Bright, creamy, and bursting with citrusy sunshine, these Lemon Truffles are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tart. Every bite delivers velvety white chocolate infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, creating little morsels that are both elegant and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking to wow at a party, make edible gifts, or just indulge in a zesty pick-me-up, you’ll fall head over heels for this simple, no-bake recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Lemon Truffles requires just a handful of staple ingredients, each bringing its own touch to this luscious dessert. There’s nothing complicated here, but each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect creamy texture and bold citrus flavor.

Heavy cream: Provides richness and silky smoothness to your truffle centers.
Unsalted butter: Adds a little extra creaminess and helps the filling set beautifully.
Lemon zest: Packs major zing and vibrant aroma—always use fresh zest for the best flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Gives sharp, tangy brightness; bottled juice can’t compare to the real thing.
White chocolate: The backbone of the truffle, offering a sweet, creamy base that allows the lemon to shine.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds comforting undertones without overpowering the citrus.
Powdered sugar: For gently rolling the finished truffles, adding a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.

How to Make Lemon Truffles

Step 1: Infuse and Heat the Cream

Begin by combining the heavy cream, butter, and fresh lemon zest in a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium until the mixture just starts to simmer. This process allows the lemon zest to fully infuse the dairy, unlocking lots of bright, natural citrus flavor without any bitterness.

Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Vanilla

Remove your saucepan from the heat as soon as it begins to simmer. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract—this step adds lively tartness and just a touch of warmth, balancing all the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

In a heat-safe bowl, pile in your chopped white chocolate (or use chips for convenience). Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let it stand for a few minutes. This resting time helps melt the chocolate gently, ensuring a silky, lump-free ganache.

Step 4: Stir Until Smooth

After two or three minutes, start stirring the chocolate and cream together. It should melt into a glossy, satiny mixture. If you spy any stubborn chocolate bits, microwave in short, 10-second bursts, stirring each time, until everything is completely smooth.

Step 5: Chill the Ganache

Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for 2–3 hours. This lets the mixture firm up to the perfect scoopable consistency, so your Lemon Truffles hold their shape without being too hard.

Step 6: Shape and Coat

Once the ganache is chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1-inch balls. Roll them gently between your palms to create smooth spheres—don’t worry if things get a little sticky! Finish by rolling each truffle in powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth coating that makes them look irresistible.

How to Serve Lemon Truffles

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top for a pop of color and extra citrus punch. Crushed freeze-dried lemon or a sprinkle of shredded coconut can also give your Lemon Truffles a playful twist and a hint of texture.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing Lemon Truffles with fresh berries, a cup of good tea, or a sparkling dessert wine. Their creamy-tart profile also complements a platter of shortbread cookies or a big bowl of juicy summer fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Display your Lemon Truffles in miniature candy cups or arrange them on a pastel plate for a springtime vibe. For parties or gifts, tuck them into an elegant box with colorful tissue or ribbon—they make wonderful edible favors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, creamy, and delicious for up to one week—if you can resist them for that long!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Lemon Truffles for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat these treats—they’re meant to be enjoyed chilled for their best texture. If the powdered sugar coating cakes up in the fridge, simply give them a light roll in fresh sugar before serving.

FAQs

Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

This recipe is crafted specifically for white chocolate, which pairs beautifully with lemon. Milk or dark chocolate would overpower the delicate citrus notes, so it’s best to stick with white for this particular treat.

What if I want extra lemon flavor?

If you’re a true lemon enthusiast, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract along with the juice and zest. You can also roll the finished truffles in crushed freeze-dried lemon pieces for even more zing.

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is definitely the way to go for the brightest, most vibrant flavor in your Lemon Truffles. Bottled juice is more muted and often tastes flat by comparison.

Can I make these truffles dairy-free?

It’s possible to substitute the cream and butter with coconut cream and a vegan butter alternative, and seek out a dairy-free white chocolate. Keep in mind the truffles will be slightly softer and the flavor will change a bit.

How do I keep the truffles from sticking to my hands when rolling?

If the mixture feels sticky, try chilling it a bit longer. Lightly dusting your hands with powdered sugar can make rolling much easier and help keep the Lemon Truffles perfectly round.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about sharing homemade Lemon Truffles, especially when they’re this easy and full of bold, bright flavor. I hope you’ll give these a try—once you do, you may never want to buy store-bought truffles again. Here’s to a burst of citrus happiness in every bite!

Lemon Truffles Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 20 truffles 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the zesty, creamy goodness of these delightful Lemon Truffles. Made with white chocolate, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of vanilla, these no-bake treats are perfect for any sweet occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Truffles:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 ounces white chocolate (chopped or chips)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream, butter, and lemon zest until simmering. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
Melt the Chocolate: Place white chocolate in a bowl. Pour the hot cream mixture over it and stir until smooth. Refrigerate until firm.
Shape the Truffles: Scoop out balls, roll between palms, and coat in powdered sugar.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate truffles until ready to enjoy.