Decadent Chocolate Christmas Tree Delight
This stunning Decadent Chocolate Christmas Tree Delight is inspired by a cherished memory from 1999, when my boss gifted all staff members a delightful tree. The secret recipe remained elusive until I discovered it in the 'Coles Christmas' magazine in 2005, right when I needed a holiday pick-me-up after a challenging time in the hospital. This treat not only brings joy to the festive season but also allows for creative variations like Rocky Road and colored trees. With its rich chocolate flavor and delightful crunch, this edible centerpiece not only captivates the eyes but also warms the hearts of friends and family during the Christmas festivities.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk chocolate melts or broken milk chocolate
300 g (pieces)
rice bubbles or Rice Krispies
1 1/2 cups (measured)
shredded coconut
3/4 cup (measured)
icing sugar
to dust (for dusting)
shortbread cookie, star shape
1 (optional) (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the chocolate melts or broken milk chocolate pieces into a microwave-proof bowl. Melt the chocolate on Medium (50% power) for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute until smooth.
2
Once melted, add the rice bubbles and shredded coconut to the bowl. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in chocolate, forming a cohesive mixture.
3
On a clean sheet of baking paper, use a spoon or piping bag to create a series of 6 cross shapes in graduated sizes, ensuring they are connected at the center. Chill the crosses in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or until they have firmed up.
4
After the crosses have set, take the largest one and place it on a flat board or serving plate. Spoon a small amount of the reserved melted chocolate mixture into the center. Carefully place the next largest cross on top, slightly twisting it to create a layered effect. Repeat this process for the remaining crosses, with each one sitting at a different angle, finishing with the smallest cross on top.
5
Chill the stacked tree in the refrigerator for another 20 minutes to ensure it holds its shape.
6
Once set, dust the top of the chocolate tree with icing sugar for a snowfall effect. If desired, finish with a star-shaped shortbread cookie on top for an extra festive touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Christmas Tree Delight?
It is a festive edible centerpiece made of layered chocolate, rice bubble, and coconut crosses that resemble a Christmas tree.
What are the main ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 300g of milk chocolate melts, 1 1/2 cups of rice bubbles, 3/4 cup of shredded coconut, icing sugar, and an optional star shortbread cookie.
How do I melt the chocolate for the tree?
Place chocolate in a microwave-proof bowl and heat on Medium (50% power) for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute until smooth.
Can I use Rice Krispies instead of rice bubbles?
Yes, Rice Krispies are a perfect substitute for rice bubbles in this recipe.
How many chocolate crosses do I need to make?
You need to create 6 cross shapes in graduated sizes to form the layers of the tree.
What is the recommended chilling time for the individual layers?
The crosses should be chilled in the refrigerator for approximately 20 minutes or until they have firmed up.
How do I assemble the chocolate tree?
Place the largest cross on a plate, add a small amount of melted chocolate in the center, and stack the next largest cross on top at a slight angle. Repeat until all layers are stacked.
How do I create a snowfall effect on the tree?
Once the tree is set, dust the top with icing sugar to create a beautiful snowfall effect.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate with dark chocolate melts or broken dark chocolate pieces.
What is used to hold the layers of the tree together?
Reserved melted chocolate mixture is used as an edible glue between the layers.
What size should the crosses be?
The crosses should be made in graduated sizes, starting from a large base and becoming progressively smaller.
Is a piping bag required to make the crosses?
No, a piping bag is optional; you can also use a spoon to shape the chocolate crosses on baking paper.
Can I add other ingredients like in Rocky Road?
Yes, the recipe allows for creative variations such as adding Rocky Road ingredients or using colored chocolate.
How long should the assembled tree chill before serving?
The completed tree should be chilled for another 20 minutes to ensure it holds its shape.
Where did this recipe idea come from?
The recipe was inspired by a gift from 1999 and was later discovered in a 2005 edition of Coles Christmas magazine.
Can I make a white Christmas tree?
Yes, you can use white chocolate melts and even add food coloring to create different colored trees.
What provides the crunch in this chocolate tree?
The rice bubbles and shredded coconut provide a delightful crunch and texture to the chocolate mixture.
Is the star cookie on top mandatory?
No, the star-shaped shortbread cookie is optional but adds an extra festive touch to the centerpiece.
What should I use to prevent the chocolate from sticking?
Form the chocolate crosses on a clean sheet of baking paper to prevent sticking while they firm up.
How should I store the chocolate tree?
Store the tree in a cool place or the refrigerator to ensure it remains solid and keeps its shape.
Can children help make this recipe?
Yes, this is a fun and creative recipe that children can help assemble and decorate.
What power setting should I use for melting chocolate?
It is recommended to use Medium power (50%) to avoid burning the chocolate.
Should the crosses be placed at the same angle when stacking?
No, you should slightly twist each cross so they sit at different angles for a more natural tree appearance.
How many ingredients are in the basic recipe?
The basic recipe contains 5 ingredients: chocolate, rice bubbles, coconut, icing sugar, and a star cookie.
Can I use desiccated coconut instead of shredded?
Shredded coconut is recommended for texture, but desiccated coconut can be used if shredded is unavailable.
How do I ensure the chocolate doesn't seize?
Melt the chocolate slowly on low power and ensure no water comes into contact with the bowl or chocolate.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this treat can be prepared a day or two in advance as long as it is stored in a cool environment.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
Serve it as a centerpiece on a flat board or platter where guests can break off pieces.
Can I add sprinkles to the tree?
Yes, you can add festive sprinkles to the chocolate mixture before it sets for more color.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifts?
Absolutely, it makes a wonderful and thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family during the Christmas season.