The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about fun and festive treats to share with family and friends. One dessert that’s perfect for any occasion is a cake ball Christmas tree. These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also look impressive, making them a great addition to any holiday table.
In this blog post, we’ll share two different recipes for making cake ball Christmas trees, along with tips, variations, and more. So, let’s get started!
Recipe 1: Classic Cake Ball Christmas Tree
Ingredients:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 can of frosting (any flavor)
- 1 package of green candy melts
- Assorted candy decorations (e.g., sprinkles, mini M&Ms, candy canes, etc.)
- Styrofoam cone (available at craft stores)
- Lollipop sticks
Instructions:
- Bake the cake according to the instructions on the box and let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cake into a large bowl.
- Add the frosting to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Melt the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to the instructions on the package.
- Insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball and dip it into the melted candy coating.
- Place the cake balls back on the baking sheet and add the candy decorations while the coating is still wet.
- Let the cake balls dry completely before assembling the tree.
- Push the lollipop sticks into the Styrofoam cone in a tree-like pattern, starting at the bottom and working your way up.
- Once all the cake balls are in place, add any additional decorations (e.g., a star on top) and serve.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 cake ball
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 17g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Lollipop sticks
- Styrofoam cone
Serving Suggestions:
These cake ball Christmas trees are a great addition to any holiday dessert table. Serve them alongside other festive treats, such as cookies, brownies, and candy.
Variations:
You can switch up the flavor of these cake balls by using a different cake mix and frosting combination. You can also experiment with different candy decorations to make each tree unique.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have green candy melts, you can use white candy melts and add green food coloring. You can also use melted chocolate chips instead of candy melts.
Storage:
Store these cake ball Christmas trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the cake balls set in the refrigerator before dipping them in the candy coating. This will help them hold their shape better.
- Use a small spoon to drizzle candy coating over any bare spots on the cake balls.
- If you don’t have a Styrofoam cone, you can use a tall glass or vase instead.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make these cake ball Christmas trees ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these up to five days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Peppermint Cake Ball Christmas Tree
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 can of chocolate frosting
- 1 package of white candy melts
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Styrofoam cone
- Lollipop sticks
Instructions:
- Bake the cake according to the instructions on the box and let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cake into a large bowl.
- Add the frosting to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Melt the white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to the instructions on the package.
- Insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball and dip it into the melted candy coating.
- Roll the cake ball in the crushed peppermint candies while the coating is still wet.
- Let the cake balls dry completely before assembling the tree.
- Push the lollipop sticks into the Styrofoam cone in a tree-like pattern, starting at the bottom and working your way up.
- Once all the cake balls are in place, add any additional decorations (e.g., a star on top) and serve.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 cake ball
Calories: 170
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 130mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Lollipop sticks
- Styrofoam cone
Serving Suggestions:
This chocolate peppermint version of the cake ball Christmas tree is perfect for anyone who loves the classic holiday flavor combination. Serve it with hot cocoa or coffee for a festive treat.
Variations:
You can switch up the flavor of these cake balls by using a different cake mix and frosting combination. You can also experiment with different candy decorations to make each tree unique.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have white candy melts, you can use vanilla-flavored almond bark or white chocolate chips instead. You can also use crushed candy canes instead of peppermint candies.
Storage:
Store these cake ball Christmas trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the cake balls set in the refrigerator before dipping them in the candy coating. This will help them hold their shape better.
- Use a small spoon to drizzle candy coating over any bare spots on the cake balls.
- If you don’t have a Styrofoam cone, you can use a tall glass or vase instead.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix and frosting that you like.
Final Thoughts
A cake ball Christmas tree is a fun and festive treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family this holiday season. Whether you choose to make the classic version or the