd be hard.

Pouring hot cream over chopped chocolate and letting it sit for 5 minutes allows gentle, even melting without seizing. Rushing this step risks grainy truffles. While it might seem risky to add liquid to chocolate, the acidity brightens the richness and the pectin helps with texture.

Remember, body heat melts chocolate fast. Working quickly prevents sticky hands and misshapen truffles. This is why chilling until "firm and cold" is essential. When scooping and rolling the balls, try to use chilled work surfaces. If it’s a hot day, you might need to use an ice pack covered in a tea towel, or return the chocolate to the fridge to reset.

What goes into our chocolate orange truffle recipe

Dark chocolate, cream, an orange and a cup of cocoa are all that’s needed to create these delicious treats that feel festive (but can be enjoyed at any time of year). Cocoa prevents truffles from sticking together, adds bitter complexity against the sweet ganache, and creates a sophisticated matte finish. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the citrus notes of the orange, and cream gives us that delicious texture. Use good-quality dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa.

For more truffle ideas, check out these 10 morsels. 

Recipe and photography by Greer Worsley