Bursting with unusual, yet delicate flavors, these dark chocolate orange cardamom truffles are smooth-as-silk and simply irresistible. Best of all, it takes minutes to make!!
My god, am I obsessed with cardamom lately!
Couple months back, I decided to incorporate more and more spices in my baking, beyond the usual cinnamon, clove, nutmeg stuff, you know.
I started with whole nutmeg (remember my pumpkin streusel bars, or this apple cranberry crisp, or better yet, maple pumpkin cheesecake? They all have freshly grated nutmeg in them!) From the very first try, I was sold. Hands down, freshly grated nutmeg is so much more aromatic than the ground stuff.
Anyway, next I added cardamom to my baking repertoire and I’m not even exaggerating when I say I’ve been obsessed. It’s slightly citrusy, slightly minty, slightly floral. It’s pungent and a lil bit goes a long way! It pairs well with oranges, apples and pears, as well coffee and chocolate. It’s great in both sweet and savory recipes. Overall, it’s an amazing spice!!
I ordered this bag of green cardamom pods from Amazon, and I’m sure it’ll last me a lifetime. Because ground cardamom loses its flavor pretty fast, you should look for the whole pods. It’s not really a hassle to grind your own anyway. I like to lightly toast the whole pods in a skillet, and then remove the seeds from the pods and grind them in a small mortar and pestle. You can use coffee/spice grinder too, but I like to grind only small amount at a time, so electric grinder is too big for this job.
Quick tip: 10 whole pods yield about 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Ok, let’s make the truffles already!
It’s so, so easy. I’m using this classic method of making truffles, that I shared earlier this year. Instead of Kahlua, we’re adding Grand Marnier along with freshly ground cardamom and orange zest.
Ah, and the smell though!! Sweet, floral, citrusy, chocolaty aroma will waft as you mix. Honestly, it’s quite tempting to eat it by spoonful.
Did I say orange and cardamom are a match made in heaven? Throw some chocolate into the mix and it’s simply ???.
Even my die-hard-milk-chocolate-loving friend loved this rich, dark chocolate truffle, because the orange and cardamom flavors are so on point!
Stay tuned for more cardamom-infused recipes. They’re going to be a hit this holiday season!
Until then, enjoy these truffles!

Orange Cardamom Truffles
Ingredients
- ¾ cup 180ml heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- 10 oz 280gr bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream with orange zest over medium heat just until boiling point. Place the chocolate chips in a medium bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let it melt undisturbed for 2 minutes, and then slowly mix with a spatula until smooth. Stir in Grand Marnier and cardamom.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into a shallow dish (I used 8-in (20cm) square baking pan) and chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge, until set.
- Using a medium cookie scoop, form the chocolate mixture into 1.5-inch (about 3.5cm) balls. If desired, roll the truffles in cocoa powder. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Ana says
This recipe sounds amazing; so wanting to make them now!
Trouble is I have no Grand Marnier… can Iuse orange juice instead?
Many thanks, Ana
Shinee says
Hi, Ana. Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, I haven’t tested this recipe with orange juice, and don’t think it’s a great substitute. That said, you may omit Grand Marnier and increase the cream amount by 1 tablespoon.
Emily says
What do we do with the orange zest?
Shinee says
Oops, sorry about that, Emily. Orange zest goes into the cream. I updated the recipe now. And thank you for asking!
Kati says
I LOOOOVE cardamom! I can’t wait to make these, and many more cardamom recipes.Â
Shinee says
Thank you, Kati. I’m so in love with cardamom.
Ana says
Hi Shinee! Â Thanks!!! Â Here I go again… what you mean with uncoated? Â So I should not roll them in the cocoa powder prior to freeze?
Thanks again!!!
Ana
Shinee says
Yeah, don’t roll the truffles in the cocoa powder before freezing. And you’re welcome! 🙂
Ana says
Hello Shinee!!! Â Will this work if I freeze them? Â I was wondering if those could be a good Xmas present for friends.
Thanks
Ana
Shinee says
Ana, these truffles would be an excellent holiday gift. And yes, you can freeze the uncoated truffles for up to a month, covered well. You’ll want to thaw them slowly though, in the fridge overnight is the best. Good luck!
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
Orange and chocolate is one of my favorite combos – I love the addition of cardamom in these!!Â
Shinee says
Thanks, Kathryn!
Taylor says
I really really love your photography here and all the steps you’ve laid out. I tried to make chocolate truffles one year and found it to be so confusing…using a melon baller from a baking pan actually seems like it would make the process alot easier! Btw, great combo choice of cardamom and orange. Yum!!
Shinee says
Aww thanks so much for your kind compliment, Taylor!! Yeah, I’m using a self-release cookie scoop here, it makes things 100x easier. Hope you give the truffle-making another chance. 😉
Kristina says
cardamom is such a lovely spice, I have been using it lately too. Â these look nice!Â
Shinee says
Thanks, Kristina!
Kim - Liv Life says
Oh yes! My beloved Grand Marnier… not sure there is anything better in a truffle. Love, love, love these beauties!
Shinee says
Thank you, Kim! Grand Marnier is the best! 🙂
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
I’ve never made truffles before but I am planning on making them this year for the holidays! Pinning!
Shinee says
Oh my, once you make the truffles yourself, it’ll start happening frequently. 🙂 They’re so easy and so delicious. Hope you enjoy them, Michelle.
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These look unreal- love that they’re only 5 ingredients!
Shinee says
Thanks, Medha! They’re the best!
Amy M. says
If you like cardamom and tea, try this Chai Tea Recipe-it is excellent!
Chai Tea:
½ cup nonfat dry milk
¼ cup fat free vanilla instant creamer (dry)
¼ cup unsweetened instant tea
3 T. powdered sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cardamom
½ tsp. ground clove
Use 3-4 heaping spoons per cup (1/4 cup)
Shinee says
Amy, this is great! As a tea-drinker and huge cardamom fan, this chai recipe sounds amazing. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing. 😉