Monster Cake Balls

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will bring smiles to faces big and small, then Monster Cake Balls are just the thing! These scrumptious little bites are perfect for Halloween parties, family gatherings, or whenever you want to add a bit of fun to your dessert table. I love making these with my kids; it’s a wonderful way to get creative together while enjoying something delicious. Plus, who can resist those adorable little monster faces?

These Monster Cake Balls are not only tasty but also easy to whip up. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough for everyone. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this monster-making adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these treats ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love getting involved in decorating their own cake balls—let their creativity shine!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From Halloween to birthdays, these cake balls fit right in at any celebration.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare them ahead of time so you can focus on other party details.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate cake and creamy almond bark is simply irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home or can easily pick up at the store. Let’s get started!

For the Cake

• 15.25 ounce chocolate cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 1/4 cup water
• butter or non-stick spray for the pan

For Decoration

• 2 pounds vanilla almond bark
• 34 pectin-based gummy candies
• candy eyes
• orange food coloring

Variations

One of the best things about Monster Cake Balls is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to suit your tastes.

• Swap the Cake Flavor: Instead of chocolate, try red velvet or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor twist.
• Change Up the Toppings: Use different kinds of gummy candies or sprinkles to create unique monsters.
• Go Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version.
• Add Some Crunch: Mix in crushed pretzels or nuts into the cake mixture for added texture.

How to Make Monster Cake Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Start by adding your chocolate cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and water into a mixer bowl. Beat everything together with an electric mixer until smooth—this should take about 2 minutes. It’s important to mix well so that your cake has that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Bake and Cool

Next up, bake the cake according to package directions. Once it’s done baking, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Cooling is key here since we want our cake to crumble nicely later on!

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, add cream cheese and beat it until fluffy with a mixer. Then crumble your cooled cake into this bowl. Mixing these two together creates a rich filling for your cake balls—trust me, it’s heavenly!

Step 4: Form the Balls

Now it’s time to press that mixture into balls! Use a medium-sized cookie scoop to form uniform cake balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about an inch apart. This step ensures they keep their shape while they chill.

Step 5: Chill Out

Pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 2 hours (or one hour in the freezer). Chilling helps firm them up so they’re easier to dip later on.

Step 6: Melt Almond Bark

While your cake balls are chilling, chop up the almond bark into small pieces and melt it over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. This creamy coating is what gives our Monster Cake Balls their fun exterior.

Step 7: Dip Them Right

Pour your melted almond bark into a tall measuring glass for easy dipping. Use two forks to dip each cake ball thoroughly in the melted almond bark before placing them back on a parchment-lined sheet.

Step 8: Decorate Your Monsters

Time for some fun! Add gummy worms and candy eyes onto each dipped ball while still wet. If you find that the almond bark has set before you’re finished decorating, just use a dab of warm almond bark as glue.

Step 9: Add Some Color

Mix about half a cup of almond bark with orange food coloring (8-10 drops) and transfer it into a piping bag. Pipe spooky spikes or dots onto each monster ball—it adds that extra flair!

Step 10: Final Chill

Finally, return your decorated Monster Cake Balls back onto the baking sheet and refrigerate them for just another 15 minutes until everything is set.

And there you have it! A batch of delightful Monster Cake Balls ready for any occasion! Enjoy sharing these treats with family and friends—you won’t be able to resist having more than one!

Pro Tips for Making Monster Cake Balls

Making Monster Cake Balls is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can take your treats to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smoother, more cohesive cake mixture that holds together better when forming the balls.

• Chill before coating: By refrigerating or freezing the formed cake balls before dipping them in almond bark, you ensure they maintain their shape and don’t crumble during the coating process.

• Don’t rush the melting: Melting the almond bark slowly over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave prevents it from burning and guarantees a smooth, even coating that looks professional.

• Get creative with colors: Using different food colorings, besides orange, can make your Monster Cake Balls even more fun! Consider using green or purple for an extra spooky touch.

• Make them bite-sized: Using a medium cookie scoop ensures uniformity in size. This makes it easier for guests to enjoy without overwhelming them with large bites!

How to Serve Monster Cake Balls

Presenting your Monster Cake Balls with flair can make them even more enticing! Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply treating yourself, here are some fun ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful edible glitter or Halloween-themed sprinkles adds an exciting visual appeal and enhances the festive atmosphere.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top brings depth of flavor and makes each cake ball look even more decadent.
• Crushed Nuts: A light dusting of crushed nuts can provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cake balls.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Platter: Fresh fruit like apples, grapes, and oranges offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake balls. It’s a perfect way to balance out dessert!
• Popcorn: A bowl of caramel or cheese popcorn can add a fun crunch! Its savory taste pairs well with the sweet flavors of Monster Cake Balls.
• Veggie Tray: Crisp veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers served with hummus provide a healthy option that complements sweets perfectly.
• Spooky Punch: A batch of spooky punch (like grape juice mixed with lemon-lime soda) will set the mood for your party while keeping guests refreshed!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Monster Cake Balls will not only taste amazing but also steal the show at any gathering. Enjoy this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Monster Cake Balls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to create delicious snacks that can be enjoyed throughout the week. They hold up well in the fridge and freezer, making them a fantastic option for parties or just a sweet treat at home!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cake balls in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Ensure they are separated with parchment paper if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze the cake balls before decorating them for best results.
• Use a baking sheet to freeze them individually for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• For best texture, allow frozen cake balls to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
• You can also leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Monster Cake Balls!

How do I make Monster Cake Balls vegan?

To make these delightful treats vegan, substitute the eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) and use a vegan butter alternative. Ensure your gummy candies are also plant-based!

Can I customize my Monster Cake Balls?

Absolutely! Feel free to change up the flavors by using different cake mixes or almond bark. You can also decorate with various candies or sprinkles to give your cake balls a unique twist!

What’s the best way to serve Monster Cake Balls?

Monster Cake Balls are fun served at parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a festive platter and watch as everyone enjoys these cute and tasty treats!

How long do Monster Cake Balls last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Monster Cake Balls will last in the fridge for about a week and can be frozen for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Monster Cake Balls! They’re not only fun but also a great way to get creative during Halloween or any fun gathering. Enjoy every bite of your sweet creations, and don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family—they’re sure to love them! Happy baking!