Lemon Truffles Recipe

The Zesty Magic of Homemade Lemon Truffles Recipe

Sweet and tangy lemon truffles dance with creamy elegance on dessert tables everywhere.

These delightful bite-sized treats capture a burst of zesty flavor in every single morsel.

Smooth white chocolate blends perfectly with bright citrus notes, creating an irresistible confection.

Soft and velvety, each truffle melts wonderfully on your tongue with a delicate citrus punch.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical culinary moment that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary bites.

Crafted with minimal effort, these lemon truffles promise to surprise and delight even the most discerning sweet lovers.

You’ll be the star of any gathering when you serve these little gems of pure lemony bliss.

Lemon Truffles Ingredient List

Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy foundation that provides a smooth and tangy base for the truffles.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the truffles and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic quality to the truffles.
Coating and Coloring Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate: Creates a sweet, smooth outer layer for the truffles.
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps thin the melted chocolate for a smoother coating.
  • Natural Food Coloring, Turmeric: Optional ingredients to enhance the yellow color of the truffles.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Used for lining the plate and preventing truffles from sticking during freezing.

Lemon Truffles: How to Put Them Together

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and fresh lemon.

Allow cream cheese and butter to warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

This softening helps create a super smooth mixture that blends perfectly.

Step 2: Create Creamy Truffle Base

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Softened butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Freshly grated lemon zest

Blend ingredients using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully incorporated.

If you don’t have a mixer, use a sturdy whisk or fork and mix with enthusiasm.

Step 3: Enhance Lemon Color

For a brighter yellow appearance, consider adding:
  • A tiny drop of natural yellow food coloring
  • A small pinch of turmeric powder

Gently fold the color additive into the truffle mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape and Chill Truffles

Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to create uniform balls.

Place the formed truffles in the freezer for 15-20 minutes until they become firm and hold their shape.

Step 5: Finish with Chocolate Coating

Melt white chocolate and add a drop of neutral oil to create a glossy finish.

Carefully dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate.

For a elegant look, consider dipping only half of each truffle.

Place coated truffles on a clean parchment sheet and allow chocolate to set completely.

Step 6: Store and Serve

Keep truffles refrigerated in an airtight container.

These zesty treats are perfect for parties, gifts, or a delightful personal indulgence.

Lemon Truffles: The Pro’s Advice

  • Let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor intensity and bright citrusy notes in your truffles.
  • Add a drop of turmeric or natural food coloring to enhance the sunny yellow appearance without artificial ingredients.
  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon oil into melted white chocolate for a silky, glossy coating that covers truffles evenly.
  • Freeze truffles between mixing and shaping stages to help maintain their perfect round shape and make handling easier.

Lemon Truffles: Options for Every Taste

  • Lime Zinger Truffles: Replace lemon zest with lime zest for a tangy, tropical flavor profile that brings a bright, refreshing twist to the classic recipe.
  • No-Sugar Wellness Truffles: Swap powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly and low-carb version that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Coconut Lemon Dream Truffles: Mix shredded unsweetened coconut into the base and roll finished truffles in coconut flakes for added tropical texture and flavor.
  • Vegan Citrus Truffles: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, coconut butter instead of regular butter, and dairy-free white chocolate for a plant-based version that keeps the zesty lemon essence.

Lemon Truffles: How to Serve With Style

  • Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair these lemon truffles with a fresh mimosa or light champagne for an elegant morning treat.
  • Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange truffles on a white serving plate with fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges for a stunning visual presentation.
  • Tea Time Delight: Serve alongside herbal or green tea, creating a refreshing sweet-and-light flavor combination that brightens afternoon gatherings.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Package truffles in small clear boxes with yellow ribbons, making them a charming homemade gift for friends and family celebrations.

Lemon Truffles: Storing Them

  • Store lemon truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep them separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Seal truffles in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their creamy texture.
  • When removing truffles from the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to reduce condensation and maintain their smooth chocolate coating.
  • Store truffles away from foods with strong aromas to prevent flavor absorption, ensuring the delicate lemon taste remains pure and fresh.

FAQs

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides better texture and richer flavor for truffles.

  • How long do these lemon truffles stay fresh?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

  • Is it necessary to use white chocolate for coating?

No, you can skip coating or use alternative coatings like powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, or shredded coconut.

  • Can I make these truffles ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the truffles up to 3 days in advance and keep them refrigerated until serving.

Lemon Truffles: Their Unique Appeal

  • Quickly Craft Delightful Treats: These lemon truffles offer a simple way to create impressive desserts without advanced baking skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Burst with Citrusy Freshness: Bright lemon zest transforms classic truffle recipes, delivering a zingy and refreshing flavor that stands out from traditional chocolate versions.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows creative variations like adjusting color with natural food coloring or turmeric, making it adaptable to personal preferences and visual appeal.
  • No-Bake Convenience: Minimal cooking required means you can whip up these delectable treats without turning on the oven, saving time and reducing kitchen mess while still producing a gourmet-style dessert.
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Lemon Truffles Recipe

Lemon Truffles Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Zesty lemon truffles dance with creamy white chocolate and tangy citrus delight. Delicate confections melt smoothly, offering pure bliss in each silky bite you savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese or coconut butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter or additional coconut butter, softened
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) white chocolate chips (optional)

Flavoring and Sweeteners:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) powdered sugar or erythritol
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Optional Ingredients:

  • Optional drop of natural food coloring or pinch of turmeric for color

Instructions

  1. Ensure cream cheese and butter reach room temperature for optimal mixing, allowing approximately 30 minutes if refrigerated.
  2. Combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes uniformly smooth and creamy.
  3. Enhance the visual appeal by incorporating a drop of natural food coloring or a tiny pinch of turmeric for a vibrant yellow hue.
  4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to facilitate easier handling, then use a mini cookie scoop to form consistent spherical shapes.
  5. Transfer the formed truffles onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 10-15 minutes until completely firm.
  6. Melt white chocolate with a small amount of oil to create a silky coating, then carefully dip each truffle, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
  7. Place the chocolate-coated truffles back on the parchment paper and refrigerate for 5-7 minutes to set the chocolate layer.
  8. Optional: For a decorative finish, garnish with additional lemon zest or drizzle with a thin line of white chocolate before serving.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and help achieve the perfect creamy texture for your lemon truffles.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding any white pith which can make the truffles bitter.
  • Try alternative coatings like crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, or toasted coconut for different flavor profiles and textures.
  • For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and use a sugar substitute like stevia to reduce calories while maintaining the delightful lemon essence.
  • Prep Time: 50 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 94
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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