Little Bites

In the cake decorating world, there's always a craze.  About a year or two ago, it was cupcakes.  Now, it's cake balls and cake pops.

Tuxedo coconut cake balls and "Bridal" carrot cake balls

Personally, I don't like the name "cake ball."  I prefer "cake bites" but I'm thinking that's not going to catch on now that the other term has gone viral.  Anywho, ever wondered what a cake ball is and how to make them?  Wonder no more!

These lovely little treats are kind of like a mix between a slice of cake and a truffle.

What is a cake ball?  It is a small serving of cake mixed with frosting and/or other ingredients that is rolled and covered in a candy coating.

Are they hard to make?  Nope! The most difficult part is dipping the balls and getting a smooth finish.

Here's how it's done:
         For the first time you make them, I recommend using a boxed cake mix and a can of frosting. This ensures the correct ratio of cake to frosting.  After you get the feel for the correct consistency of the mixture, you can branch out and use home-made cakes and frostings.

1. Make a cake per the instructions on the cake mix box.  Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow cake(s) to cool on a cooling rack until approximately room temperature.
3. Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl.  That's right, destroy the pretty cake you just baked.  This is the most fun part!!
4. After all of the cake is in small crumbles, add a can of frosting to the bowl and mix until well combined.
5. Place mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour.  Mixture should be chilled enough to hold its shape and not be too sticky to roll.
6. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, measure out small amounts of cake mixture.  
7. Roll each serving in your hands to make a ball. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Place balls in the fridge again to set. You can also put them in the freezer to speed up the process.
9. Melt candy melts or dipping chocolate in a small microwavable bowl.  Candy melts can be found at local craft stores.
10. Dip balls into coating and place back on cookie sheet. You can either dip one half of the ball at a time, or use a toothpick inserted into the ball to dip, then pull the toothpick out once they're on the cookie sheet.
11. Decorate as desired.  Or, you know, just eat them.  They taste the same whether they're pretty or not. :)

Tips/Tricks

• If your mixture seems too mushy, add some powdered sugar to make it a little more dry.  
• If your mixture is too dry, add more frosting!
• After they're dipped, do NOT put them back in the freezer.  I learned this the hard way.  The coating will weep once they're at room temp and the cake ball will be sticky.
• You can store them at room temp for a while if you use candy coating.  If longer than a day, pop them in the fridge.  

So there you have it!  It looks like a lot of steps but fear not, it's very easy. These can make a great addition to parties, favors for a wedding (like the ones in the pictures), or even just a bright spot in your Saturday afternoon.  Plus, they're just so darn cute!

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