Easter Chick Truffles (Carrot Cake Truffles)

Why are truffles called “truffles”?

Chocolate truffles as we know them (round chocolate candy covered in chocolate or candy coating) originated in France in 1895. And at the time, the creators of this confection seemed to feel that this new treat resembled a truffle, which is a type of mushroom. Truffle mushrooms are dark brown, round, and textured – which does, in fact, look a lot like a candy truffle coated in sprinkles.

What ingredients are in Easter chick truffles?

In order to create these adorable chick-themed candies, you’ll need to collect the following ingredients:

• Carrot Cake Mix: This cake mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box to make it) creates the carrot cake that gives these truffles their namesake flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Blended with the baked carrot cake to create a smooth filling that’s shaped into balls, forming the core of your chick truffles.
• Yellow Candy Melts: These are melted and used as a coating, giving your truffles a vibrant yellow hue that mimics the appearance of adorable baby chicks.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Used for creating the eyes of the chicks.
• Round Yellow Sprinkles: These give the chicks a cute little beak.
• Orange Leaf Sprinkles: Used to create the little webbed feet of the chicks.
• Yellow Leaf Sprinkles: Applied to the sides of the truffles as tiny flapping wings.

What tools do you need?

While truffles may look intricate and complicated, they’re surprisingly easy to make and decorate. You’ll need standard baking tools and only a few custom (yet optional) decorating tools, such as:

• 9×13 Baking Dish: For baking the carrot cake.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For mixing together the ingredients.
• Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper: Used to store, transfer, and decorate the truffles.
• Wet Cloths or Wet Paper Towels: Useful for easy cleanup during preparation.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the candy and coating the truffles.
• Spoon, Cookie Scoop, or Ice Cream Scoop: For forming the truffles.
• Fork or Spiral Dipping Tool: For coating the truffles.
• Storage Container with Sealable Lid: Best method for storing these truffles.

Can you use homemade carrot cake?

Certainly! Feel free to use whatever carrot cake you’d like, whether that be made with a box mix, a from-scratch home recipe, or even a purchased cake with the icing removed. Just make sure you have enough cake; it should be the equivalent of a 9×13-inch sheet cake that’s roughly 2-3 inches deep.

What type of candy melts should you use?

Candy melts (also called melting wafers) are pretty common – you can find them in the baking supply area, and they’re small, flat disks, typically sold by the bag – but I do think there are significant differences in quality depending on the brand of candy melts you buy.

Wilton is by far the most common brand of candy melt, and they are sold in various colors. This makes them popular since you can buy the exact color you need and get right to crafting your treats. Wilton is a simple and easy option for beginners.

This recipe recommends using Wilton candy melts (or other brands in different colors) because it simplifies things.

However, I have yet to be impressed with the quality of Wilton candy melts, and I typically look for alternatives. If given the choice, I recommend picking up Ghirardelli brand candy melts and using oil-based food coloring to get your desired look. These are my favorite candy melts to work with due to their superior quality and taste.

How to store truffles

Truffles should be stored in a sealable container until ready to eat. For best results, storing them in the refrigerator will help them last longer and keep their shape.

If you used different decorative coatings (such as sprinkles, candy, etc.) I’d recommend storing one layer per container or using wax paper to separate layers with different coatings.

How long are they good for?

When stored in a sealed container on the counter, truffles should stay fresh for one or two days. When stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, they should last for up to one or two weeks.

Can you freeze them?

Yes, you totally can! To do this, follow these steps:

• Allow coated and decorated truffles to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
• Line a sealable container with parchment paper, then arrange truffles in a single layer on top. If doing multiple layers, separate each layer with more parchment paper.
• Truffles can be frozen for up to three months.

Notes & tips for Easter chick truffles

• If the truffle mixture ever feels too soft to work with, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.
• If using food coloring in the candy melts, be sure that it is oil-based food coloring. Water-based food coloring will make candy melts seize, causing it to become clumpy and unworkable.
• I highly recommend a spiral dipping tool for an easier way to coat the truffles.

Step 1 – Follow the package instructions to prepare and bake the carrot cake. Once baked, allow it to cool for about 30 to 60 minutes until it’s easy (and not too hot) to handle.

Step 2 – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place your truffles on after forming them. Keep some damp cloths or paper towels nearby will help with cleanup.

Step 3 – When the carrot cake has cooled, break it into 1-2 inch cubes. Then, using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer with a bowl, blend the cake pieces with the softened cream cheese until it becomes combined and smooth.

Step 4 – With a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion about 1 tablespoon of the cake mixture. Roll it between your hands to form a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this until the whole mixture is used.

Step 5 – Freeze the truffles until firm, about 1 hour.

Step 6 – Melt the yellow candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, then dip each truffle into the melted yellow candy melts. Use a fork, toothpick, or spiral dipping tool to coat the truffles, tap off any excess candy, then place the coated truffles back on the baking sheet.

Step 7 – While the coating is still wet, decorate each truffle to look like a chick. Use two mini chocolate chips for the eyes, a round yellow sprinkle for the beak, two yellow leaf sprinkles for the wings, and two orange leaf sprinkles for the feet.

Step 8 – Let set!

Step 9 – Serve and enjoy!