Double Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

Blog by Callie Birtles, RHN + Acne Coach in The Clear Skin Solution | Recipe by Katie Stewart, RHN

Don’t forget to include your skin on your Valentine’s Day gift list this year. Shower it with love by indulging in our Double Chocolate Raspberry Truffles. These decadent truffles will be your new culinary friend with benefits.

They’re bursting with the antioxidant-packed goodness of raspberry powder, blended beautifully with the rich, magnesium-filled delight of chocolate, and then lovingly enrobed in the most luscious raw cacao butter. The result is nothing short of divine—a perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience that transforms every bite into a sweet escape from the everyday.

With these delightful Double Chocolate Raspberry Truffles on your Valentine’s Day menu, there’s no need to fear post-celebration breakouts. So, get ready to fall in love with a treat that loves you – and your skin – right back!

Superfood Chocolate!

For centuries, from the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations to today’s health aficionados, the remarkable benefits of cacao have been celebrated. Derived from the Theobroma cacao tree, cacao is a veritable treasure chest of nutrients. Cacao beans are rich in flavonoid antioxidants, containing an impressive 10,000 mg (10 g) per 100 g. With an antioxidant level reaching 10%, cacao stands out as one of the most potent sources of antioxidants among all foods (Wolfe, D. (2005). Naked Chocolate. North Atlantic Books. p. 51). These antioxidants, particularly flavanols, can enhance blood circulation, fortify heart health, and combat oxidative stress.

This extraordinary superfood is abundant in magnesium, a mineral that plays a pivotal role in muscle function and fostering relaxation. Magnesium also plays a role in stress management, which is vital for skin health. Reducing stress is key in combating acne, as stress can lead to breakouts and aggravate existing skin issues.

In addition to these benefits, cacao also offers a significant source of iron, which is fundamental for the production of healthy red blood cells and overall vitality.

Cacao vs. Cocoa

Cacao and cocoa may sound alike but differ significantly because of their processing methods. 

Raw Cacao

• Raw and minimally processed.
• Preserves a full spectrum of antioxidants and nutrients.
• Maintains the raw, authentic flavour of cacao.
• Generally considered healthier due to its higher nutritional value.

Cocoa

• Undergoes high-temperature processing.
• Reduced nutritional profile due to loss of antioxidants and nutrients.
• Loses some of the raw, authentic flavoor.
• Commonly found in most chocolate products.

Luxurious Cacao Butter

Cacao butter is the fat that is pressed out of the cacao beans. This luxurious butter, when consumed, offers deep moisturization and pampering from the inside out.

The abundant fatty acids present in cacao butter, particularly oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, play a role in sustaining cellular health. These healthy fats fulfill critical functions within the body, supporting brain and nervous system integrity and aiding in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, which require fat for assimilation. These vitamins are beneficial for skin health as they support collagen production, provide antioxidant protection, and contribute to skin repair and maintenance.  Additionally, healthy fats are integral to producing and regulating hormones, many of which are fat-based. 

Pro tip: Wondering the difference between cacao butter and cocoa butter? Both are derived from the cacao bean, but the key difference lies in their processing: cacao butter is raw and unprocessed, whereas cocoa butter has been heated to a high temperature, making it more processed. The raw cacao butter retains more beneficial nutrients than the cocoa butter.

Berry Powerful

More than just a delightful addition to your diet, raspberries come loaded with an array of skin-loving antioxidants, including the powerful Vitamin C and ellagic acid, which diligently work together to protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. These free radicals can cause premature aging and skin damage. But thanks to the antioxidant-rich raspberries, your skin gets an added layer of protection.

One cup of fresh or frozen raspberries packs a pretty impressive amount of fibre—about 8 grams! Fibre plays a crucial role in promoting a healthy gut by aiding digestion and helping maintain regular bowel movements. A healthy gut is instrumental in achieving clear, radiant skin, as it helps eliminate toxins from the body, reducing the likelihood of breakouts and inflammation. 

Sweet Embrace of Self-Love

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a holiday centred around expressing love to others. But let’s not forget, it’s also an ideal occasion to lavish some love on ourselves, especially when it comes to our clear skin journey. This path may be laden with challenges, but every step you take is a step forward.

In this journey, what we feed our bodies is just as important as the skincare products we use. Nourishing your body with skin-friendly foods is not merely a dietary choice—it’s an act of self-love. Make conscious choices that enhance your overall health and wellness and contribute to healthy, glowing skin. Embrace the journey, celebrate yourself, and radiate love from the inside out.

More Valentine Treats

I love enjoying these Double Chocolate Raspberry Truffles alongside a White Chocolate Peppermint Matcha Latte for an extra decadent treat. Looking for more festive sweet treats?

• Red Velvet Bliss Balls
• Sweet & Salty Maca Bliss Balls
• Maple Maca Elixer
• Healthy Homemade Chocolate Bar
• Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
• Healthy Hot Chocolate

Double Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

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Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Chill: 2 hours hours

Servings: 20 truffles

Ingredients

For the raspberry ganache:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (see notes)
• 1 cup raw cacao butter
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (see notes)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 3 tbsp freeze-dried raspberry powder (see notes)
• ⅛ tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the chocolate coating:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Optional garnish:

• 1 tsp freeze-dried raspberry powder

Instructions

For the Raspberry Ganache:

• Melt the Chocolate and Cacao Butter: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl), gently melt chocolate chips and raw cacao butter together, stirring until smooth.
• Add Coconut Cream and Maple Syrup: Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup of coconut cream and maple syrup until the mixture is well combined and silky.
• Incorporate Raspberry Powder: Stir in 3 tablespoons of freeze-dried raspberry powder until evenly distributed through the ganache.
• Chill: Pour the ganache into a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop and shape.
• Shape Truffles: Once the ganache firms up, use a melon baller or small scoop for portioning. Dust your fingers with cacao powder to avoid sticking, and gently roll the portions into balls—they don’t need to be perfect.
• Optional: Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up, if needed.

For the Chocolate Coating:

• Melt it down: While the truffles are chilling, prepare the coating by melting the chocolate chips, maple syrup, and coconut oil together in a double boiler or a similar setup as before, stirring until smooth.
• Dip Truffles: Once the truffles are firm, dip each one into the chocolate coating using a fork or toothpick, letting any excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.
• Chill to Set: Allow the truffles to chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes or until the coating is set.

Optional Garnish:

• Add a Dusting of Raspberry Powder: Lightly dust the truffles with freeze-dried raspberry powder for a beautiful and tasty finish.

Notes

• Chocolate Types. This recipe has been tested with Hu Kitchen Organic 70% Dark Chocolate Baking Chips. Note: if the chocolate splits, the heat used is too high.
• Cacao Butter. This recipe also works with cocoa butter. Feel free to swap the use of cacao butter for another cup of chocolate chips for less ingredients.
• Coconut Milk. Opt for full-fat coconut milk that’s naturally creamy and smooth upon opening. Brands that are chunky or separated will result in a truffle that’s gritty.
• Truffle Texture. Use less coconut milk if you’d like a more solid truffle ganache.
• Speed it up? Skip the chocolate coating and roll the ganache in the extra raspberry powder.
• Finding Raspberry Powder. The freeze-dried raspberry powder can be found online at retailers like Amazon. If you can only find whole freeze-dried raspberries, pulse them in a clean coffee grinder, food processor or blender until broken down into a powder.