Homemade Butter Cream Eggs | Easter Candy

Easter is just around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s time to unleash your inner candy maker! Forget those store-bought chocolates – this year, you’re going to wow everyone with homemade delights. I’m talking about luscious, melt-in-your-mouth butter cream eggs, crafted with love (and maybe a little bit of chocolate-covered fingers). My grandmother, bless her heart, used to make these every year, and the anticipation was almost unbearable. The creamy, sweet filling, the rich chocolate shell…it was pure Easter magic. Now, I’m sharing her (slightly tweaked and perfected!) recipe with you, so you can create your own unforgettable memories.

Why This Butter Cream Eggs Recipe Will Change Your Life

Okay, maybe “change your life” is a slight exaggeration. But seriously, these butter cream eggs are different. They’re not the gritty, overly sweet versions you find in the candy aisle. This recipe uses high-quality ingredients and a few secret techniques to create a truly decadent treat. What sets these apart?

• Unmatched Creaminess: The combination of full-fat cream cheese and Finlandia butter creates an unbelievably smooth and rich texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: We use the right amount of confectioners’ sugar to achieve a sweet, but not cloying, flavor.
• Homemade with Love (and Pride!): There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something amazing from scratch. These butter cream eggs are a labor of love, but they’re so worth it!
• Impressive Presentation: Drizzled with white chocolate, these eggs look as good as they taste. They’re the perfect addition to any Easter basket or dessert table.
• Versatile & Fun: This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Try adding different extracts or flavorings to the butter cream, or using different types of chocolate for the coating.

Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little bit of homemade candy? These homemade butter cream eggs are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They’re a way to connect with loved ones, create lasting memories, and indulge in something truly special. Get ready to become the Easter candy hero of your family!

The Secret Techniques That Make This Butter Cream Eggs Perfect

Making amazing butter cream eggs isn’t just about following the recipe; it’s about understanding the techniques that make them truly exceptional. Here are a few of my Grandma Clara’s (and my!) top secrets:

• The Importance of Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: This is absolutely crucial! If your butter and cream cheese aren’t properly softened, you’ll end up with a lumpy, uneven mixture. Make sure they’re at room temperature and very soft before you start. I usually leave mine out for at least an hour, maybe longer depending on the temperature of my kitchen.
• Sifting the Confectioners’ Sugar: Don’t skip this step! Sifting removes any lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture. Nobody wants gritty cream cheese candy!
• Chilling is Key: Chilling the butter cream mixture before shaping the eggs is essential. It firms up the mixture, making it easier to work with and prevents it from sticking to your hands.
• Freezing Before Dipping: This is my super secret weapon. Freezing the shaped eggs for at least an hour before dipping them in chocolate helps the chocolate adhere evenly and prevents the butter cream from melting. It’s a game changer, trust me!
• Low and Slow Melting: When melting the chocolate, use low power in the microwave and stir frequently. This prevents the chocolate from burning and becoming grainy. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to melting chocolate!
• Use a Fork for Dipping: A small fork makes it easier to dip the eggs evenly and allows the excess chocolate to drip off.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there is adequate space on the baking sheet when setting the chocolate covered eggs to prevent them sticking to each other.

These techniques, combined with a little patience and attention to detail, will elevate your butter cream eggs from good to extraordinary. You’ll be amazed at the difference they make! And remember, cooking and baking is all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things!

Essential Ingredients: What Makes Each One Special

The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the taste and texture of your butter cream eggs. Here’s a closer look at each ingredient and why it’s so important:

• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: This is the foundation of our creamy filling. Using full-fat cream cheese is crucial for achieving the right texture and richness. Lower-fat versions just don’t have the same effect. I’m a big fan of Philadelphia brand.
• Finlandia Butter: I love the subtle tang and richness this butter lends to the recipe. Its high fat content makes for the most incredible butter cream. If you can’t find Finlandia, use another high-quality unsalted butter. I avoid margarine or butter substitutes for this recipe.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract, not imitation. The real stuff makes a world of difference!
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
• Confectioners’ Sugar: This provides the sweetness and structure to the filling. Be sure to sift it to remove any lumps.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: This provides the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness for the chocolate coating. I recommend using a good-quality chocolate bar, like Ghirardelli, for the best flavor. You can also use chocolate chips, but I find that the bars melt more smoothly.
• White Chocolate (Optional): The white chocolate drizzle adds a beautiful visual appeal and a touch of extra sweetness. If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can skip it or use dark chocolate instead.
• Canola or Coconut Oil: A small amount of oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and creates a glossy finish. I find that canola oil has a neutral flavor, while coconut oil adds a subtle coconut aroma.

Using the best possible ingredients will result in the most delicious chocolate eggs. It’s worth the investment!

Step-by-Step Mastery: Pro Techniques for Success

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating perfect homemade butter cream eggs. I’ll walk you through each step, providing tips and tricks along the way.

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the eggs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. This usually takes about 2 minutes. It’s crucial to ensure there are no lumps!
3. Add Vanilla and Salt: Beat in the pure vanilla extract and salt.
4. Incorporate the Confectioners’ Sugar: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. This helps prevent a cloud of sugar from erupting!
5. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This firms up the mixture and makes it easier to handle.
6. Shape the Eggs: Scoop 2 tablespoon sized portions of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, form each round into egg shapes. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, try coating them in a little confectioners’ sugar.
7. Freeze the Shaped Eggs: Once all of the eggs have been shaped, place the pan into the freezer for at least an hour. This step is crucial for preventing the butter cream from melting when dipped in chocolate.
8. Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons of canola or coconut oil. Microwave on low power in 30-second increments, stirring in between each increment, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate!
9. Melt the White Chocolate (Optional): In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped white chocolate and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of canola or coconut oil. Microwave on low power in 30-second increments, stirring in between each increment, until completely melted and smooth.
10. Dip the Eggs in Chocolate: Carefully dip each frozen butter cream egg in the melted semi-sweet chocolate. I find that placing each egg on a small fork makes this process easier. Quickly dip it into the chocolate, then quickly pull it back out, allowing the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl before placing the egg back on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.
11. Drizzle with White Chocolate (Optional): Drizzle a little melted white chocolate on top of each egg. You can create a simple drizzle pattern or get creative with your designs.
12. Set the Chocolate: Set aside until the chocolate has set completely, about 2 hours. You can speed this up by placing the eggs in the refrigerator.
13. Enjoy!: Now you can enjoy your homemade Easter candy!

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect. Just keep experimenting and having fun. You’ll be a butter cream egg master in no time!

Creative Variations: Make It Your Own

Once you’ve mastered the basic butter cream eggs recipe, it’s time to get creative and put your own spin on it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Flavor Extracts: Add a few drops of your favorite extract to the butter cream filling. Peppermint, almond, lemon, or orange extract would all be delicious!
• Zest: Grated lemon, orange, or lime zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Mix in some chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, for added texture and flavor.
• Sprinkles: Decorate the chocolate coating with sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Food Coloring: Add a few drops of food coloring to the butter cream filling to create colorful eggs.
• Different Chocolate Coatings: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for the coating.
• Filled Eggs: Before freezing the eggs, press a small piece of cherry, caramel, or peanut butter cup into the center of each egg.

The possibilities are endless! Let your imagination run wild and create your own unique homemade candy creations.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Butter Cream Eggs

While butter cream eggs are delicious on their own, they can be even more enjoyable when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:

• Coffee or Tea: The rich, sweet flavor of the eggs pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• Milk: A glass of cold milk is a classic pairing for chocolate candy.
• Fruit Salad: The sweetness of the eggs is balanced by the fresh, tart flavors of a fruit salad.
• Ice Cream: Serve the eggs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Easter Brunch: Include the eggs as part of your Easter brunch spread.

Ultimately, the best pairing is whatever you enjoy most! These easter dessert treats are versatile enough to be enjoyed any way you like.

Storage Secrets: Keep It Fresh and Delicious

To keep your butter cream eggs fresh and delicious, it’s important to store them properly. Here are a few tips:

• Refrigerate: Store the eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the eggs for up to two months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep Cool: Avoid storing the eggs in a warm place, as this can cause the chocolate to melt.

Proper storage will help maintain the texture and flavor of your cream cheese candy, ensuring that they’re delicious whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.

Health Benefits: Why This Butter Cream Eggs is Good for You

Okay, let’s be real: butter cream eggs are not exactly a health food. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have any benefits! Indulging in a small treat can boost your mood and provide a sense of satisfaction. And, dark chocolate does contain antioxidants, which are good for your heart! Plus, making these homemade goodies can be a fun activity that helps reduce stress. It’s more about balance and enjoying in moderation!

Ultimately, it’s important to enjoy your Easter candy in moderation as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Everything in moderation, right?

Troubleshooting: Fix Common Mistakes

Even the most experienced bakers sometimes encounter problems. Here are a few common issues you might encounter when making butter cream eggs, and how to fix them:

• Lumpy Butter Cream: This is usually caused by using butter or cream cheese that isn’t soft enough. Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature and very soft before you start. You can also try beating the mixture for a longer period of time to smooth it out.
• Butter Cream Too Soft: If the butter cream is too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for a longer period of time.
• Chocolate Not Melting Smoothly: Be sure to use low power in the microwave and stir frequently. If the chocolate is still not melting smoothly, try adding a little more oil.
• Chocolate Cracking: This can happen if the eggs are too cold when dipped in the chocolate. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before dipping.
• Chocolate Not Sticking: Make sure the eggs are completely frozen before dipping them in the chocolate. This will help the chocolate adhere evenly.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe as needed to achieve the perfect results. These chocolate eggs will be worth it! If you’re still unsure you can always check out some of Clara’s other recipes for more ideas at recipeswithclara.com!

Expert Answers: Your Burning Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making butter cream eggs:

• Can I use a different type of chocolate? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! The eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to two months.
• Can I add flavoring to the chocolate? Yes, you can add a few drops of extract (such as peppermint or orange) to the melted chocolate for a different flavor.
• How can I make these vegan? This recipe relies heavily on dairy. However, you can search for vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes to create a vegan version.
• What is the best way to melt chocolate? Using a double boiler or the microwave on low power in short bursts is the easiest way to melt chocolate.

I hope these answers help! If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

More Amazing Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this butter cream eggs recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes from RecipesWithClara!

• Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe – Indulge in a rich and decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
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• Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe – Master the art of sugar cookies with this simple and reliable recipe, great for any holiday!
• Homemade Caramels Recipe – Learn how to make these sweet and chewy treats from scratch, perfect for gifting.
• The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe – This is the holy grail of chocolate chip cookie recipes and a must-have for every baker!
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• Decadent Chocolate Brownie Recipe – Make delicious and fudgy chocolate brownies that are easy and fun!

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