If you’re looking for an irresistibly festive and fun treat to wow your guests this season, this Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe is exactly what you need. These bite-sized morsels pack all the rich, chocolaty goodness of a classic chocolate cake into perfect little spheres, coated with smooth chocolate and topped with cheerful holiday sprinkles. They are not only delightful to eat but also stunning to present, making them an absolute star on any holiday dessert table. Trust me, once you try making these charming cake puffs, they’ll quickly become a beloved tradition you can’t wait to share each year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these yummy cake puffs couldn’t be simpler. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and rich chocolate coating.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation of these puffs, providing that deep cocoa flavor and tender crumb.
- Canned chocolate frosting: Adds moisture and helps bind the cake crumbs together into a dough-like consistency perfect for rolling.
- Semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Used to create the glossy, luscious coating that’s both rich and smooth.
- Coconut oil or shortening: Mixed with chocolate to ensure a shiny finish and easier dipping.
- Holiday sprinkles: Red, green, and white sprinkles add a festive pop of color and texture to every bite.
How to Make Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by baking the chocolate cake according to the package directions in a 9×13-inch pan. Be sure to let it cool completely before moving on—this step is critical to making sure your cake puffs hold their shape and don’t turn mushy during mixing.
Step 2: Crumble and Mix
Once the cake has cooled thoroughly, crumble it into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Then add the canned chocolate frosting and mix until everything is combined into a thick, dough-like consistency. This is where the magic happens, as the frosting binds the cake crumbs seamlessly.
Step 3: Roll into Cake Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls between your palms, making sure they’re smooth and compact. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy handling.
Step 4: Freeze Until Firm
Pop the cake balls into the freezer for about 30 to 60 minutes. This extra chilling time helps the puffs firm up so they won’t fall apart once dipped in chocolate.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chocolate chips along with the coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time until the mixture is silky smooth. This blend ensures the coating sets beautifully with a glossy finish.
Step 6: Dip the Cake Puffs
Carefully dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back onto the parchment paper.
Step 7: Decorate with Sprinkles
While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle your festive holiday sprinkles on top for that perfect Christmas touch. Let the puffs sit at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate hardens completely.
How to Serve Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic holiday sprinkles, consider dusting with a little powdered sugar or drizzling some white chocolate over the top for extra elegance. Fresh mint leaves or a small edible gold star can add a charming, festive flair as well.
Side Dishes
These cake puffs pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or even a chilled glass of milk for dipping. They also complement a dessert platter filled with cookies, fruit, and cheeses beautifully by offering a rich, chocolaty contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, arrange the puffs on a tiered cake stand or nestled in decorative cupcake liners. Create a holiday-themed dessert board with pine sprigs, cranberries, and candy canes to make your presentation truly irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten cake puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps keep both the cake and chocolate coating fresh while preserving the delightful texture you’ll love.
Freezing
If you want to prepare far ahead, freeze the cake puffs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. They will keep well for several months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving. Instead, take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let the chocolate soften slightly for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Using your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe works perfectly and can add a special, personal touch to your cake puffs.
What if I’m allergic to coconut oil?
You can substitute the coconut oil with shortening or vegetable oil to achieve a similar smooth chocolate coating without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I make these cake puffs without frosting?
The frosting is essential because it binds the cake crumbs together. Without it, the mixture won’t hold its shape properly after rolling.
Are these cake puffs suitable for kids?
Definitely! They’re a fun, bite-sized treat that children adore, especially with the colorful sprinkles adding a cheerful touch.
Can I use white chocolate or candy melts instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can switch up the coating with white chocolate or festive-colored candy melts for a creative twist on this classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way these Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create such a festive, delectable treat. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or impressing guests, these puffs capture the joyful spirit of the holidays in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself and discover how wonderfully easy and fun they are to prepare!
Print
Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 30 cake puffs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in festive cheer with these Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs, featuring moist chocolate cake crumbled and mixed with rich frosting, then dipped in smooth melted chocolate and adorned with colorful holiday sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting, these bite-sized treats combine a luscious texture and a festive look sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
Cake Puff Mixture
- 1/2 cup canned chocolate frosting
Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
Decoration
- Holiday sprinkles (red, green, white)
Instructions
- Bake the cake: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the package directions using a 9×13-inch pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Crumble the cake: Break the cooled cake into fine crumbs by hand or with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix with frosting: Add the canned chocolate frosting to the cake crumbs and mix thoroughly until the mixture has a dense, dough-like consistency suitable for shaping.
- Form cake balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Freeze the cake puffs: Place the baking sheet with the cake balls into the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes until firm and chilled enough to dip.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips together with the coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
- Dip the cake balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each cake puff into the melted chocolate, letting any excess chocolate drip off back into the bowl.
- Add festive sprinkles: Immediately place the dipped cake puff back onto the parchment-lined sheet and generously sprinkle with red, green, and white holiday sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Allow chocolate to set: Let the chocolate harden at room temperature or refrigerate until firm, then store appropriately.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a smooth, shiny coating and optimum flavor.
- For variety, substitute semisweet chocolate with white chocolate or colored candy melts.
- Store finished cake puffs in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for extended storage.
