Introduction
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these festive Christmas Tree Chocolate Whoopie Pies! These delightful treats combine the rich flavor of chocolate cake with a creamy buttercream filling, all decorated to resemble adorable Christmas trees. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift, these whoopie pies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the cake:
– 1 box chocolate cake mix
– 3 tablespoons milk
– ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
For decorating:
– 1 stick butter, softened
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 3-4 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Kelly green gel food coloring
– Sprinkles
– Mini pretzels
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 whoopie pies
Enjoy creating these charming Christmas Tree Chocolate Whoopie Pies and delight in the festive spirit they bring to your holiday celebrations!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, 3 tablespoons of milk, ¼ cup of oil, and 2 large eggs. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Shape Cake Balls
Roll the batter into balls approximately 2 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake Cakes
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare Buttercream Filling
To prepare the buttercream filling, beat the softened butter, 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 3-4 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract on medium speed. Gradually increase to high speed until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Divide the buttercream evenly into two separate bowls.
Step 6: Assemble Whoopie Pies
Using one bowl of buttercream, spread a layer on the flat side of one cake, then sandwich it with another cake to form a whoopie pie. Repeat with the remaining cakes.
Step 7: Tint Remaining Buttercream
Tint the buttercream in the second bowl with Kelly green gel food coloring. Transfer the green buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Step 8: Pipe Christmas Trees
Pipe a Christmas tree design onto the top of each whoopie pie. Decorate the trees with sprinkles as desired.
Step 9: Add Tree Trunks
Break mini pretzels into thirds and place a piece at the bottom of each icing tree to represent the tree trunk.
Step 10: Serve
Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas Tree Chocolate Whoopie Pies!
Notes
Storage
Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Decoration Ideas
Feel free to substitute other colors of gel food coloring or different types of sprinkles for varied designs.
Allergy Considerations
Be mindful of any allergies you or your guests may have, especially with ingredients like eggs, milk, and gluten from the cake mix.
Cook techniques
Mixing Cake Batter
Combine the dry cake mix with the wet ingredients until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps for an even texture.
Shaping Cake Balls
Roll the batter into balls of about 2 inches in diameter and maintain adequate spacing on the baking sheet to allow for expansion.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the cakes to avoid overbaking, ensuring they remain soft inside.
Preparing Buttercream
Beat butter and confectioners’ sugar until fluffy, gradually adding milk and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth buttercream that’s easy to spread.
Tinting Buttercream
Add gel food coloring gradually to achieve the desired shade, ensuring it is evenly incorporated for a vibrant color.
Piping Techniques
Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, apply the buttercream in decorative designs for a visually appealing finish.
Decorating Whoopie Pies
Add sprinkles and pretzel pieces to enhance the appearance and add texture, creating a fun and festive look.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with any flavor of your choice.
How long should I let the whoopie pies cool?
Allow the whoopie pies to cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Can I make the buttercream ahead of time?
Yes, the buttercream can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
Liquid food coloring can be used, but start with a smaller amount as it may alter the consistency of the buttercream.
Are there any alternatives to pretzels for decoration?
Yes, you can use candies, cookies, or other decorative elements to create the tree trunk if pretzels are unavailable.
Conclusion
These festive Christmas Tree Chocolate Whoopie Pies make for a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate cake with a fun holiday design. The combination of a soft cake with creamy buttercream and whimsical decorations is sure to bring joy to any holiday gathering. Whether enjoyed by children or adults, these whoopie pies are a perfect addition to your seasonal celebrations.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Substitute the chocolate cake mix with red velvet cake mix and use cream cheese frosting for a rich and tangy flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies
Use a pumpkin spice cake mix and mix brown sugar into the buttercream for a fall-inspired treat.
Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pies
Add peppermint extract to the buttercream and use green food coloring for a minty festive version.
Funfetti Whoopie Pies
Incorporate funfetti cake mix and colorful sprinkles into the batter and frosting for a vibrant celebration cake.
Coconut Lime Whoopie Pies
Substitute coconut cake mix and add lime zest to the frosting for a tropical twist on a classic.
Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies
Use a chocolate cake mix and mix peanut butter into the buttercream to create a delicious peanut butter filling.
