Decadent Hot Cocoa Truffle Balls
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Decadent Hot Cocoa Truffle Balls, the perfect holiday treat that captures the cozy essence of hot cocoa in a delightful, bite-sized form. Made with a moist white cake infused with rich cocoa flavor, and enveloped in a creamy vanilla frosting, these cake balls are then coated in velvety white candy coating to create a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with a sprinkle of hot cocoa mix, they not only taste amazing but also look charming, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday dessert platter. These truffle balls are easy to make, so you can enjoy the holiday cheer without spending all day in the kitchen. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cozy evenings, or a sweet surprise any time of the year!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
White cake mix
1 (18 ounce box, prepared according to package directions)
Hot cocoa mix
3 (1 ounce packages, mixed into the cake batter)
Vanilla frosting
1 (16 ounce container, use about 2/3 of the container)
White candy coating
1 (16 ounce package, melted for coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven and prepare the white cake mix according to the directions on the box, stirring in 2 of the hot cocoa powder packets into the batter for an extra rich flavor.
2
Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake as instructed. Once done, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
3
Once the cake is cooled, crumble it into a large mixing bowl until it is finely crumbled, ensuring there are no big pieces remaining.
4
Gradually mix in about 2/3 of the container of vanilla frosting, combining until the mixture holds together but is not overly wet.
5
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet. After shaping all the balls, transfer them to the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to firm up.
6
While the cake balls are chilling, melt the white candy coating according to the package instructions until smooth and creamy.
7
Once the cake balls are firm, dip each ball into the melted candy coating, using a fork to toss and coat evenly. Allow any excess to drip off before placing the coated balls onto wax paper.
8
While the coating is still wet, sprinkle the remaining hot cocoa mix over the top for extra flavor and decoration.
9
Repeat the dipping and sprinkling process until all the cake balls are coated. Allow them to sit until the coating is completely set and no longer sticky.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Hot Cocoa Truffle Balls?
Decadent Hot Cocoa Truffle Balls are a festive holiday treat made from moist white cake infused with cocoa, blended with vanilla frosting, and dipped in white candy coating.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 main ingredients: white cake mix, hot cocoa mix, vanilla frosting, and white candy coating.
What kind of cake mix should I use?
The recipe calls for one 18-ounce box of white cake mix prepared according to the package directions.
How many packets of hot cocoa mix do I need?
You will need 3 one-ounce packages of hot cocoa mix in total.
How is the hot cocoa mix used in the recipe?
Two packets are stirred into the cake batter before baking, and the third packet is used to sprinkle over the finished truffle balls.
What flavor of frosting is used for the binding?
The recipe uses vanilla frosting to bind the cake crumbles together.
How much frosting should I add to the cake crumbles?
You should use approximately 2/3 of a 16-ounce container of vanilla frosting, adding it gradually until the mixture holds together.
What should I do after baking the cake?
Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before crumbling it into a large mixing bowl.
How fine should the cake crumbles be?
The cake should be finely crumbled with no large pieces remaining to ensure a smooth truffle texture.
What size should I make the truffle balls?
Shape the mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Why do the truffle balls need to go in the freezer?
The balls are placed in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up, which makes them easier to dip in the candy coating.
How do I melt the white candy coating?
Melt the candy coating according to the package instructions until it is smooth and creamy.
What is the best way to coat the truffles?
Use a fork to toss and coat each ball in the melted candy coating, then allow the excess to drip off.
When should I add the decorative cocoa powder?
Sprinkle the remaining hot cocoa mix over the top while the candy coating is still wet so that it sticks.
On what surface should I place the coated truffles to set?
Place the coated truffle balls onto wax paper to sit until the coating is completely set.
How do I know when the truffles are ready to eat?
They are ready once the coating is completely set and is no longer sticky to the touch.
Can I use different types of cake mix?
While the recipe specifies white cake mix for a specific flavor profile, you could technically use other flavors like chocolate or yellow cake.
Is this recipe suitable for Christmas parties?
Yes, these truffle balls are described as a perfect addition to holiday dessert platters and Christmas gatherings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, using an 18-ounce cake mix to make 1-inch balls typically yields approximately 36 to 48 truffles.
What texture can I expect from these truffles?
They have a moist, cocoa-infused cake center with a creamy frosting binder and a velvety, crunchy outer shell.
Can I substitute the white candy coating?
Yes, you could use milk or dark chocolate candy coating, though the appearance will differ from the white cocoa look.
Are these truffle balls difficult to prepare?
No, the recipe is designed to be easy and quick so you don't have to spend all day in the kitchen.
What should I do if my truffle mixture is too wet?
If the mixture is too wet, you should stop adding frosting; use the recommended 2/3 of the container as a maximum guide.
Do I need to bake the cake balls?
No, only the initial cake is baked. Once the balls are shaped and coated, they are set at room temperature.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dessert?
The primary flavor is a rich hot cocoa and vanilla combination with a sweet candy finish.
How should I store these truffles?
They should be stored in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, children can easily help with crumbling the cake, rolling the balls, and sprinkling the cocoa powder.
Do I need any special equipment?
You will need standard kitchen items: a cake pan, mixing bowls, a wire rack, a baking sheet, and wax paper.
What is the prep time for the freezer stage?
The truffle balls need to firm up in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes.
Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can substitute 16 ounces of homemade vanilla frosting for the store-bought container.