Cream Soda Cheddar Pretzel Cake (Print Version)

Sweet fizz meets sharp cheddar and pretzels inside decadent cake balls crowned with playful chocolate monster decorations.

# Components:

→ Cake

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup cream soda, room temperature
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Mix-ins & Filling

10 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
11 - 3/4 cup pretzels, crushed

→ Frosting (for binding)

12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
14 - 2 tablespoons cream soda
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Coating & Decoration

16 - 16 ounces semisweet or white chocolate, chopped or chips
17 - Assorted colored candy melts (green, purple, orange, etc.)
18 - Candy eyes
19 - Extra crushed pretzels, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
02 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
03 - Blend in vanilla extract. Alternate adding flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with cream soda, stirring until just combined.
04 - Gently fold shredded cheddar cheese and crushed pretzels into batter.
05 - Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
06 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually blend in powdered sugar, cream soda, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
07 - Crumble cooled cake into a bowl. Add 1 cup frosting and mix until cohesive; add more frosting if required for binding.
08 - Roll mixture into 1.5-inch balls, portioning with a scoop or spoon. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
09 - Melt chocolate and candy melts in separate bowls using microwave or double boiler.
10 - Dip each ball into melted chocolate or colored melts. Allow excess to drip off and set on parchment paper.
11 - Apply candy eyes and sprinkle extra crushed pretzels onto wet coatings for monster effect.
12 - Chill until coatings are firm. Serve at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Surprising sweet-savory flavor combination
  • Fun monster decorations perfect for gatherings
02 -
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and eggs—check candy melt labels for allergens.
  • Cake balls store well in the fridge for up to 5 days; serve at room temperature for best texture.
03 -
  • For a more pronounced savory kick, use smoked cheddar and a pinch of cayenne.
  • Try root beer instead of cream soda for a fun flavor twist.

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