Red Velvet Truffles
A Delicious Start to Holiday Baking There’s something so inherently warm and inviting about the holiday season—maybe it’s the chill in the air, the twinkling lights, or the scent of baked goods wafting through the house. This time of year always puts me in a baking mood, and one recipe that has never failed to…
A Delicious Start to Holiday Baking
There’s something so inherently warm and inviting about the holiday season—maybe it’s the chill in the air, the twinkling lights, or the scent of baked goods wafting through the house. This time of year always puts me in a baking mood, and one recipe that has never failed to impress my friends and family are these divine Red Velvet Truffles. The combination of rich, velvety red cake surrounded by a sweet white chocolate shell? It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
The Secret Behind Perfect Red Velvet Truffles
Let me take you through the captivating process of making these truffles. First off, you’ll need a red velvet cake mix, which is the base of our delicious treats. It’s like diving into a soft cloud of chocolatey goodness, and honestly, I’m not sure there’s anything more festive than the brilliant red hue of the cake.
To whip up the cake, I simply follow the box instructions—nothing fancy here! I mix the cake mix with water, oil, and eggs, and pour it into a 9×13 pan. Baking it to perfection, according to the package directions, fills the house with that irresistible aroma. Once it’s all set and baked, I let it cool completely. Patience is key here; you don’t want to rush into things.
One of my little secrets is to remove the crisp outer edges of the cake. I know, it seems like a waste, but those edges aren’t as soft and perfect as what’s beneath! I toss them aside and crumble what remains into a large mixing bowl, which is best done by hand for that authentic, rustic feel.
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Now, here’s where the magic happens. I add a generous 10 ounces of softened cream cheese to the crumbled cake. Mixing it is best done with my hands; it’s messy, but that’s how you know the flavors will mesh together perfectly. The dough should be moist and hold together well—if it’s too crumbly, just a touch more cream cheese can save the day.
Once everything is thoroughly combined, I scoop the mixture into balls that are about two tablespoons each. Placing these adorable little bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper is always a moment of pure joy for me. At this stage, they need to chill in the freezer for about 30 minutes, and I usually take this time to clean up. The anticipation builds, and trust me, they’re so worth the wait!
A Few Things I’ve Learned
While the cake balls chill, I prepare the coating. I pop about 12 ounces of almond bark or white chocolate candy melts into a bowl. I find that melting these in the microwave is the easiest approach. I heat them in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds. There’s something so satisfying about watching it transform into a silky, glossy dip.
Dipping the firm truffles into the melted chocolate is where the real fun begins. I gently swirl each cake ball, tapping off any excess chocolate before returning them to the parchment-lined sheet. At this point, I often drizzle a bit more melted white chocolate on top and sprinkle some festive sprinkles for that holiday sparkle. If you’re feeling cheeky, extra cake crumbs can also make for a fab topping!
The Best Part About This Dish
Once they’re all ready to go, I pop them back in the freezer for a few more minutes to set. But let’s be honest, I’ve found them absolutely delicious even when just left at room temperature. My family is always hovering nearby, eager for a sample as the sweet aroma fills the air.
These Red Velvet Truffles are incredibly versatile too! I’ve experimented with different flavors by changing up the mix-ins. Sometimes, when I’m feeling adventurous, I toss in some chopped nuts or even coconut flakes. It’s amazing how just a small alteration can turn a classic into something refreshingly new.
A Little Note on Leftovers
If by some miracle you find yourself with leftovers—though they rarely last long in my house—you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just a quick note: the chocolate coating may lose a bit of its shine, but the flavors will still be utterly delightful.
What to Serve It With
As for serving, these truffles would make perfect companions to a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. I often host dessert nights during the holidays, and these delightful bites always share the spotlight with a more traditional dessert table. The contrasting colors and flavors certainly make an impression!
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Red Velvet Truffles aren’t just a treat; they’re a way to twirl together holiday cheer, creativity, and the simple joy of being in the kitchen. There’s nothing better than sharing a batch of these dreamy bites with loved ones, as laughter and stories flow around the table. So, gather your ingredients the next time you’re looking to bake something special. With just a few steps, a bit of patience, and a dash of holiday spirit, you’ll create a delightful sweet that’s sure to impress!
Red Velvet Truffles
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan as directed on the cake mix box.
- Mix the red velvet cake mix with water, oil, and eggs as per box instructions.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13 pan and bake according to package directions.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before continuing.
- Remove the crisp outer edges of the cooled cake and crumble the remaining cake into a bowl.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbled cake and mix with your hands until well combined.
- Scoop the mixture into balls of about two tablespoons each and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the cake balls in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Melt the almond bark or white chocolate candy melts in the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring every 30 seconds.
- Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess.
- Return the coated truffles to the parchment sheet and drizzle with more melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive sprinkles if desired.
- Place the truffles back in the freezer for a few more minutes to set, or enjoy them at room temperature.
