Adventures in Baking: Cake Balls Edition

I have mentioned before that I enjoy reading food blogs.  It’s not because I’m a foodie, but rather I enjoy looking at pictures of food.  Every once in a while, I’m compelled to try a recipe (see Pink Lady Cake).

This past weekend, I decided to try my hand at Cake Balls.  I used a recipe from the Serious Eats blog.  The author adapted her recipe from an article she read in the Dallas Morning News. Like the author, I had never heard of cake balls although they are supposed to be on track to replace cupcakes in popularity.  There are plenty of cupcake shops.  Can you imagine a sudden explosion in cake ball bakeries?

It’s very easy to create these delectable goodies.  All you need is a box of Duncan Hines cake mix (you could make your own cake batter, but why?), a tub of frosting (again, you could go all Wilton and make your own, but why?) and some confectioner’s chocolate to coat the balls. Serious Eats melted chocolate chips for the coating.  I used candy melts from Michael’s (in Tiffany Blue and White with Sprinkles) because I knew I wouldn’t make too make of a mess going that route.

Next, make the cake.  Let the cake cool.  Mix in the frosting.  Put it in the ‘fridge overnight.  Shape the cake/frosting mix into balls.  Coat.  Eat.  And eat some more.

Of course, I made a layout to commemorate my baking adventure.

Materials:

• Cherry-O paper packet
• Kraft cardstock (Bazzill)
• Spice of Life stamp set
• Chocolate, Crystal Blue and Tuilip Exclusive Inks
• Clear Craft Buttons
• Hanging by a Thread stamp set (Technique Tuesday)
• Red Twistel (Making Memories—remember that stuff?!  It’s in the buttons.  I’m trying to use it up.)
• Layout pattern – Page Maps

You’ll note that this is an 8.5 x 11 layout and not my usual 12 x12.  Every once in a while I like to break out of the 12 x 12 box.  Besides, the 8.5 x 11 layouts are easier to scan.

Have you ever made cake balls?  What did you think of them?