Gift Wrapping Chocolate Cubes
Category: Desserts
Servings: 1 (yields 12 cubes)
These delightful chocolate cubes, wrapped like perfect little presents, are not only a treat for the taste buds but a beautiful addition to any festive occasion. Packed with layers of rich chocolate, buttery frosting, and decorated with colorful marzipan bows, these chocolate cubes make for a truly indulgent and thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 250g |
| Sugar | 250g |
| All-purpose flour | 220g |
| Dark chocolate | 200g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 30g |
| Instant coffee | 7g |
| Whole milk | 100ml |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Vanilla pod | 1 |
| Butter (for frosting) | 350g |
| Sugar (for frosting) | 300g |
| Egg yolks | 12 |
| Water | 100ml |
| Vanilla pod (for frosting) | 1 |
| Marzipan | 1kg |
| Food coloring (optional) | As needed |
Directions:
-
Prepare the Mud Cake:
Begin by melting the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (bain-marie). Once fully melted, add the butter in small chunks and stir gently with a spatula until smooth. -
Flavor the Mixture:
Split the vanilla pod and scrape the seeds into the chocolate-butter mixture. Add the sugar, eggs, and milk, and whisk everything together until combined. The batter should be smooth and glossy. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a hand whisk to combine. You should have a thick batter with a rich chocolate aroma. -
Bake the Mud Cake:
Pour the batter into a pre-greased baking pan (approximately 22cm x 22cm) and bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 25–30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean when the cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool completely. -
Prepare the Buttercream:
While the cake is cooling, make the buttercream. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a boil, and using a kitchen thermometer, monitor the temperature of the sugar syrup. Once it reaches 121°C (250°F), remove from heat. -
Whip the Egg Yolks:
In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), whisk the egg yolks until they reach a pale and frothy consistency. Carefully add the hot sugar syrup to the eggs while continuing to beat the mixture. Once fully combined, let the mixture cool to room temperature. -
Add the Butter and Vanilla:
In another bowl, work the softened butter with the seeds of a vanilla pod. Slowly add the cooled egg-sugar mixture into the butter and vanilla blend, beating until the buttercream is fluffy and smooth. -
Assemble the Cake Cubes:
Once the mud cake is completely cooled, cut it into two equal layers. Trim the edges to make a neat rectangle, then slice it into 12 equal cubes, each measuring approximately 5 cm per side. Spread the buttercream generously over each cube using a spatula to cover all surfaces. -
Decorate the Cubes:
Roll out the marzipan to a smooth sheet. Using a knife, cut a cross with arms measuring 15.5 cm by 5.2 cm. This will serve as the base for your decorative wrapping.For the colored ribbons and bows, divide the marzipan into small portions and knead in a few drops of food coloring (choose any color you prefer). Roll out the marzipan to form thin strips, which will become the ribbon accents.
Shape the strips into delicate bows and wrap the marzipan cross around each chocolate cube, securing it with a marzipan bow.
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Final Touches:
Once all your chocolate cubes are decorated, allow the marzipan to set before serving or gifting. You can also wrap them in decorative gift paper or place them in small boxes for an extra special presentation.
These elegant little “gift packages” are perfect for sharing during holidays, birthdays, or as a homemade gift for those who appreciate sweet, handmade confections. The combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy butter frosting, and marzipan creates a balanced, indulgent flavor that will surely delight anyone who tastes them.
