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Lemon Truffles: A Zesty & Delicious Dessert Recipe


  • Total Time: 165 minutes
  • Yield: 30-36 truffles 1x

Description

Creamy lemon truffles with a tangy filling and smooth white chocolate coating. Perfect for gifting or a sweet citrusy treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 12 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Additional powdered sugar, for rolling
  • Optional: Yellow food coloring (gel)

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until they are light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps! Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  2. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until combined. Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and airy.
  3. Incorporate the Lemon Goodness: Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
  4. Adjust the Consistency: If the filling seems too soft, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a firmer consistency. If it’s too stiff, add a tiny splash of lemon juice or heavy cream.
  5. Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the filling. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. Melt the White Chocolate: Place the finely chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler). Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the chocolate frequently until it is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval.
  7. Add Heavy Cream: Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  8. Optional: Add Food Coloring: If desired, add a tiny drop of yellow gel food coloring to the melted white chocolate. Stir well until the color is evenly distributed.
  9. Maintain the Temperature: Keep the melted white chocolate warm while you’re rolling and dipping the truffles. If it starts to cool and thicken, you can gently reheat it over the double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts.
  10. Shape the Truffles: Remove the chilled lemon truffle filling from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out portions of the filling and roll them into small, even balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Place the rolled truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  11. Chill the Truffles Again: Place the baking sheet with the rolled truffles back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
  12. Dip the Truffles: Using a fork or dipping tools, carefully dip each truffle into the melted white chocolate, making sure it’s completely coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
  13. Decorate (Optional): Before the chocolate sets, you can sprinkle the truffles with additional lemon zest, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even edible glitter.
  14. Set the Chocolate: Place the dipped truffles back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set completely. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for a shorter time.
  15. Roll in Powdered Sugar: Once the chocolate is set, gently roll each truffle in powdered sugar to create a matte finish.
  16. Store Properly: Store the finished lemon truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate.
  • Chilling the filling and rolled truffles is essential.
  • Get creative with decorations!
  • If the filling is too soft, add more powdered sugar.
  • If the chocolate is too thick, add a little more heavy cream.
  • If the white chocolate seizes up, try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil or shortening and stirring vigorously.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes