Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao minimum), finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp (30 g) Unsalted Butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup (120 ml) Heavy Cream (Double Cream)
- ¼ tsp (1 g) Fine Sea Salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) Salted Caramel Sauce (thick, cooled)
- 1 cup (50 g) Mini Pretzels, roughly crushed
- ¼ cup (30 g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for coating)
- Confectioners’ Sugar (Icing Sugar), As needed (for coating alternative)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base: Place the chopped chocolate and butter into the heat-proof bowl. Set aside.
- Heat the Cream: Gently heat the heavy cream and sea salt in the small saucepan until just simmering around the edges (do not boil vigorously). Remove from the heat immediately.
- Melt and Combine (The Ganache): Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and butter mixture. Let it sit, undisturbed, for five minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the chocolate completely.
- Emulsify: Using a rubber spatula, slowly begin stirring from the centre outwards until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and entirely uniform. This is your chocolate ganache.
- Incorporate Caramel and Texture: Stir the cooled salted caramel sauce thoroughly into the warm ganache. Then, gently fold in the crushed pretzels until they are evenly distributed.
- Chill Firmly: Cover the bowl with cling film, pressing the film directly onto the surface of the ganache to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the mixture is firm enough to easily scoop and roll without sticking excessively to your hands.
- Prep the Station: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the cocoa powder (or coating of choice) into a shallow dish.
- Scoop and Roll: Use a small scoop or measure 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Roll quickly between your palms into a neat ball. (Tip: If the ganache gets too sticky, place the bowl back in the fridge for 15 minutes.)
- Coat: Immediately drop the rolled truffle into the coating dish and gently toss until completely covered. Shake off any excess.
- Final Set: Place the coated truffles onto the prepared baking tray. Refrigerate for a final 10–15 minutes to fully set the coating before serving.