Mint Chocolate Cake Bites

Mix and Bake the Cake:

Combine white cake mix with water oil eggs peppermint extract and green food coloring Beat until smooth and even Bake in a 9 by 13 inch pan at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean Let the cake cool completely so the texture is even

Crumble and Mix:

Break the cooled cake into a large bowl and rub between your hands until you have fine crumbs Add the vanilla frosting and mix in with a spoon or your hands The mixture should look doughy and hold together easily Fold in the mini chocolate chips to make sure they are evenly scattered

Shape the Cake Bites:

Scoop out one tablespoon portions and roll them into round balls using your palms Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper Chill them in the freezer for about ten minutes so they hold their shape better when dipping

Dip and Decorate:

Melt the green candy melts with coconut oil in the microwave using short bursts at half power Stir in a drop of peppermint extract if you want extra mint flavor Using a fork dip each cake ball in the melted coating until covered Shake off excess and put back on the parchment paper Decorate right away with sprinkles and gently press a candy heart on the top before the shell firms up

Add Chocolate Stripes:

Melt the dark or milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl Use a fork or a pastry bag with a tiny snip to drizzle thin lines over the set cake bites This step brings contrast and finishes their look

Let Set and Store:

Let the coated cake bites harden fully at room temperature or in the fridge Transfer to an airtight container and store them chilled They stay fresh for about a week

My favorite ingredient here is always the peppermint extract It brings such a fresh burst that cuts through the sweetness perfectly One time my son and I tried making them together he got so creative with the sprinkles and now it feels like a little tradition each winter

Storage Tips

Keep the cake bites in an airtight container in the fridge so the coating stays crisp and the centers moist If making ahead layer parchment between single layers to prevent sticking Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chocolate cake mix instead of white for a richer bite just add a bit extra mint to enhance the chocolate Swap green candy melts with white chocolate plus a few drops of gel color If you want these nut free always check your chocolate chips and candy melts for cross contamination warnings

Serving Suggestions