Difference Between Praline and Truffle

Main Difference – Praline vs Truffle

Although the two terms praline and truffle are often used interchangeably in the chocolate market, there is a distinct difference between praline and truffle. The key difference between praline and truffle lies in their ingredients: chocolate is a main ingredient in truffle, but it is not an essential ingredient in French or American praline. Pralines can be made with nuts and caramelized sugar.

This article explores,

1. What is Praline?
– Ingredients, Types, Features, and Characteristics

2. What is Truffle?
– Ingredients, Types, Features, and Characteristics

3. What is the difference between Praline and Truffle?

What is Praline

Praline is a type of confection containing nuts, sugar, and sometimes cream. The word praline can refer to different types of candies in different regions. There are two main types of pralines: American and French.

Types of Pralines

French Pralines contain a combination of almonds and caramelized sugar. This is firmer than its American version.

American Pralines contain a combination of syrup and pecans, hazelnuts or almonds with milk or cream. This is softer and creamier than French pralines and resembles a fudge.

Belgian Pralines are another type of praline and consist of a chocolate coating with a soft, sometimes liquid, filling, made with different combinations of almonds, hazelnuts, sugar, syrup and other milk-based pastes. These are an important product in Belgian chocolate industry.

What is Truffle?

Truffle is a confection made of chocolate, butter, sugar, and sometimes liqueur and shaped into balls and often coated with cocoa or chocolate. Traditionally the center of truffles are made with ganache, and the outer layer is coated with chocolate, cocoa powder or chopped toasted nuts. This confection is named after a unique mushroom called truffle, which has the same shape as the confectionary.

However, it is important to note that the shape, ingredients and preparation methods may all differ according to different regions. There are three main types of truffles based on different regions: European, American and Swiss.

Types of Truffles

European Truffles are made using cocoa powder, milk, syrup, fats, and butter. They are coated with a cocoa powder and does not have a hard, chocolate exterior.

American Truffles are typically made with both milk and dark chocolates to create a richer coating. Butterfat or hardened coconut oil is also used in this coating. They are often described as half- eggs.

Swiss Truffles are made with a blend of dairy cream and butter and melted chocolate. These have the shortest shelf-life out of the three types. But, Swiss truffles have the same shape as truffle mushrooms.