How cute are these?!?

I took a little inspiration from Bakerella this weekend and decided to give making some cake balls a try for the holiday. What I really love about making cake balls is how creative they allow you to be. Simply bake a cake (possibilities are endless here) mix add in some frosting to give yourself some sculpting power and freeze them in any shape you desire!

I decided since this was my first time making cake balls I should stick to a flavor combination that is relatively classic, dark chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream icing, however, I am really tempted to start experimenting with different flavor combinations in the near future.

The only thing I had a hard time doing was deciding what shape to make with them? Seeing as how these delicious little treats were going to be for a holiday party we were throwing I wanted to make them matched our holiday decorations. That’s when it came to me. What about Christmas ornaments?

Christmas ornament cake balls were a perfect idea! They matched our decorations perfectly!

The only thing I do caution about making Christmas ornament cake balls is to give yourself enough time to let these suckers freeze completely. I pushed the envelope with time as I had a few things to take care of before the party and found that if you only let them set for 30 to 40 minutes the cake is still a little too sticky when dipped in the candy melts and can create some problems with crumbs being left behind. After rolling a couple I decided that they were too soft and I stuck them back in the freezer to harden a little more. After an hour and a half freezing the cake balls dipped into the candy melts perfectly.

Christmas Ornament Cake Balls
Variation of Bakerella’s Red Velvet Cake Balls (here)

1 box chocolate cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can chocolate buttercream frosting (16 oz.)
1 package red candy melts
wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can buttercream frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)
4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)
5. Melt candy melts in microwave per directions on package.
6. Roll balls in candy melts and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)
7. Cut circle fondant toppers shaped like tops of Christmas ornaments. Use small dab of candy melt to “glue on”