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Close-up of Vietnamese coffee truffles coated in glossy dark chocolate with espresso powder and cocoa dusting, including one cut open to reveal a creamy mocha ganache center on a ceramic plate with scattered coffee beans.
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Vietnamese Coffee Truffles

Rich and creamy Vietnamese coffee truffles inspired by traditional Vietnamese iced coffee. These smooth chocolate truffles combine dark chocolate, espresso powder, and sweetened condensed milk for a bold coffee flavor with a silky ganache center and elegant chocolate shell.
Course Candy, Chocolate Dessert, Dessert
Cuisine Asian-inspired, Fusion Dessert, Vietnamese-Inspired
Keyword café inspired desserts, chocolate coffee candy, chocolate espresso truffles, coffee lover dessert, coffee truffles, condensed milk truffles, dark chocolate truffles, easy truffle recipe, espresso truffles, holiday candy recipe, homemade truffles, mocha truffles, no bake truffles, Vietnamese coffee truffles, Vietnamese iced coffee dessert
Prep Time 25 minutes
Chill time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings 20 truffles
Calories 125kcal
Cost $13 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • Medium heatproof bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Silicone spatula
  • Whisk
  • Baking tray or plate
  • Parchment paper
  • Small cookie scoop
  • fork or dipping tool
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • plastic wrap

Ingredients

Vietnamese Coffee Ganache

  • 10 ounces dark chocolate 60–64% cacao, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Chocolate Coating

  • 8 ounces dark chocolate finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Optional Garnishes

  • Espresso powder
  • Cocoa powder
  • Finely crushed espresso beans
  • Chocolate curls

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Cream

  • Add the heavy cream to a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Heat until steaming and small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not boil.

Step 2: Make the Ganache

  • Place the chopped dark chocolate into a medium heatproof bowl.
  • Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
  • Add the sweetened condensed milk, espresso powder, vanilla extract, softened butter, and salt.
  • Stir slowly until completely smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Chill the Ganache

  • Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ganache.
  • Refrigerate for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until firm enough to scoop.
  • The texture should resemble soft fudge.

Step 4: Roll the Truffles

  • Line a tray or plate with parchment paper.
  • Use a small cookie scoop to portion the ganache into equal-sized pieces.
  • Roll into smooth balls using lightly damp hands.
  • Place onto the prepared tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Coat the Truffles

  • Combine the coating chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
  • Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool.
  • Tap off excess chocolate and place onto the parchment-lined tray.
  • Immediately garnish with espresso powder or crushed espresso beans before the coating sets.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

  • Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until the chocolate coating is fully set.
  • Serve chilled or let the truffles sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

Notes

🍫 Choosing the Best Chocolate

For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality dark chocolate between 60% and 64% cacao. This cacao range creates the perfect balance between bitterness, sweetness, and bold coffee flavor. Chocolate chips can work in a pinch, but chopped chocolate bars melt more smoothly and create a silkier ganache.

☕ Why Espresso Powder Works Best

Instant espresso powder provides concentrated coffee flavor without adding excess liquid. Brewed coffee is not recommended because additional moisture can make the ganache too soft and difficult to roll into truffles. Espresso powder also creates a deeper and more authentic Vietnamese coffee flavor.

🥛 The Importance of Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is essential for recreating the creamy sweetness found in traditional Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as cà phê sữa đá. It balances the dark chocolate and espresso while adding rich caramelized dairy flavor.

❄️ Chilling the Ganache Properly

The ganache should chill until it resembles soft fudge before rolling. If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate longer before shaping the truffles. Proper chilling helps the truffles hold their shape and creates a smoother chocolate coating during dipping.

🎁 Perfect for Gifting

These Vietnamese coffee truffles make elegant homemade gifts for holidays, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or coffee lovers. They can be packaged in decorative candy boxes or tins and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

☕ Flavor and Texture

These truffles have a smooth and creamy center with rich espresso flavor and balanced sweetness. The dark chocolate shell adds a slight snap while the ganache melts smoothly in every bite. Letting the truffles sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving gives them the best texture and flavor.