I always say the best ideas are born out of necessity. And this week’s stroke of genius came in the form of funfetti cake balls.
We were going to a family friend’s birthday party, and I very much wanted to bring a baked good for her birthday. But as usual, the week ran away from me and I just didn’t think I would have the time or energy to bake something from scratch.
Thanks to my somewhat crazy need to save everything, I had a leftover cake in my freezer, and a container of buttercream from two weeks ago in my fridge. I realized I could easily throw these things together to make some beautiful and tasty cake balls. Some people call them cake truffles, but I think it’s much more fun to talk about all the balls I would be putting in my mouth as a result of this baking project. And so they are cake balls.
If your brand of crazy doesn’t involve cake in your freezer, you could easily throw together a packaged cake mix or even store bought cake along with store-bought frosting. I try not to use store-bought frosting because most have high fructose corn syrup, but you should do what feels comfortable.
READ: I Went Overboard for My Daughter’s 3rd Birthday, But It Was Worth It
Dipping the cake balls in melted chocolate was the trickiest and most difficult part. I recommend laying out all your supplies on the counter or table ahead of time. You will need some parchment paper and a big baking sheet. I also like using a small wire whisk for the chocolate. Dip the balls carefully into the melted chocolate and then use a small spoon or spatula to cover any bits.
These are so fun to throw together in various flavors for birthday parties, and it’s also a baking project where your kids can help—they can top them with their favorite sprinkles, crushed nuts, graham cracker crumbs, or other fun (but light weight) toppings.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 batch prepared white cake with 1/3 cup sprinkles added to batter or store-bought funfetti cake mix
1 cup buttercream frosting such as this best vanilla buttercream
4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
Pinch of salt
12 oz white chocolate
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
Additional sprinkles for topping
READ: Peanut Butter & Jelly Challah – RECIPE
DIRECTIONS
1. Place cake, frosting, cream cheese and pinch of salt in a large bowl. Mash it all together using a wooden spoon (or even better, your hands) until it is uniform and easy to mold.
2. Using a cookie scoop, roll into even balls and place onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Place in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
3. Place white chocolate and vegetable oil in a glass bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, mixing well in between, until chocolate is almost completely melted. Using a good whisk, mix until smooth and completely melted. Try not to overheat – white chocolate scorches very easily.
4. Dip each into the chocolate or cover using a small spoon. Place back onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Working quickly, cover the top of each ball with sprinkles.
5. You may need to microwave the chocolate mixture if it begins to harden. Just place back in the microwave for 15 seconds and whisk vigorously.
6. Place balls back into fridge until ready to serve.
