Christmas Cake Truffles

Recipe Overview

These delightful Christmas Cake Truffles are a festive twist on the traditional fruitcake. They bring the sweetness and spices of the holiday season into bite-sized, rich chocolate treats, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Originating from the custom of using leftover Christmas cake, these truffles are covered in smooth chocolate and dusted with festive decorations, embodying the warmth of holiday cheer in each single bite.

The flavor profile is wonderfully sweet, with hints of spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, alongside the rich, deep flavor of chocolate. The texture is an inviting combination of creamy chocolate coating and a dense, chewy interior filled with festive fruit and nuts.

Prep and Cook Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour (or longer)
• Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Skill Level: Intermediate

Serving Information

• Yields: About 24 truffles
• Serving Suggestions: Serve truffles on a decorative platter for holiday gatherings. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. For an elegant touch, dust with edible glitter or cocoa powder before serving.

Ingredients List

• For the Truffles:

  • 400g (14 oz) leftover Christmas cake, crumbled
  • 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), melted
  • 50g (1.75 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 80g (2.8 oz) mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, and sultanas), chopped
  • 50g (1.75 oz) mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts), chopped (optional)

• For the Coating:

  • 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate (for melting)
  • Edible decorations (e.g., sprinkles, crushed nuts, or cocoa powder)

Substitutions:

• For gluten-free options, ensure the Christmas cake is gluten-free.
• For a vegan version, use a vegan cream cheese alternative and dark chocolate that is dairy-free.

Equipment List

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Food processor (optional, for finer crumbs)
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler (for melting chocolate)
• Fork or dipping tool (for coating truffles)
• Refrigerator or cooler (for chilling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake: If you haven’t done so, crumble the leftover Christmas cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl. You can use your hands or a food processor for this step.

2. Combine Ingredients: In the bowl with the crumbled cake, add the melted dark chocolate, softened cream cheese, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, dried fruits, and chopped nuts (if using). Mix everything until well combined.

3. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for about 1 hour. This will make it easier to shape the truffles.

4. Shape the Truffles: Once chilled, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Use your hands to scoop out small portions and roll them into balls, about the size of a walnut. Place the truffles on a Baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Melt the Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the remaining dark chocolate over low heat until smooth. Be careful not to overheat; you want it just melted.

6. Coat the Truffles: Using a fork, dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat completely. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.

7. Garnish: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with your choice of edible decorations before it sets.

8. Chill Again: Place the coated truffles back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes or until the chocolate coating hardens.

Technique Tips and Troubleshooting

• Melting Chocolate: If the chocolate seizes while melting, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to smooth it out.
• Truffle Texture: If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more melted chocolate or cream cheese; if too wet, add more crumbled cake.
• Keeping Truffles Round: To keep the truffles round while coating, dip them gently in the chocolate and use the fork to nudge them into a rounded shape.

Plating and Presentation

To present the truffles, arrange them on a festive serving platter. You can use decorative Baking cups to add an extra touch. For finishing, drizzle an additional layer of melted chocolate over the plated truffles or sprinkle with cocoa powder for a sophisticated look.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Reheating: If the truffles become soft at room temperature, simply place them back in the refrigerator to firm up again; avoid reheating.

Variations and Customizations

• Add a splash of rum or brandy to the truffle mixture for an adult twist.
• For chocolate lovers, incorporate cocoa powder into the truffle mix or embed a whole cherry in the center.
• Customize the dried fruit mix by adding candied ginger or apricots for an extra zing.

Notes on Ingredients and Equipment

• Fruitcake Relevance: Using leftover Christmas cake not only reduces waste but enhances the truffles with its rich flavor.
• Equipment: A double boiler is ideal for melting chocolate without burning, but a microwave works just as well with short intervals.

Final Touches and Personal Notes

These Christmas Cake Truffles hold a special place in my heart as they are a joyful reminder of family gatherings during the holiday season. I encourage you to play around with the ingredients and make the recipe your own. Add your favorite flavors or toppings—it’s hard to go wrong with chocolate during the holidays!

If you try these truffles, please share your experience and any creative twists you add! Happy Holidays!