Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Crumble the Christmas Tree Cakes completely in a large mixing bowl. The finer the crumbs, the smoother your truffles will be.
- Add the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract to the crumbled cake. Using an electric mixer, blend everything together until you have a smooth, dough-like consistency. Don't overmix.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cake mixture into evenly sized balls. Roll each portion between your palms to create a smooth, round truffle. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the rolled truffles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour.
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate melting wafers. If using a double boiler, heat over simmering water, stirring frequently until smooth. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
- Once the white chocolate is melted and smooth, add a few drops of green gel food coloring. Stir until you achieve your desired shade of green.
- Remove the chilled truffles from the refrigerator. Using a fork or dipping tools, carefully dip each truffle into the melted green chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
- Place the dipped truffle back onto the parchment paper or silicone mat. Immediately decorate with your favorite sprinkles, mini M&Ms, silver edible pearls, or edible glitter. The chocolate will set quickly, so it's important to decorate while it's still wet.
- Optionally, add a sliver of pretzel to the base of the truffle before the chocolate sets to create the effect of a 'tree trunk'.
- Allow the decorated truffles to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Notes
Store your Christmas Tree Cake Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are best enjoyed within a few days of making them. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Troubleshooting tips:
* Chocolate seizing? Add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening (a teaspoon or less) to help bring it back to a smooth consistency. Add gradually and stir gently.
* Truffles too soft? Add a bit more crumbled cake or refrigerate the mixture longer before rolling.
* Chocolate too thick for dipping? Add a very small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out.
* Sprinkles not sticking? Make sure you're decorating immediately after dipping, while the chocolate is still wet. If the chocolate has already set, you can lightly brush it with melted chocolate before adding sprinkles. Creative Variations:
* Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of peppermint extract to the cake mixture for a refreshing twist.
* Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the green chocolate for an elegant touch.
* Different Coatings: Experiment with different colored melting wafers or candy melts.
* Nutty Delight: Roll the truffles in chopped nuts before the chocolate sets.
* Chocolate seizing? Add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening (a teaspoon or less) to help bring it back to a smooth consistency. Add gradually and stir gently.
* Truffles too soft? Add a bit more crumbled cake or refrigerate the mixture longer before rolling.
* Chocolate too thick for dipping? Add a very small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out.
* Sprinkles not sticking? Make sure you're decorating immediately after dipping, while the chocolate is still wet. If the chocolate has already set, you can lightly brush it with melted chocolate before adding sprinkles. Creative Variations:
* Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of peppermint extract to the cake mixture for a refreshing twist.
* Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the green chocolate for an elegant touch.
* Different Coatings: Experiment with different colored melting wafers or candy melts.
* Nutty Delight: Roll the truffles in chopped nuts before the chocolate sets.