5 Candy Bar-Inspired Truffles

Let’s face it – as delicious as they may be, candy bars aren’t exactly anything fancy. They’re pretty far from it … unless they’re the inspiration for a batch of decadent and impressive chocolate truffles.

I want to let you in on a secret about these chocolate truffles: Even though they sound, look, and taste fancy and impressive, making them isn’t a fussy or involved ordeal at all. Chocolate truffles really couldn’t be much easier. As long as you don’t mind getting a little messy, you’ve got this.

Chocolate truffles are a pretty basic candy. They’re simply chocolate ganache rolled into small bite-sized balls. You only need four ingredients to get started: chocolate, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Your first order of business will be choosing your chocolate. There are two choices I think work best for these truffles: dark chocolate with a relatively low cocoa percentage (about 60 percent), or a blend of dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage and milk chocolate. Both make a truffle that’s sweet and rich, without being too bitter or overwhelming — the kind of truffle that makes it easy to go back for thirds or even fourths.

This could mean splurging on a good-quality chocolate bar if you’re feeling fancy, or it could mean keeping it simple with bittersweet chocolate chips. It’s entirely up to you; the result will be delicious either way.

No matter which of these sweet truffles you’re making, you’ll start off with the same template.

10 ounces chopped chocolate + 2/3 cup heavy cream + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + Pinch of salt

Heat the cream in a small saucepan just until it comes to a simmer. Add the chocolate to a medium bowl (wide and shallow is best), then pour the warm cream over top. Let it stand for a couple minutes, then add the vanilla and a pinch of salt and whisk until smooth. Also, stir in any add-ins as directed below.

Cool to room temperature then chill in the refrigerator for about two hours. Use a one-inch scoop, melon baller, or teaspoon to scoop the chocolate. Roll gently between your palms to form a ball. Roll in toppings, as directed below, then place on a large plate or baking sheet and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Makes about 2-dozen (1-inch) truffles

Just like its namesake candy bar, these truffles are big on coconut. You’ll find shredded coconut both inside and out. And because Almond Joys have nuts, these truffles are topped off with a few sliced almonds.

Once the chocolate is completely melted, stir in 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Chill and form the truffles as instructed above, then roll in unsweetened coconut (about 1/3 cup) and top each truffle with sliced almonds.

Makes about 2-dozen (1-inch) truffles

If candy with a crunch is your thing, these Crunch Bar-inspired truffles will be right up your alley. They’re big on chocolate, with a toasty, crispy exterior.

Once the chocolate is completely melted, chill and form the truffles as instructed above. Roll each truffle in crisped rice cereal (about 1/2 cup total).

Makes about 2-dozen (1-inch) truffles

Just like a Snickers, the best part of these truffles is what’s on the inside. Except, instead of layers, a heavy dose of rich caramel and chopped peanuts are swirled through each bite-sized truffle.

Once the chocolate is completely melted, stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped roasted peanuts and 1/4 cup caramel sauce (you can use store-bought or homemade). Chill and form the truffles as instructed above, then roll each truffle in finely chopped roasted peanuts (about 1/2 cup).

Read More: How To Make Caramel Sauce

Makes about 2-dozen (1-inch) truffles

Okay, so they’re not exactly a bar, but peanut butter cups are one of the kings of the candy world. You might not see the peanut butter lurking inside these truffles, but you’ll surely taste it. Along with a nice dose of salt, it’s what makes these truffles so addictive.

Once the chocolate is completely melted, stir in 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Chill and form the truffles as instructed above, then roll each truffle in sweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup) and top with flaky sea salt.

Makes about 2-dozen (1-inch) truffles

You’ll find a double dose of sweet and crunchy toffee in these Heath Bar-inspired truffles. These are especially wonderful with dark chocolate, so you get the full effect of the contrast of the buttery toffee bits.

Once the chocolate is completely melted, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped toffee. Chill and form the truffles as instructed above, then roll each truffle in more chopped toffee (about 1/2 cup more).