Simple Chocolate Dessert: Chocolate Truffles in a Cup with Whipped Cream

Need a simple, but indulgent, chocolate dessert idea for your Holiday gathering?  Here is one:

1. Make some simple dark chocolate truffles dusted in cocoa powder (see recipe below), drop one truffle into the bottom of an espresso cup, then spritz with real whipped cream.  Then drop a second truffle into the cup on top of the whipped cream, and then spritz again with more whipped cream.

2. Top with chocolate or snowflake sprinkles, silver candy balls, chocolate shavings or even pieces of cookies (like the chocolate-covered crepe shown in the picture).  If you have a lot of espresso cups or if you find extra-small party cups, Dixie cups or tea cups, you can put these out on your dessert display table for guests to enjoy. Or serve them at the table after dinner.  Either way, it is a delicious and indulgent dessert!

Recipe: Best Ever Super Simple Chocolate Truffles

You need:

• 2/3 cup whipping cream
• 8 ounces of semi-sweet dark chocolate (you can also use 70% dark chocolate, depending on how you like your truffles)
• 1/3 cup of cocoa powder in a small bowl for dusting your truffles

Instructions:

1. Chop your chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl.
2. Bring the cream just to a boil in a small saucepan on the stovetop. 
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. 
4. Stir slowly with a wooden spoon until smooth. If it does not completely melt, place over a double boiler or in the microwave for 5 or 10 seconds at most and then continue stirring until completely melted.
5. Place an airtight lid over the bowl of truffle mix or wrap well with plastic wrap.
6. Let set on the counter overnight (or for at least 6 to 8 hours)
7. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
8. Take out of the fridge.  Roll into 1-inch balls and then roll in a bowl of cocoa powder. Place on waxed paper in a container with a lid until you are ready to use them.

What else do you need?

• Don't forget to buy or make your whipped cream!  I used GayLea Real Whipped Cream (Light) for the purposes of this article, but you can also whip up real whipped cream yourself or use any other brand in the can.
• You need espresso cups or very small serving bowls. Dixie cups may also work if they look nice!
• Toppings, such as: cookies, hazelnut wafer rolls, festive sprinkles, chocolate shavings, Skor bits, etc.

Tips:
Make your truffles one day in advance or at least pour your truffle the day before, let set overnight and then roll your truffle balls on the morning of the party.  Put the dessert together just before you serve it, if using whipped cream in the can (it is very soft).  If you make your own whipped cream and it is very stiff, you can assemble the dessert just before the party and let it chill in the fridge.