Cake Balls

30 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 15 m Total: 35 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Cake Balls
Yummy take on traditional cake; great for children’s parties. Made with German Chocolate cake (or any leftover cake) rolled into balls and dipped in melted chocolate, these sweet treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or turning yesterday’s dessert into today’s fun finger food.

Ingredients

30 servings
  • 1 German Chocolate cake (baked and cooled, or leftover cake)
  • 2 (12 oz) bags semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 block gulf wax (paraffin wax)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. I know that you’ve been dying to do this. Take your leftover cake and SMUSH it together with your hands to make small balls about the size of a golf ball. You should get about 30 balls.
  2. In a fondue pot or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and gulf wax together over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Take a fork or skewer and dip the cake balls in the melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off. Place the balls on wax paper until cooled and firm, about 1-2 hours at room temperature or 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  4. You can make these cake pops by using popsicle sticks to dip the cake balls and leaving them in to serve.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my chocolate coating too thick or not sticking well?

A: The chocolate may be too hot or too cool. Keep it at a warm, liquid consistency—if it's too thick, reheat gently. If it's sliding off, let it cool slightly before dipping.

Q: Can I skip the gulf wax?

A: Gulf wax (paraffin) helps the chocolate set firmer and gives it a nice shine, but you can use pure chocolate or candy melts instead. The coating will be softer without the wax.

Q: How do I keep the cake balls from falling apart?

A: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before forming balls. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a tablespoon or two of frosting to help bind it together.

Tips and Techniques

Chill the formed cake balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before dipping—this helps them hold together better and makes the chocolate coating easier to work with. Use a toothpick or fork to dip, then slide off onto wax paper.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • German Chocolate cake: any flavor cake (chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, spice cake)
  • semi-sweet chocolate chips: milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or candy melts
  • gulf wax: omit, or use 1-2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Equipment Needed

  • double boiler or fondue pot
  • wax paper or parchment paper
  • fork or skewer for dipping
  • popsicle sticks (optional, for cake pops)

Historical Context

Cake balls became popular across the South as a way to use leftover cake and turn it into something special for parties and bake sales. They’re now seen everywhere from birthday parties to wedding receptions.