Creamy Lemon Truffles

If you love that zing of fresh citrus and the smooth richness of cheesecake‑style treats, these Creamy Lemon Truffles are exactly for you. They’re ultra‑creamy, tangy with real lemon zest, and come together with just a few simple ingredients — no oven needed. Perfect for gifting, dessert tables, or a quick sweet treat that feels elevated.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vibrant lemon flavour in every bite — thanks to fresh zest.
• No‑bake and ready in minutes: mix, chill, and you’re done.
• Silky texture that melts in your mouth, balanced with sweet tang.
• Easily adaptable for dietary needs or flavour variations.
• Pretty presentation: ideal for parties, after‑dinner treats, or a homemade gift.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: ~10 minutes (plus chill time)
• Chill Time: ~10–15 minutes before shaping + additional time after shaping
• Total Time: ~20–30 minutes active (plus chill)
• Yield: ~14 truffles
• Category: Dessert / Confection
• Method: No‑Bake
• Cuisine: Modern / Dessert
• Diet: Vegetarian (can adapt to vegan)
• Keywords: lemon truffles, no bake lemon dessert, creamy lemon bites

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 oz (≈ 115 g) cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 Tbsp powdered sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
• Zest of 1 lemon (fresh)
• 3 oz white chocolate chips (optional, for coating)
• Optional: a drop of natural yellow food colouring or a pinch of turmeric for more colour

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature so they’re soft and mix easily. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.

2. Chill and Shape

Spread the mixture into a small container, or chill for about 10 minutes until firm enough to handle. Use a mini cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out small balls. Roll each into a smooth truffle shape and place them on a parchment‑lined tray. Freeze or chill again until firm.

3. Optional Coating

If using white chocolate, melt the white chocolate chips in short microwave bursts (or over a double‑boiler) until smooth and glossy. Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate and place back on parchment. Allow to set fully in the fridge.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Once set, arrange the truffles on a platter, optionally garnish with extra lemon zest or a slight dusting of powdered sugar. Serve chilled.

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You Must Know

• Fresh lemon zest is key — bottled lemon flavour or juice doesn’t give the same brightness.
• Chilling before shaping helps the mixture hold form and roll into clean balls.
• Handle the truffles quickly when coating so the base stays firm and the coating sets neatly.
• Store chilled, and bring to room temperature for a minute before serving for best texture.

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Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• You can freeze the truffles for up to ~1 month — thaw in the fridge a little before serving.
• If coating becomes too hard in the freeze, take out ~10 minutes before serving.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• For a vegan version: use dairy‑free cream cheese, plant‑based butter, and vegan white chocolate (or skip the coating).
• To make flavour variations: replace lemon zest with orange or lime zest for citrus twists.
• For a keto version: use powdered erythritol or other sugar substitute instead of powdered sugar.
• Skip the white chocolate coating and instead roll truffles in finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or lemon‑zest sugar for texture variation.

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Serving Suggestions

• Arrange the truffles in mini cupcake liners for elegant presentation.
• Serve alongside a cup of herbal tea or espresso for adult dessert pairing.
• Package in little boxes with ribbon — they make lovely homemade gifts.
• Add a sprig of mint or a thin lemon slice for garnish when serving guests.

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Pro Tips

• Use a cookie scoop to portion uniformly, so each truffle is consistent size.
• Chill the tray of shaped balls briefly before coating if the mixture softens while working.
• Warm your knife or spoon before cutting through coated truffles to prevent cracking.
• If the chocolate coating thickens too much while working, gently rewarm for a few seconds (don’t overheat).

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I skip the coating?
Yes — you can leave them plain and roll in crushed nuts, citrus sugar, or leave uncoated. They’ll still be delicious and easier to make.
→ Why are my truffles too soft to roll?
The base mixture likely wasn’t chilled enough or ingredients were too warm. Chill longer or add ~½ Tbsp more powdered sugar to firm slightly.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely — make them a day ahead, keep chilled, and garnish just before serving.
→ Are these freezer‑friendly?
Yes. Store in freezer‑safe container, and thaw in fridge when ready. The texture is best when slightly chilled but not rock‑hard.

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✨ These Creamy Lemon Truffles bring bright citrus flavour, smooth texture and an effortless make‑ahead dessert into one lovely treat. Perfect for gifting, special occasions or anytime you want something elegant but simple.

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