Christmas Tree Cake Truffles

The kitchen smells like melted white chocolate and vanilla, a sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner! My little ones, bless their hearts, are already buzzing with anticipation, and what better way to channel that energy than into making adorable, edible Christmas tree cake truffles? I’ve whipped up batches of these festive treats for years now in my Texas kitchen, and they’re always a hit at holiday gatherings. This year, I tweaked my recipe to make them even easier and more fun to create with the kids. Get ready to learn how to make these delightful Christmas tree cake truffles that are sure to become a holiday tradition in your family!

Why This Recipe Works

Between holiday shopping, school plays, and wrapping presents, December can feel like a whirlwind. That’s why I designed this recipe to be both simple and satisfying. Here’s what makes these Christmas tree cake truffles perfect for busy families:

• Quick and Easy: Minimal baking and straightforward decorating make this recipe a breeze.
• Kid-Approved: My kids absolutely love helping (and eating!) these adorable truffles.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the cake balls in advance and decorate them later, saving you time when you need it most.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 1/2 cup vanilla frosting
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• Green food coloring
• Christmas sprinkles
• Pretzel sticks, broken into 1-inch pieces

Ingredient Notes

Yellow Cake Mix: The classic choice, but feel free to experiment! Chocolate, funfetti, or even spice cake would work wonderfully. I’ve used gluten-free cake mix with success too.

Vanilla Frosting: Any store-bought or homemade vanilla frosting will do. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy twist! The frosting acts as the “glue” that holds the cake balls together.

White Chocolate Chips: Good quality white chocolate melts the smoothest. You can also use almond bark or white candy melts if you prefer. The addition of shortening helps the chocolate stay smooth and prevents it from seizing up.

Green Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant color, but liquid food coloring will work too. Start with a few drops and add more until you reach your desired shade of green.

Christmas Sprinkles: Use a variety of shapes and colors for the most festive look!

Pretzel Sticks: These form the “trunk” of the Christmas tree. Make sure they’re broken into small enough pieces to fit snugly into the bottom of the truffles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 2: Crumble the Cake. Once the cake is cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. I usually just use my hands, but you can also use a fork. Make sure there are no large chunks remaining. The finer the crumbs, the smoother the truffles will be.

Step 3: Mix in the Frosting. Add the vanilla frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix until the cake and frosting are well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when pressed together. This is where it’s important to not over mix. You want just enough to hold it together but not be too sticky.

Step 4: Roll into Balls. Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This will make them easier to dip in the melted chocolate.

Step 5: Melt the White Chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily.

Step 6: Color the Chocolate. Add green food coloring to the melted white chocolate and stir until you reach your desired shade of green. I learned after the third try that it’s better to add a little at a time to avoid going too dark.

Step 7: Dip the Cake Balls. Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted green chocolate, coating it completely. Place the dipped cake ball back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Decorate! Immediately add Christmas sprinkles to the dipped cake balls before the chocolate sets. Gently insert a pretzel stick into the bottom of each truffle to create the “trunk” of the Christmas tree.

Step 9: Chill and Set. Place the baking sheet with the decorated Christmas tree cake truffles back into the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

After making these dozens of times, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Don’t Overbake the Cake: A slightly underbaked cake is better than an overbaked one, as it will be more moist and easier to crumble.
• Chill, Chill, Chill: Chilling the cake balls before dipping is crucial. It prevents them from crumbling and makes them easier to handle.
• Use a Double Boiler: If you’re nervous about melting the white chocolate in the microwave, use a double boiler for more control.
• Melt Small Batches of Chocolate: White chocolate can seize up easily. Melt it in small batches to prevent this from happening.
• Sprinkle Immediately: Add the sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet so they adhere properly.
• Get the Kids Involved: This is a fun recipe to make with kids! Let them help with crumbling the cake, rolling the balls, and adding the sprinkles.
• Customize the Sprinkles: Change up the sprinkles to match any holiday or occasion!

Storage & Meal Prep

These Christmas tree cake truffles are perfect for making ahead of time!

Storage: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month.

Reheating: No reheating required! Simply take them out of the refrigerator or freezer and let them come to room temperature before serving.

Make-Ahead: You can make the cake balls up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to dip them in chocolate. This is a great way to break up the recipe into smaller steps.

Batch Cooking: Double or triple the recipe to make a large batch for holiday parties or gifts.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to tweak this recipe to fit your needs? Here are some ideas:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free pretzels. I have had good success with King Arthur’s gluten free yellow cake mix.

Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free frosting and dairy-free white chocolate.

Chocolate Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a richer flavor.

Peppermint Flavor: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate for a festive peppermint twist. Crushed peppermint candies can also be used as a topping.

Almond Extract: Add a few drops of almond extract to the cake batter for a subtle almond flavor.

I haven’t tried using dark chocolate for this recipe yet, but readers have told me it works well if you’re a dark chocolate lover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! You can make the cake balls a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This actually helps them firm up and makes them easier to dip in the chocolate.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake the cake, as it will be drier and harder to crumble.

What can I substitute for white chocolate?

You can use almond bark or white candy melts instead of white chocolate. These are often easier to melt and less prone to seizing up.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Christmas tree cake truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, definitely! My kids love these, and they’re a fun activity to do together. Just supervise them when they’re working with the melted chocolate.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors. Chocolate, funfetti, or even spice cake would all be delicious.

My chocolate seized up! What do I do?

Don’t panic! Sometimes, adding a teaspoon of shortening or vegetable oil can help to smooth it out. Stir it in gently and see if that helps. If not, you might need to start with a fresh batch of chocolate, making sure not to overheat it.

These Christmas tree cake truffles are the perfect combination of festive, fun, and delicious! They’re a great activity to do with the kids, and they make a wonderful addition to any holiday party or dessert table. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even a busy mom like me can whip them up in no time. And they look beautiful, don’t they?

From my Texas kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy making these Christmas tree cake truffles with your family. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below! I’d love to hear what variations you try too. Y’all have a great holiday season!

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