Monster Cake Balls

If you’re looking for a spooky yet delightful dessert to impress at your next gathering, you’ve come to the right place! Monster Cake Balls are not just treats; they are little bites of joy that spark creativity and fun. I love making these sweet monsters for Halloween parties, school events, or whenever the mood strikes for something playful and delicious. Plus, they’re great for getting the kids involved in the kitchen!

These cake balls add a festive touch and can be personalized with colors and decorations to match any theme. Trust me, once you start making these Monster Cake Balls, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delightful treats ready to go.
• Family-friendly fun: This recipe is perfect for kids! They can help shape the cake balls and decorate them with candy eyes and gummy worms.
• Customizable flavors: Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes or toppings to create your unique monster designs.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Halloween or just a family get-together, these cake balls will brighten up any event.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge until it’s time to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to whip up these delightful Monster Cake Balls. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at your local grocery store!

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 the Coating

• 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 this recipe can be! Feel free to get creative with flavors and decorations.

• Change up the cake mix: Try using red velvet or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor profile.
• Add sprinkles: Use colorful sprinkles instead of gummy worms for added texture and fun!
• Switch up the toppings: Experiment with different candies like chocolate chips or crushed cookies on top.
• Go mini: Make smaller cake balls for bite-sized treats that everyone will love.

How to Make Monster Cake Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

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, which should take about 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it ensures all ingredients are well combined for a moist cake!

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Next, pour your batter into a prepared baking pan (don’t forget that butter or non-stick spray!) and bake according to package directions. Once baked, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Cooling is important so that we can easily crumble it later without burning our fingers!

Step 3: Mix in Cream Cheese

In another large bowl, add cream cheese and beat it until fluffy. This creamy mixture will help bind our crumbled cake together beautifully. When your cake has cooled down, crumble it into this bowl as well.

Step 4: Forming Cake Balls

Mix together the cream cheese and crumbled cake until well combined; don’t worry if it’s crumbly—it’s supposed to be! Now it’s time to roll this mixture into balls. Using a medium-sized cookie scoop makes this step easier. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet about an inch apart.

Step 5: Chill Your Cake Balls

Pop your baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 2 hours (or in the freezer for just an hour) until they’re firm enough to handle. Chilling helps maintain their shape when coating them later.

Step 6: Melt Almond Bark

While waiting, chop up your almond bark into small pieces and melt them over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth—this will create that delicious outer layer that makes these Monster Cake Balls truly special.

Step 7: Coat Each Ball

Pour the melted almond bark into a tall measuring glass (it makes dipping easier). Dip each chilled cake ball into the almond bark using two forks—this helps catch any excess coating before placing them back on parchment paper.

Step 8: Decorate Your Monsters

This is where you can let your creativity shine! Add gummy worms and candy eyes while the almond bark is still wet. If it starts setting before you finish decorating, simply use a little bit of melted almond bark as glue!

Step 9: Add Some Colorful Touches

For extra flair, mix some orange food coloring into about half a cup of leftover almond bark. Pour this mixture into a piping bag (or even just use a sandwich bag with one corner snipped off) and make fun spikes or dots on top of each ball.

Step 10: Set & Enjoy!

Return your masterpiece back onto the baking sheet and refrigerate for about 15 minutes until everything sets perfectly. Now you’re ready to serve these Monster Cake Balls at your next gathering—enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Monster Cake Balls

Creating the perfect Monster Cake Balls can be a delightful experience! Here are some tips to ensure that your treats turn out as fun and delicious as possible.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs and melted butter to be at room temperature for optimal mixing. This helps create a smoother batter, resulting in better-textured cake balls.

• Chill before dipping: Make sure to refrigerate or freeze the cake balls before dipping them in almond bark. This helps them maintain their shape and makes handling easier when coating them.

• Work quickly with the almond bark: Almond bark can set up relatively fast, so it’s best to dip and decorate each cake ball promptly. If it starts to harden, just reheat gently to make it workable again.

• Experiment with colors: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your food coloring! You can mix in different colors for a spooky look or even use edible glitter for an extra festive touch.

• Store properly: Keep your finished Monster Cake Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for several days, allowing you to enjoy them even after the party is over!

How to Serve Monster Cake Balls

Monster Cake Balls not only taste great but also make for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. Here are some creative ideas on how to present these delightful treats!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A variety of colorful sprinkles can add a fun texture and additional color to your cake balls!
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling some melted dark chocolate over the top can enhance the flavor and make your treats look like gourmet desserts.
• Candy corn: Placing a few pieces of candy corn around the cake balls on your serving platter adds a festive touch that’s perfect for Halloween.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cake balls, providing a healthy option alongside your treats.
• Popcorn: Serve up some sweet or savory popcorn as a crunchy side that complements the soft texture of Monster Cake Balls perfectly.
• Veggie platter: Brightly colored veggies with hummus or dip offer a nice contrast, making it easier for guests to enjoy both sweet and savory flavors.
• Cheese board: A selection of cheeses along with crackers provides a more sophisticated pairing that can elevate your dessert table!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Monster Cake Balls will not only be delicious but also a hit at any gathering! Enjoy crafting these spooky delights!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Monster Cake Balls are perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time for your next gathering or celebration. They store well, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats whenever you crave a sweet snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cake balls in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze the cake balls before coating them in almond bark for best results.
• Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat these sweet treats, but if you’ve frozen them, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• For a quick refresh, you can also microwave them for about 10 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat!

FAQs

If you’re curious about making Monster Cake Balls or how to customize them, check out these common questions!

How do I make Monster Cake Balls from scratch?

While this recipe uses a chocolate cake mix for convenience, you can make a homemade chocolate cake and follow the same steps to create your Monster Cake Balls.

Can I customize the flavors of my Monster Cake Balls?

Absolutely! You can swap out the chocolate cake mix for vanilla or even funfetti. Feel free to experiment with different colors of food coloring and types of gummy candies!

How should I store my Monster Cake Balls?

Store your Monster Cake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to keep them fresh and tasty.

How many servings does this Monster Cake Balls recipe make?

This recipe yields about 34 delicious Monster Cake Balls, perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up these playful Monster Cake Balls! They’re not just delicious; they’re also a blast to create. Gather your friends or family around and enjoy making these spooky treats together. Whether it’s Halloween or just a fun monster-themed party, I’m sure everyone will love them. Have fun baking and decorating—happy cooking!