Save There's something magical about turning simple chocolate bars into little edible trees, especially when you're racing against time before the holidays hit full force. I discovered these while searching for treats that didn't require actual baking—no oven disasters, no stress—just stacking, drizzling, and watching my niece's face light up as we decorated them together. The best part? The whole thing takes twenty minutes from wrapper to fridge, and suddenly you've got something that looks handcrafted and festive.
I made a batch of these on a snowy afternoon when my hands were already sticky from wrapping presents, and I remembered why I love recipes that don't demand much attention. My partner wandered into the kitchen, grabbed a spoon, and started drizzling chocolate before I could even ask for help—and somehow that made them taste better, like we'd built something together in five minutes.
Ingredients
- 24 mini Kinder chocolate bars: These are your foundation—their uniform size and ridged shape make stacking natural and visually satisfying, plus the creamy filling adds richness the drizzle alone can't deliver.
- 150 g dark or milk chocolate, chopped: Dark chocolate brings sophistication; milk chocolate feels nostalgic and kid-friendly—pick whichever matches your crowd's taste.
- 1 tsp coconut oil: This optional ingredient is a game-changer if your chocolate seizes or feels thick; it thins the drizzle without changing the flavor.
- 3 tbsp festive sprinkles or edible glitter: Applied while the chocolate is still wet, these catch the light and make each tree feel genuinely special.
- 8 mini chocolate stars or candy stars: The crowning detail—these sit at the peak and signal to everyone looking at them that you actually cared about the presentation.
Instructions
- Line Your Stage:
- Lay parchment paper across a baking tray—this prevents sticking and lets you move your trees around without anxiety.
- Unwrap and Stack:
- Remove all bars from their foil, then arrange three bars per tree: start with one whole bar as your base, break a second in half and overlap the pieces to create a wider triangle, then add a third piece on top for height and dimension. Don't fuss over perfection; slight wobbles add character.
- Space Them Generously:
- Set each stacked arrangement on the tray with breathing room around it—this gives you space to drizzle without accidentally merging two trees together.
- Melt Chocolate Gently:
- In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (or in the microwave in 20-second bursts), melt your chopped chocolate with coconut oil if using, stirring until completely smooth and pourable. Patience here prevents grainy chocolate.
- Drizzle with Intention:
- Using a spoon or piping bag, pour or pipe chocolate generously across the stacked bars to mimic branches—let some drip down the sides for that organic, festive look.
- Decorate Before It Sets:
- While the chocolate is still tacky, scatter sprinkles and crown each tree with a star—if you wait until it hardens, they'll slide right off.
- Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until the chocolate firms up and everything stays put.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature—they're equally delicious either way.
Save These trees became a tradition after my mum asked if she could bring them to her book club instead of buying something from a shop. Watching grown women photograph and pick up my little chocolate creations before eating them—that's when I realized these weren't just treats, they were conversation starters.
Stacking Like a Pro
The secret to a tree that doesn't topple is thinking about weight distribution rather than perfect symmetry. Your base bar should be solid, the two halves in the middle should overlap slightly so they don't roll, and the top piece just needs to sit there looking purposeful. I've made some that look architecturally questionable and they held together fine once the chocolate set—the drizzle acts like edible glue.
Chocolate Choice and Personality
The chocolate you choose flavors the entire experience. Dark chocolate feels grown-up and sophisticated, especially if you're serving these at an adult gathering. Milk chocolate is warmer and more forgiving, sliding easily into a kid-friendly dessert spread. I've even used white chocolate and watched people's faces change when they expected dark and got creamy sweetness instead—sometimes those happy accidents are the best kind.
Timing, Storage, and Sharing
These are best made no more than a day or two before you need them, especially if your kitchen runs warm or you live somewhere humid. They store beautifully in an airtight container in a cool cupboard for up to a week, though I've never had any last longer than two days once people know they're available.
- Make them in batches if you're preparing for multiple gatherings—once you've done your first tree, the rhythm becomes automatic.
- If you want to gift them, wrap each tree loosely in cellophane and tie with a thin ribbon for a handmade, thoughtful presentation.
- Scale the recipe up or down depending on your crowd; the ratio stays exactly the same whether you're making four trees or sixteen.
Save These little trees are proof that the most memorable desserts don't come from complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen. They come from paying attention, adding a touch of care, and handing someone something you made with your hands.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different chocolates for the drizzle?
Yes, you can use white, milk, or dark chocolate depending on your preference to create the drizzle.
- → How do I make the chocolate drizzle smooth?
Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil while melting the chocolate helps achieve a smoother and shinier drizzle.
- → What is the best way to stack the bars for the tree shape?
Stack one whole bar, followed by a broken half overlapping to form a triangle, and top with another bar to create a tree-like structure.
- → Can children help with making these treats?
Absolutely! Kids can assist with stacking the bars and adding sprinkles, making it a fun festive activity.
- → How should these chocolate stacks be stored?
Store them in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- → Are there allergen concerns to consider?
These treats contain milk and soy, and may have traces of nuts and gluten depending on the chocolate used. Always check ingredient labels.