What Are Cake Balls?

New desserts and confections are constantly being created by inventive chefs and home cooks. One bite-sized dessert that emerged in the first decade of the 21st century is the cake ball. Cake balls only require a few simple and inexpensive ingredients. You may want to try making some yourself. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Identification

Cake balls are a confection composed of cake crumbs and frosting. Chefs mix the two together and form the mixture into balls, which they then cover in chocolate confectionery coating or almond bark. The dessert condenses the flavor and consistency of a slice of cake into a miniature, truffle-like dessert. Chefs most often make cake balls from any crumbly cake recipe -- so angel food cake and dense fruitcake would not be suitable for cake balls -- and any type of thick, creamy frosting.

Recipe

Cake balls are very simple to make. All you need are three ingredients: a box of cake mix, a small container of frosting and a package of chocolate coating. Bake the cake according to package directions, then crumble into a large bowl while still warm. Mix the cake crumbs with the entire container of frosting until thoroughly blended and solid, almost dough-like. Melt the chocolate coating in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl and stir until smooth. Use a melon-baller or small scoop to make balls from the cake mixture. Dip each ball into the coating and remove with toothpicks. Allow the balls to set on parchment until the coating hardens.

Where to Buy

If you do not want to make your own, you can also purchase cake balls at several venues. Neiman Marcus, the upscale retail chain, offers the gourmet versions of the treats at its stores across the United States. Many confection shops and candy stores in malls across the country also carry cake balls. Lastly, you can purchase them online at certain online candy shops.

Variations and Other Information

Many people also call cake balls by other names, including cake bites, cake bon-bons and cake truffles. Candy makers often decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, chopped nuts and other chopped candies. Some confectioners also place the desserts on wooden sticks to form cake pops.