Indulge in Homemade Red Velvet Truffles: Your Perfect Bite-Sized Holiday Treat

There’s an undeniable charm to homemade treats, especially during the festive season. But what could possibly elevate the beloved red velvet cake to an even more irresistible level? Imagine that iconic deep red hue, the subtle cocoa notes, and the creamy tang of cream cheese frosting, all transformed into elegant, bite-sized red velvet truffles! These delightful morsels are not just a feast for the eyes but a true celebration for your taste buds, promising to be the star attraction on any holiday platter or a much-coveted item at a cookie exchange. Forget the fuss of slicing cake; these truffles offer pure indulgence in every pop-able bite.

Today, we’re thrilled to share something truly special: a guest post from a very talented and enthusiastic young chef, my youngest daughter, Josie! She’s stepping into the spotlight to share her wonderful creation and experience with you all.

A Young Chef’s Debut: Josie’s Exciting Culinary Adventure

Hello, fellow food lovers! My name is Josie, and I’m absolutely over the moon to be guest posting on my mom’s wonderful website, An Affair from the Heart, this week! When I saw her announcement on Instagram about my upcoming guest post, I can honestly say I was SO excited! If you’re not familiar with me yet, you should know that I’ve inherited my mom’s love for cooking and baking. Anything that involves creating delicious food instantly captures my imagination and enthusiasm.

When I first approached my mom about the possibility of guest posting, she outlined all the responsibilities involved. “You’ll need to pick a recipe, make it from scratch, take all the pictures, edit them, and then write the entire blog post yourself,” she explained. I’ve often watched her meticulously go through these steps, and I’ve even had the chance to help her with various parts of the process. However, undertaking the entire project completely on my own was a whole new challenge! While the excitement was definitely bubbling, I also felt a little nervous about doing everything perfectly. But here I am, doing it, and it feels absolutely amazing to share this with all of you!

The Inspiration Behind the Treat: Choosing Red Velvet Truffles

My first mission as a guest blogger was to scour Pinterest for the ideal recipe. I wanted something delicious, fun, and perfect for the season. That’s when I discovered a recipe for red velvet truffles, and I knew almost instantly that I HAD to make them! Not only did they look incredibly delicious and visually appealing, but I could also imagine how much fun it would be to create these beautiful truffles with my family for Christmas. The idea of a shared baking experience, creating sweet memories alongside sweet treats, really resonated with me.

This particular recipe proved to be incredibly enjoyable and straightforward to make, which was a huge relief for my first solo endeavor. And, if I’m being completely honest, there was a little secret reason why I chose it: I got to use the sifter! That kitchen tool is one of my absolute favorites; there’s something so satisfying about using it!

In the past, I’ve attempted making cake pops, and while they were tasty, they turned out to be incredibly messy. These red velvet truffles, while similar in concept with their cake base, offer all the deliciousness without the sticks and, crucially, without the mess! They are neat, elegant, and perfectly pop-able, making them an ideal choice for a sophisticated yet fun homemade dessert that everyone will love.

Love this recipe? Be sure to give it a try and leave a comment below!

Red Velvet Truffles

Discover the joy of crafting these beautiful, bite-sized red velvet truffles. They’re a fantastic choice for any gathering, holiday feast, or simply as a luxurious treat. With an easy difficulty level, these truffles promise a delightful baking experience and an even more delightful taste.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Truffles, Holiday Dessert, Easy Truffle Recipe, Christmas Baking, Cake Balls

Servings: Approximately 10 pieces

Calories: Approximately 110 kcal per piece

Author: Michaela Kenkel (Original concept adapted by Josie for An Affair from the Heart)

Ingredients for the Truffle:

• 1/3 cup + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon white vinegar
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Ingredients for the Coating:

• 12 ounces almond bark (or high-quality white chocolate melting wafers)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
2. Place four standard cupcake liners around the outer edge of a cupcake tin. These will hold your small cake portions.
3. In a medium bowl, thoroughly sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or using a large bowl and a hand mixer, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, buttermilk, egg white, vibrant red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
5. Slowly incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on a low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Divide the prepared batter evenly among the four cupcake liners and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out perfectly clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial for the truffle texture.
6. After the cakes have cooled completely, crumble them into a large mixing bowl. In a separate, smaller bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until it’s smooth and lump-free. Add this cream cheese mixture to the crumbled cake and combine well until a uniform, pliable dough forms. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth, bite-sized balls between your palms. Arrange these rolled balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least four hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure they become firm.
7. To prepare the delicious coating, chop the almond bark into approximately 1-inch chunks and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the bark on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the bark is completely melted and smooth. Dip each well-chilled truffle ball into the melted coating. Use a fork to gently turn the truffle, ensuring it’s fully coated, then tap the fork lightly against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Transfer the coated truffles to a fresh piece of wax paper to dry and set. These stunning truffles can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
8. Chef’s Tip: This versatile recipe is incredibly easy to double if you’re planning for a larger crowd! For bigger batches, consider baking the cake in a 6-inch round cake pan instead of individual cupcake liners. Adjust the baking time as needed for a larger cake.

Nutrition Information:

Approximate Serving Size: 1 Truffle | Calories: 110 kcal

Click here to print this recipe.

Expert Tips for Crafting Perfect Red Velvet Truffles Every Time

Making truffles is a rewarding experience, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-looking treat. To ensure your red velvet truffles turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few essential tips:

• Cooling is Crucial: Patience truly is a virtue in truffle making. Ensure your baked red velvet cake portions are completely and utterly cool before you start crumbling them. Warm cake will make your mixture greasy, sticky, and incredibly challenging to roll into neat balls.
• Thorough Chilling for Firmness: The refrigeration step for your rolled truffle balls is non-negotiable. Chilling them for a minimum of four hours, or ideally overnight, is vital. This ensures they become firm enough to hold their shape perfectly when dipped into the warm chocolate coating, preventing them from softening or falling apart.
• Mastering the Dipping Technique: When it’s time to dip, work efficiently. Use a fork or a specialized candy-dipping tool for the best results. Submerge the truffle, then gently tap the fork against the edge of the bowl to allow any excess coating to drip off. This technique creates a beautifully thin, even, and smooth chocolate shell.
• Maintain Coating Consistency: If your almond bark or melting chocolate begins to thicken during the dipping process, it’s perfectly normal. Simply return it to the microwave for a very short burst (15-20 seconds at medium power) and stir well until it regains its smooth, fluid consistency. A runny coating is key for a flawless finish.
• Get Creative with Garnishes: While a plain red velvet truffle is elegantly simple, don’t shy away from adding a touch of festive flair! Before the chocolate coating fully sets, sprinkle your truffles with holiday-themed sprinkles, finely crushed pistachios for a color contrast, delicate white chocolate shavings, or even a contrasting drizzle of dark chocolate.

Why Red Velvet Truffles are a Holiday Season Essential

The holiday season is a time for sharing joy, making memories, and indulging in delicious, homemade treats. Red Velvet Truffles fit this festive narrative perfectly for a multitude of compelling reasons:

• Visually Stunning Appeal: Their deep, vibrant red hue, often contrasted with a white coating or festive sprinkles, is inherently cheerful and festive. They instantly elevate any dessert table, standing out beautifully amongst other traditional holiday bakes.
• Perfectly Portioned for Parties: The bite-sized nature of these truffles makes them an ideal dessert for gatherings and parties. Guests can easily enjoy one or two without feeling overly full, allowing them to sample a wider variety of holiday offerings. They are effortless to serve and consume.
• Thoughtful Edible Gifts: Elegantly packaged in small boxes or decorative bags, homemade Red Velvet Truffles make incredibly thoughtful and much-appreciated gifts. They are perfect for showing appreciation to neighbors, teachers, colleagues, or as charming hostess gifts.
• Convenience and Portability: Unlike delicate cakes or pies that require careful handling, truffles are robust and travel exceptionally well. This makes them perfect for potlucks, office holiday parties, or simply bringing to family gatherings without worry.
• Universal Crowd-Pleaser: The classic flavor profile of red velvet—a subtle, rich cocoa with a hint of tang and creamy sweetness—is universally adored. These truffles are almost guaranteed to be a hit and disappear quickly, satisfying nearly every palate.

Making these Red Velvet Truffles was such a truly wonderful experience for me, and it really deepened my love for baking and creating in the kitchen. There’s an immense satisfaction that comes from transforming simple ingredients into something so beautiful, so delicious, and so enjoyable, especially when you know it’s going to bring a smile to someone’s face. I sincerely hope that you and your family have as much fun making and sharing these delightful Red Velvet Truffles as I did!

More Delicious Recipes from An Affair from the Heart

While you’re here exploring this delicious truffle recipe, I thought it would be fun to share a couple more of my absolute favorite recipes from my Mom’s blog. These are dishes I genuinely love to eat, and sometimes, I even get to help prepare them!

Shrimp and Salmon with Lemon Caper Sauce: This dish is incredibly fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. I absolutely love how the zesty lemon and the distinctive briny capers perfectly complement the delicate seafood. It feels elegant enough for a special dinner but is surprisingly simple to prepare!

Porcupine Meatballs: These are, without a doubt, a true comfort food in our house! The unique addition of rice mixed right into the meatballs gives them such a wonderful texture, and they cook beautifully by simmering directly in their savory sauce. It’s a fun, hearty, and satisfying meal that always brings back warm memories of home.

Bubblicious Bubblegum Cupcakes with Bubblegum Buttercream Frosting: Who doesn’t love the fun and playful flavor of bubblegum? These cupcakes are incredibly whimsical and always manage to put a huge smile on my face. The frosting is intensely flavorful and vibrant, making them an absolute standout treat at any party or celebration!

Thank you all for taking the time to read about my baking adventure and for checking out my mom’s delicious recipes. Happy baking everyone!

With love,
Josie <3

Original Recipe Source: Dessert for Two