Cake balls are a popular dessert that can be made in a variety of flavors and decorated in many different ways. They are perfect for parties, special occasions, and even just a sweet treat any time of the year. In this article, we will show you how to cook cake balls and provide you with some tips and tricks to make them extra special.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you start making your cake balls, you will need a few basic ingredients and supplies. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Cake mix (any flavor)
- Cream cheese frosting (or any other type of frosting you prefer)
- Melting chocolate (white, milk, or dark)
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Shortening (such as Crisco)
- Candy melts (optional)
- Decorations (such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut)
You will also need a few basic kitchen supplies, such as a mixing bowl, a whisk, a rubber spatula, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 1: Bake the Cake
The first step in making cake balls is to bake the cake. You can use any type of cake mix you like, but it’s best to use a mix that is designed for making cake balls. These mixes usually have a higher ratio of cake to liquid, which makes the cake more dense and easier to work with.
To bake the cake, simply follow the instructions on the box. Make sure to use the right size pan and to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the cake to be tough and dense, which can make it harder to work with.
Tips for Baking the Cake
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when baking the cake:
- Make sure to use room temperature ingredients. This will help the cake to mix together more smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix the ingredients together just until they are combined, and then stop mixing.
- Use the right size pan. A 9×13 inch pan is usually the best size for making cake balls.
- Don’t overbake the cake. The cake should be lightly golden brown and still slightly tender in the center.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
Once the cake is baked and cooled, you can start making the frosting. You can use any type of frosting you like, but cream cheese frosting is a popular choice for cake balls. To make the frosting, simply beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth, and then add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Tips for Making the Frosting
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making the frosting:
- Make sure to use room temperature ingredients. This will help the frosting to mix together more smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t overbeat the frosting. Beat the ingredients together just until they are combined, and then stop beating.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually. This will help to prevent the frosting from becoming too sweet.
Step 3: Crumb the Cake
Once the cake is cooled and the frosting is made, you can start crumbling the cake. To crumble the cake, simply place it in a large mixing bowl and use a fork or your fingers to break it up into small pieces.
Tips for Crumbling the Cake
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when crumbling the cake:
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled. If the cake is still warm, it can be difficult to crumble.
- Use a fork or your fingers to crumble the cake. A fork can help to break up the cake into smaller pieces, while your fingers can help to break up any large clumps.
- Don’t overcrumble the cake. You want the cake to be broken up into small pieces, but you don’t want it to be too fine.
Step 4: Mix the Cake and Frosting Together
Once the cake is crumbled, you can start mixing it together with the frosting. To mix the cake and frosting together, simply place the crumbled cake in a large mixing bowl and add in the frosting. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined and the cake is evenly coated with the frosting.
Tips for Mixing the Cake and Frosting Together
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when mixing the cake and frosting together:
- Make sure to use the right ratio of cake to frosting. You want the cake to be evenly coated with the frosting, but you don’t want it to be too wet.
- Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. You want the cake and frosting to be fully incorporated, but you don’t want to overmix.
- Use a rubber spatula to mix the ingredients together. A rubber spatula can help to scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure that all of the ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Shape the Cake Balls
Once the cake and frosting are mixed together, you can start shaping the cake balls. To shape the cake balls, simply use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into small balls. You can also use a cake ball maker to help shape the cake balls.
Tips for Shaping the Cake Balls
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shaping the cake balls:
- Make sure the mixture is the right consistency. If the mixture is too wet, it can be difficult to shape into balls. If the mixture is too dry, it can be difficult to hold its shape.
- Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the cake balls. A small cookie scoop can help to portion out the mixture and ensure that the cake balls are all the same size.
- Don’t overwork the mixture. You want to shape the cake balls just until they are formed, and then stop.
Step 6: Dip the Cake Balls in Chocolate
Once the cake balls are shaped, you can start dipping them in chocolate. To dip the cake balls in chocolate, simply melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, and then dip the cake balls into the melted chocolate.
Tips for Dipping the Cake Balls in Chocolate
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when dipping the cake balls in chocolate:
- Make sure the chocolate is the right temperature. If the chocolate is too hot, it can melt the cake balls. If the chocolate is too cold, it can be difficult to dip the cake balls.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to dip the cake balls in chocolate. A fork or dipping tool can help to fully coat the cake balls in chocolate.
- Don’t overcoat the cake balls in chocolate. You want the cake balls to be fully coated in chocolate, but you don’t want them to be too thick.
Step 7: Decorate the Cake Balls
Once the cake balls are dipped in chocolate, you can start decorating them. To decorate the cake balls, simply use sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to add color and texture to the cake balls.
Tips for Decorating the Cake Balls
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when decorating the cake balls:
- Make sure the chocolate is set before decorating. If the chocolate is still wet, it can be difficult to decorate the cake balls.
- Use a variety of decorations to add color and texture to the cake balls. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut are all popular decorations for cake balls.
- Don’t overdecorate the cake balls. You want the cake balls to be decorated, but you don’t want them to be too busy.
Conclusion
Making cake balls is a fun and easy process that can be customized to fit your tastes and preferences. By following these steps and tips, you can create delicious cake balls that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making cake balls for a party or just for a sweet treat, they’re sure to be a hit.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cake mix | 1 box |
| Cream cheese frosting | 1 can |
| Melting chocolate | 1 bag |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1 cup |
| Shortening | 1/2 cup |
| Candy melts | 1 bag (optional) |
| Decorations | varies |
By following these steps and using these ingredients, you can create delicious cake balls that are perfect for any occasion.
What are cake balls and how do they taste?
Cake balls are bite-sized treats made from crumbled cake mixed with frosting and then coated in a layer of chocolate or candy melts. They have a rich, moist texture and a sweet, indulgent flavor. The combination of the cake, frosting, and chocolate creates a delightful taste experience that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The flavor of cake balls can vary depending on the type of cake and frosting used. For example, if you use a vanilla cake and a chocolate frosting, the cake balls will have a classic, creamy flavor. If you use a red velvet cake and a cream cheese frosting, the cake balls will have a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding extracts, such as almond or mint, to the cake and frosting.
What ingredients do I need to make cake balls?
To make cake balls, you will need a few basic ingredients, including a cake (homemade or store-bought), frosting, chocolate or candy melts, and any desired mix-ins, such as nuts or sprinkles. You will also need a few tools, such as a food processor or blender to crumble the cake, a mixing bowl to combine the cake and frosting, and a fork or dipping tool to coat the cake balls in chocolate.
The type of cake and frosting you use is up to you, but it’s best to use a moist, dense cake that will hold its shape when crumbled. You can also use leftover cake to make cake balls, which is a great way to reduce food waste and get creative with scraps. If you’re using a store-bought cake, make sure to choose one that is fresh and has a good texture.
How do I make cake balls?
To make cake balls, start by crumbling the cake into a large mixing bowl. You can use a food processor or blender to speed up the process, or you can crumble the cake by hand using a fork or your fingers. Once the cake is crumbled, add in the frosting and mix until the cake and frosting are well combined. The mixture should be moist and hold its shape when formed into a ball.
Next, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the cake mixture into balls. You can also use a melon baller to help shape the cake balls. Once the cake balls are formed, melt the chocolate or candy melts in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to fully coat the cake ball.
Can I customize cake balls with different flavors and decorations?
Yes, cake balls can be customized with different flavors and decorations to suit any occasion or theme. You can experiment with different flavors by using different types of cake and frosting, or by adding extracts or mix-ins to the cake and frosting. For example, you can make strawberry cake balls by using strawberry cake and frosting, or you can make mint cake balls by adding peppermint extract to the cake and frosting.
You can also customize the decorations on your cake balls by using different types of chocolate or candy melts, or by adding sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other toppings. For example, you can make holiday-themed cake balls by using red and green candy melts and adding sprinkles or chopped nuts in holiday colors. You can also make cake balls in different shapes, such as hearts or stars, by using a cookie cutter to cut out the cake before forming it into balls.
How do I store cake balls?
Cake balls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. If you’re storing cake balls in the refrigerator or freezer, make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
It’s best to store cake balls in a single layer, rather than stacking them on top of each other. This will help prevent them from sticking together or getting damaged. You can also store cake balls in a paper bag or a cardboard box, as long as the container is airtight and dry.
Can I make cake balls ahead of time?
Yes, cake balls can be made ahead of time, which makes them a great option for parties or special events. You can make the cake and frosting up to a day in advance, and then assemble the cake balls just before serving. You can also make the cake balls themselves up to a day in advance, and then store them in an airtight container until serving.
If you’re making cake balls ahead of time, make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, which makes them a great option for events that are several weeks or months away. Just thaw the cake balls at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Are cake balls a good option for parties or special events?
Yes, cake balls are a great option for parties or special events. They’re easy to make in large quantities, and they can be customized with different flavors and decorations to suit any theme or occasion. Cake balls are also bite-sized, which makes them easy to eat while mingling or dancing.
Cake balls are also a great option for parties or events because they’re easy to serve and transport. You can store them in a large container or bag, and then serve them on a platter or in individual cups. You can also package cake balls in cellophane bags or containers, which makes them a great option for favors or gifts.