There is something absolutely magical about festive treats that bring joy in every bite, and this Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe does just that. Imagine the rich, moist chocolate cake crumbled and mixed with luscious chocolate frosting, then dipped in a glossy chocolate coating and sprinkled with colorful holiday confetti. These cake puffs are like bite-sized celebrations wrapped in chocolate, perfect for sharing with friends or surprising family at any holiday gathering. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to festive indulgence that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that dazzling holiday look. From the moist chocolate cake base to the smooth coating that holds the whole thing together, every component is crafted to make your Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe unforgettable.
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides the rich, fudgy foundation and flavor-packed crumb that’s easy to work with.
- Canned chocolate frosting: Adds moisture and binds the crumbs into a pliable dough for rolling perfect puffs.
- Semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Melted to create the smooth, shiny coating that’s irresistible and holds sprinkles perfectly.
- Coconut oil or shortening: Helps achieve a silky, glossy finish when melting the chocolate chips.
- Holiday sprinkles (red, green, white): Bring festive cheer with pops of color and a little crunch on top.
How to Make Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
Start by baking your chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan. Be sure to let the cake cool completely before moving to the next step; this prevents the frosting from melting and makes the texture just right for crumbling.
Step 2: Crumble and Combine
Once cool, crumble the entire cake into fine crumbs inside a large bowl. Add the canned chocolate frosting and mix thoroughly until the mixture comes together like a thick dough. This combination is the heart of your cake puffs, balancing softness with structure.
Step 3: Roll Into Balls and Freeze
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls—don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round; the charm is in their handmade look. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for about 30 to 60 minutes until they are firm enough to handle the dipping process without breaking apart.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips together with coconut oil or shortening. Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each to create a smooth, glossy melt that will coat the cake puffs beautifully.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or a dipping tool, dunk each cake ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the parchment paper and immediately sprinkle the holiday decorations on top before the chocolate sets. This quick step adds festive flair and a delightful textural contrast.
Step 6: Set and Serve
Allow the chocolate to harden by letting the cake puffs sit at room temperature or popping them in the refrigerator. This final step locks in that irresistible coating for a professional finish and ensures every bite is decadently satisfying.
How to Serve Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the festive look, you can lightly dust the cake puffs with edible glitter or finely chopped nuts alongside your holiday sprinkles. Fresh mint leaves or a tiny holly leaf made from fondant add a charming touch if serving at a party.
Side Dishes
These cake puffs are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a cup of spiced hot cocoa or a rich coffee elevates the indulgence. For a more elaborate spread, serve alongside peppermint bark or a tray of assorted holiday cookies to delight every sweet tooth.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe on a tiered cake stand or a festive platter lined with holiday-themed paper or fabric. Wrapping individual puffs in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for a delightful gift that’s both pretty and personal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and maintains the perfect texture for up to one week, making them an excellent treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze these puffs easily by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months and thaw quickly when taken out.
Reheating
Since the cake puffs are meant to be enjoyed cool or at room temperature, simply let frozen puffs thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate coating and ruin the texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Using homemade chocolate cake can add a personal touch and depth of flavor, just be sure it’s fully cooled and crumbled finely to mix well with the frosting.
What if I don’t have coconut oil or shortening?
You can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable or a little butter, but coconut oil is preferred for its ability to give the coating that smooth, shiny finish and help it set properly.
Can I use white chocolate or candy melts instead of dark chocolate?
Yes! White chocolate or colored candy melts are perfect alternatives if you want a different look or flavor. Just watch the melting temperature closely to avoid burning them.
How do I get the cake puffs to be extra smooth and uniform?
Chilling the rolled balls well before dipping is key, and gently tapping off excess chocolate with your dipping tool ensures a sleek, even coating every time.
Are these cake puffs suitable for freezing and gifting?
Definitely! They hold up wonderfully in the freezer and make charming handmade gifts during the holidays when wrapped beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and visually stunning holiday treat, this Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to bring smiles at any festive occasion. Don’t hesitate to dive into this delightful project that combines classic flavors with playful presentation — your holiday gatherings will thank you!
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 these festive Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs, a perfect holiday treat combining moist chocolate cake bites with a rich chocolate coating and colorful sprinkles for a fun and indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
Frosting and Coating
- 1/2 cup canned chocolate frosting
- 12 oz semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
- Holiday sprinkles (red, green, white)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the package directions and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Crumble and Mix: Once cooled, crumble the cake finely into a large bowl. Add the canned chocolate frosting and mix thoroughly until the mixture achieves a thick dough-like consistency.
- Shape Cake Puffs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes until the cake balls are firm.
- Melt the Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until smooth.
- Dip the Cake Puffs: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each cake puff into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before returning them to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Add Sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle the dipped cake puffs with holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets for an attractive festive finish.
- Set the Coating: Let the cake puffs sit at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate coating hardens completely.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the coating to ensure a smooth and shiny finish.
- For variation, try white chocolate or colored candy melts instead of dark or semisweet chocolate.
- Store the cake puffs in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
