I remember as a child, nothing signaled the start of the holidays like the scent of pine filling our home. Now, I love bringing that same festive spirit into my kitchen, and I’ve got the perfect recipe to share with you all. My No Bake Pinecone Truffles are not only a delightful treat but also a super fun and easy project that even the kids can help with! Ready in about 2 hours (including chilling time), these little gems will be the star of any dessert table. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of no bake pinecone truffles!
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You will Love These No Bake Pinecone Truffles
- Effortlessly Festive: These truffles bring the holiday spirit without any complicated steps.
- No Baking Required: Perfect for those who prefer simple, no-fuss recipes.
- Impressive Presentation: They look like you spent hours crafting them, but they’re surprisingly easy.
- Deliciously Customizable: You can easily switch up ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole raw almonds
- 1 1/2 cups sliced raw almonds
- 10 ounces dark chocolate chips (about 60% cacao)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
Step-by-Step Instructions for No Bake Pinecone Truffles
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenly spread out the whole raw almonds on one lipped baking sheet, and the sliced raw almonds on another. Roast until very lightly deepened in color and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes for the sliced almonds and 10-12 minutes for the whole almonds.
- Grind the roasted WHOLE almonds in a blender or food processor until they reach a stage halfway between almond flour and almond butter. Set them aside.
- In the top of a double boiler, melt together the chocolate and cream until smooth, stirring constantly. Then remove from heat and stir in the ground roasted almond mixture, honey, vanilla, and salt until combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 90 minutes.
- Use a spoon to scoop out a roughly 2×1-inch cylinder of the truffle mixture. Form it into a egg shape that’s slightly skinner than an actual egg (aka the shape of a pinecone). Lightly roll it in the cocoa powder to make the exterior less sticky. Insert the roasted sliced almonds into the truffle at a low angle to mimic the scales of a pinecone. Repeat until you’ve used all the truffles + sliced almonds. Makes about a 18 pinecone truffles.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect No Bake Pinecone Truffles
- Melting Chocolate: You can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent burning. A double boiler offers gentle, even melting. Alternatively, a stovetop on low heat works if you’re careful.
- Why Coconut Oil: A tiny bit of coconut oil can help your melted chocolate become even smoother and more glossy, thanks to its fat content stabilizing the mixture. This makes for a more appealing coating.
- Keeping Scales Secure: For better adhesion, gently press the “scales” (almond slices) into the truffle base while the chocolate is still soft. This helps them stick as the truffles set.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Dough Too Dry: If your truffle dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- Chocolate Seizing: If the chocolate seizes (becomes grainy or hard), try stirring in a tablespoon of hot water. This can sometimes bring it back to a smooth state.
- Chocolate Not Setting Correctly: Make sure you chill the truffle mixture for the full 90 minutes, and that your refrigerator is cold enough. Sometimes, humidity can also affect setting, so try to keep the truffles in a cool, dry place while they set.
Variations and Add-Ins for Your No Bake Pinecone Truffles
| Variation | Ingredient Substitution/Addition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free/Vegan | Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and maple syrup instead of honey. | Ensure all ingredients are certified vegan. |
| Different Flavor Combinations | Add peppermint extract to the truffle mixture. | Garnish with crushed candy canes if using white chocolate. |
| Nut-Free | Substitute the almonds with crushed pretzels or a seed-based alternative. | Ensure any substitution aligns with dietary needs. |
Creative Scale Alternatives for No Bake Pinecone Truffles
If you want to mix things up, try using pretzel sticks cut into smaller pieces for a more rustic look. Another option is to use different types of cereals like corn flakes for a lighter texture and slightly sweeter taste. You can also experiment with other nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts. These will give a richer, nuttier flavor and a different visual appeal.
Storage Instructions for No Bake Pinecone Truffles
To keep your truffles fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving. For the best taste and texture, serve them chilled.
How Far in Advance Can You Make These?
I find that these No Bake Pinecone Truffles are best if made 2-3 days in advance. They keep well in the refrigerator and the flavors have time to meld together beautifully. If freezing, you can make them up to a month ahead, but be sure to thaw them properly to maintain their texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes is not chilling the truffle mixture long enough. This can result in truffles that don’t hold their shape. Another issue is overheating the chocolate, which can cause it to seize. Always melt chocolate gently and slowly. Lastly, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to help everything combine smoothly.
No Bake Pinecone Truffles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread whole almonds on one baking sheet and sliced almonds on another. Roast until lightly deepened in color and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes for sliced almonds and 10-12 minutes for whole almonds.
- Grind the roasted whole almonds in a blender or food processor until halfway between almond flour and almond butter. Set aside.
- In a double boiler, melt chocolate and cream until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in ground almonds, honey, vanilla, and salt. Cover and chill for 90 minutes.
- Scoop out a roughly 2×1-inch cylinder of mixture and shape into a pinecone-like egg. Roll lightly in cocoa powder. Insert roasted sliced almonds at a low angle to mimic pinecone scales. Repeat until all mixture and almonds are used.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month. Thaw before serving.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze truffles?
Yes, you can freeze truffles! Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
How long do truffles last?
Truffles will last up to a week in the refrigerator or up to a month in the freezer.
Can I use white chocolate for coating?
Absolutely! White chocolate can be a delicious alternative. Consider adding a hint of peppermint extract for a festive touch.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these are perfect for making ahead. They can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer storage.
Why is my truffle dough too sticky?
If your truffle dough is too sticky, it likely needs more chilling time. Pop it back in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes.
What kind of cake is best for a cake-based truffle?
For cake-based truffles, I recommend using a dense cake like pound cake or a rich chocolate cake. These hold up well and provide a great texture.
Can these be made vegan? If so, how?
Yes, these can easily be made vegan! Simply substitute the dark chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace honey with maple syrup.
Related Recipes
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other no-bake desserts like my No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars and my festive Peppermint Bark. You can find all my holiday-themed treats under the “Holidays” category on the blog.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friends! A simple, fun, and festive treat that will bring joy to your table this holiday season. These No Bake Pinecone Truffles are a perfect way to get creative in the kitchen without the stress of baking. I hope you give this recipe a try and share your results with me! Don’t forget to leave a comment below with any questions or your own creative variations. Happy truffle-making!
