Minty Chocolate Holiday Cake Bites

Minty Chocolate Holiday Cake Bites are rich, fudgy, and festively flavored treats that pack all the joy of the holidays into a bite-sized dessert. These little delights combine moist chocolate cake with a hint of peppermint, dipped in smooth chocolate and topped with crushed candy canes or sprinkles. They’re perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or adding a cheerful touch to your holiday dessert tray.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic chocolate and peppermint flavor combo
• Bite-sized and perfect for parties or gifting
• Festive and fun with crushed candy cane topping
• Can be made with boxed cake mix or from scratch
• Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake bites:

• Chocolate cake (boxed mix or homemade, fully baked and cooled)
• Cream cheese or frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• Peppermint extract (start with a little—it’s strong!)
• Pinch of salt

For coating and decorating:

• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting wafers
• Coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
• Holiday sprinkles (optional)

directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the cake mixture: Crumble the baked and cooled chocolate cake into a large bowl. Add cream cheese or frosting and a few drops of peppermint extract. Mix until a smooth, dough-like texture forms.
2. Form the bites: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Melt the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt chocolate (with a bit of coconut oil if using) until smooth and glossy.
4. Dip and decorate: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place back on parchment paper and immediately top with crushed candy canes or sprinkles.
5. Set and serve: Let the chocolate coating set completely in the fridge (about 15–20 minutes). Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Makes about 24 cake bites
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 30–45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including chilling)

Variations

• Use white chocolate coating: For a snowy holiday twist
• Add espresso powder: A pinch enhances the chocolate flavor
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cake mix or homemade GF chocolate cake
• Flavor twist: Swap peppermint for orange extract or almond extract for variation
• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free chocolate and a vegan frosting

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or enjoy slightly chilled.
No reheating required.

FAQs

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Absolutely—it’s a great shortcut and works perfectly for these bites.

How strong is the peppermint flavor?

Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon—peppermint extract is strong and a little goes a long way.

Can I use leftover chocolate cake?

Yes! Just make sure it’s not too dry, or add extra frosting to bind it.

What kind of chocolate is best for coating?

Dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate all work—use baking chips or melting wafers for best results.

How do I keep the coating smooth?

Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening when melting the chocolate to help it flow better.

Can I make these without cream cheese?

Yes—use prepared frosting or a dairy-free alternative to bind the cake.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor.

Can I color the white chocolate coating?

Yes! Use oil-based or powdered food coloring—avoid water-based, which can cause chocolate to seize.

Are these good for gifting?

Absolutely—wrap them in mini cupcake liners and place in gift boxes or tins.

Can I double the batch?

Yes! This recipe scales up easily for holiday parties or cookie swaps.

Conclusion

Minty Chocolate Holiday Cake Bites are the perfect little indulgences for the season—rich, festive, and full of holiday cheer. Whether you’re making them for a dessert table, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with a cup of cocoa, these cake bites bring a touch of magic to every bite. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and sure to be a holiday hit.

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