Save Moist and spiced sweet potato cake balls shaped like playful monsters, featuring a sweet cinnamon sugar coating and creamy center. These festive treats are perfect for parties and a Halloween favorite sure to delight both kids and adults.
I first made these cake balls for my niece's birthday party, and they quickly became the highlight among the kids. Their monster faces and vibrant colors made them so fun to prepare together in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- For the Sweet Potato Cake: 1 cup (225 g) cooked and mashed sweet potato (about 1 large sweet potato)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g)
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
- For the Cake Ball Mixture: 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup (30 g)
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
- For Coating and Decoration: 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate or white candy melts
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Candy eyes: store-bought or homemade
- Food coloring gels: optional, for colored chocolate
- Sprinkles: optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Sift Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently fold until just combined.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make Cake Ball Mixture:
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated and the mixture holds together.
- Shape Balls:
- Scoop and roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about 24). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes.
- Melt Coating:
- Melt the white chocolate or candy melts according to package directions. Stir in food coloring if desired.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Decorate Cake Balls:
- Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, allow excess to drip off, then immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and add candy eyes to create monster faces. Add sprinkles if using.
- Set the Cake Balls:
- Place on parchment to set. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Save We made these cake balls as a weekend project with my nephews and laughed while decorating each monster face. They loved picking out sprinkles and adding funny candy eyes!
Required Tools
Prepare with an 8x8-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, spatula, parchment paper and a baking sheet for best results.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs and milk (cream cheese, white chocolate). Check candy eyes and sprinkles for additional ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 2 g per cake ball.
Save Serve these cheerful cake balls at parties for a guaranteed smile. Easy to customize, they're an instant crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make the sweet potato mixture?
Cook and mash sweet potatoes, then combine with sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
- → What are the steps for shaping the balls?
Crumble cooled cake, mix with cream cheese and sugar, then roll into uniform balls and chill before coating.
- → Can I use other coatings besides white chocolate?
Milk or dark chocolate, colored candy melts, or sanding sugar offer alternative coatings for flavor and decoration.
- → How can I make these treats dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan white chocolate to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising texture.
- → Are candy eyes necessary for decoration?
Candy eyes complete the monster look, but mini chocolate chips or colored sprinkles can be substituted as fun alternatives.
- → How do I ensure the balls hold their shape?
Chill the formed balls before coating, and use softened cream cheese for binding and a smooth texture.