3 Ingredient Lemon Truffles (Easy No-Bake Lemon Treat)

Close-up of creamy 3 ingredient lemon truffles drizzled with white chocolate and topped with fresh lemon zest on a marble tray.

If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and beautifully citrusy without spending hours in the kitchen, these 3 Ingredient Lemon Truffles are about to become your new obsession. They’re bright, refreshing, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — all thanks to a simple mix of white chocolate, heavy cream, and real lemon zest and juice. I love making these little treats on busy days because they come together so quickly, yet taste like something from a fancy bakery.

Whether you’re preparing a dessert platter, looking for a cute homemade gift, or just want a little lemony pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee, these truffles deliver every single time. The texture is silky and smooth, the flavor is vibrant, and the recipe is so easy that even beginners can nail it on the first try.

In this post, I’ll walk you step by step through the whole process, share helpful tips for perfect texture, and show you a few fun coating ideas to make your lemon truffles look extra special. Ready to brighten your day with a little citrus magic? Let’s get started! 🍋✨

Creamy 3 ingredient lemon truffles drizzled with white chocolate and topped with fresh lemon zest on a marble tray.
Soft creamy center of a lemon truffle with white chocolate coating.

Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Lemon Truffles

Making these bright and creamy lemon truffles only takes a few simple ingredients, and each one plays a big role in creating that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant citrus flavor. Here’s everything you need to get started:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips – This gives your truffles their rich, creamy base.
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream – Helps melt the chocolate and creates a silky truffle texture.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest – Adds bright, fragrant lemon flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adjust to taste) – Brings that fresh, tangy kick that makes these truffles irresistible.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Lemon Truffles (Step-by-Step)

These lemon truffles come together so quickly, and the process is honestly so fun and relaxing. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have bright, creamy truffles ready to enjoy in no time!

Step 1: Warm the Heavy Cream

Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. You want it hot and steamy, but not boiling. This gentle heat helps melt the white chocolate smoothly without burning it.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

Place the white chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Pour the warm cream over the top and let it sit for 1–2 minutes. Then stir until the chocolate melts into a smooth, silky mixture.

Step 3: Add Lemon Zest + Lemon Juice

Stir in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. The zest brings bright flavor, while the juice adds the perfect tangy kick. Mix well until everything is fully combined.

Step 4: Chill Until Firm

Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 1–2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop. This resting time allows the chocolate to thicken and set.

Step 5: Scoop and Roll the Truffles

Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll each piece into a smooth ball between your palms. You can leave them plain or roll them in your favorite coating.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Truffles

Making truffles is simple, but these little tips will help you get the smoothest texture, the brightest lemon flavor, and the prettiest finish every single time.

Balance the Lemon Flavor

Lemon zest gives strong, fragrant flavor without changing the texture, while lemon juice adds tang but can soften the chocolate.

  • Want more brightness? Add extra zest.
  • Want more tang? Add ½ teaspoon more lemon juice at a time.

Fixing Truffle Texture

Sometimes the mixture turns out softer or firmer depending on the chocolate brand or the lemon juice acidity.

  • Too soft? Chill longer or stir in a tablespoon of melted white chocolate.
  • Too firm? Add 1 teaspoon warm cream and mix again.
  • Grainy? Your chocolate may have overheated — gently rewarm and stir until smooth.

Optional Coating Ideas

Make your truffles look extra special with a simple finishing touch:

  • Powdered sugar for a classic soft finish
  • Shredded coconut for a pretty snowy look
  • Lemon zest sugar for extra citrus
  • White chocolate drizzle for a polished bakery-style effect

How to Store Lemon Truffles

  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture.
VariationDescription
Coconut CoatedRoll in shredded coconut for texture
Powdered SugarSweet, classic coating
Lemon DrizzleMelted white chocolate mixed with zest
White chocolate 3 ingredient lemon truffles topped with fresh lemon zest on a marble plate.

More Recipes to Try

FAQs

Can I use more lemon juice for stronger flavor?

You can add a little more, but too much lemon juice can soften the chocolate mixture. For a stronger lemon flavor without changing the texture, increase the lemon zest instead.

Why is my truffle mixture too soft to roll?

This usually happens if the mixture didn’t chill long enough or if there was a bit too much lemon juice. Just pop it back in the fridge for 30 minutes, or stir in a tablespoon of melted white chocolate to help it firm up.

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon?

Yes! A few drops of lemon extract can boost the flavor, but fresh zest + juice always give the brightest, most natural taste. If you use extract, reduce the lemon juice slightly so the texture stays firm.

Can I make lemon truffles ahead of time?

Absolutely. These 3 Ingredient Lemon Truffles keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them perfect for parties, gifting, or prepping ahead for busy days.

Do these truffles freeze well?

Yes! Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container. They stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge.

Recipe

Yield: 12–14 truffles, depending on size

3 Ingredient Lemon Truffles

Close-up of creamy 3 ingredient lemon truffles drizzled with white chocolate and topped with fresh lemon zest on a marble serving board.

These 3 Ingredient Lemon Truffles are bright, creamy, and irresistibly smooth. Made with white chocolate, heavy cream, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice, they come together in minutes and taste like a gourmet treat. Perfect for parties, gifting, or anytime you’re craving a quick citrusy dessert. No baking required! 🍋✨

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest + 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until hot and steamy, but not boiling.
  2. Pour the warm cream over the white chocolate chips and let sit for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth and silky.
  4. Mix in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice until fully combined.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
  6. Scoop portions of the chilled mixture and roll into truffle balls.
  7. Coat in powdered sugar, coconut, or drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.
  8. Chill for 10–15 more minutes to set, then enjoy!

Notes

  • For a stronger lemon flavor: add a little more lemon zest instead of lemon juice to keep the texture firm.
  • If the mixture is too soft: stir in a tablespoon of melted white chocolate or chill longer.
  • If too firm: add 1 teaspoon of warm cream and mix again.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Nutrition Information:

    Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 truffle
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 85Total Fat: 5gCarbohydrates: 9gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

    These 3 Ingredient Lemon Truffles are the perfect little treat when you want something bright, creamy, and full of fresh lemon flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. With white chocolate, heavy cream, and a mix of lemon zest and lemon juice, you get a silky-smooth truffle that tastes homemade and gourmet all at once. They’re simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough for gifting, parties, or adding to a dessert platter.

    I love how quick they are to prepare, and you can easily customize them with fun coatings like coconut, powdered sugar, or a white chocolate drizzle. If you’re a lemon lover—or just enjoy easy no-bake desserts—you will want to make these again and again.

    Ready for your next sweet project? Explore more easy recipes on the blog, and enjoy every bright, zesty bite! 🍋✨

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