Birthday Truffles from Milk Bar feature a rich blend of white chocolate, rainbow sprinkles, and a hint of citrus zest, all coated in a smooth milk chocolate shell, delivering a festive and creamy bite bursting with vibrant colors and sweet flavors.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Spoon or small scoop
- Cooling rack
- Zester or grater
- Fork (for dipping truffles)
- Toothpicks or dipping tool
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (67g) vegetable shortening
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (25g) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1/3 cup (80ml) grapeseed oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup (90g) rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon citrus zest (lemon or orange)
- 8 oz (225g) white chocolate, chopped
- 8 oz (225g) milk chocolate, chopped (for coating)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) powdered milk
- 1/4 cup (25g) confectioners’ sugar
Using high-quality white and milk chocolate is crucial to achieve the creamy texture and rich flavor characteristic of Birthday Truffles from Milk Bar. Be sure to measure sprinkles and citrus zest carefully to maintain the vibrant, festive appearance and subtle citrus note. Incorporate room temperature unsalted butter and vegetable shortening to ensure a tender crumb and smooth truffle consistency. Clarify your choice of oil; grapeseed or vegetable oil should be neutral-flavored to preserve the truffles' pure taste. Your homemade Birthday Truffles will closely replicate the Milk Bar original by following these ingredient guidelines in the copycat recipe.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Add buttermilk, grapeseed oil, clear vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; mix until just combined.
- Fold in rainbow sprinkles and citrus zest.
- Spread batter evenly onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cake completely on a cooling rack.
- Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate with heavy cream; stir until smooth.
- Add powdered milk and confectioners’ sugar to white chocolate mixture; mix well.
- Pour the white chocolate mixture over cake crumbs and mix with spatula until a dough forms.
- Scoop and roll dough into small balls using a spoon or small scoop.
- Place truffle balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet; freeze for 20-30 minutes.
- Melt milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Using a fork, toothpick, or dipping tool, dip each chilled truffle ball into melted milk chocolate until coated.
- Immediately sprinkle truffles with extra rainbow sprinkles.
- Place coated truffles back onto the baking sheet and let set until chocolate is firm.
- Serve or store truffles in an airtight container.
Substitution
Birthday Truffles from Milk Bar copycat menu can be customized by substituting rainbow sprinkles with any colorful nonpareils or edible glitter to maintain the festive appearance. If you don't have grapeseed oil, neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil work well to preserve the smooth texture of the truffles. When melting chocolate, avoid overheating by using short bursts in the microwave and stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If you're out of buttermilk, a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar can be used as an effective substitute to provide the necessary acidity. Using a small scoop or spoon ensures uniform truffle sizes, which helps with even coating and baking times.
Tips
Ensure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling to prevent the truffle dough from becoming too sticky. When melting both chocolates, heat in short bursts and stir frequently to avoid burning and maintain smoothness. Use a small scoop for consistent truffle sizes to achieve even coating and presentation. Your truffles will hold shape best if chilled before dipping and allowed to set fully at room temperature or in the fridge.
Nutritions
Birthday Truffles from Milk Bar contain a combination of white and milk chocolate, which provide a rich source of fats and sugars, contributing to their creamy texture and sweet flavor profile. The cake flour and eggs offer carbohydrates and protein, while the addition of buttermilk and heavy cream supply calcium and essential fats. Rainbow sprinkles add minimal nutritional value but enhance the snack's festive appearance. Your enjoyment of these truffles should be balanced with awareness of their high sugar and fat content, making them an indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation.
Storage
Store your Birthday Truffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their creamy texture and vibrant colors. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks but bring to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture. Avoid exposure to heat and humidity to prevent melting or spoilage of the chocolate coating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute dark chocolate for the milk chocolate coating to add a richer and slightly bitter contrast to the sweet truffles. For a nutty twist, incorporate finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios into the cake crumb mixture before shaping the truffles. To enhance citrus aroma, try adding a few drops of orange blossom water or lemon extract along with the zest. If you prefer a denser texture, chill the truffle dough longer before dipping to help the truffles hold their shape better during coating.
Allergies
Birthday Truffles from Milk Bar contain common allergens such as eggs, milk (heavy cream, powdered milk, white and milk chocolate), and wheat (cake flour), which could trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The inclusion of almond extract may pose a risk for those with nut allergies, and rainbow sprinkles could contain artificial colors or ingredients that sometimes cause sensitivities. Your safest option is to check ingredient labels carefully or consult the manufacturer if you have specific allergy concerns.
Why this recipe?
Birthday Truffles from Milk Bar are celebrated for their unique combination of creamy white chocolate, crispy rice cereal, and bursts of birthday cake flavors that create a delightful texture and nostalgic taste. The iconic sweet treat uses high-quality ingredients and a carefully crafted recipe that balances sweetness with a subtle saltiness, making each bite indulgent yet perfectly balanced. You'll find that creating a copycat version not only allows customization to your taste preferences but also offers the rewarding experience of mastering a cult-favorite dessert at home. This makes the effort to recreate the Birthday Truffles both a delicious challenge and an opportunity to enjoy a signature Milk Bar flavor anytime.