Goodness Gracious Cake Balls of Fire

I wanted to make cake balls one time before I left Los Angeles. I did not want to leave without Jacob's coworkers experiencing the joy and wonder of the cake ball.

I absolutely love these things. I especially love them straight out of the fridge. Delicious! The only thing is that they are kind of a pain to make. But after all that trouble, the first bite makes it all worth it.

I made these in 1/2 tablespoon size. I usually make full tablespoon size, but I wanted to make sure I got enough for every one, so I went with smaller. I actually liked this small size because it made the balance between gooey center and chocolate shell better.

I make the balls with just a measuring spoon. I scoop some into the spoon, scraping the side of the bowl so that it's about level, then I tap it out on the counter. They almost always just fall out. Super easy. This produces very even portions for me and requires no extra equipment, which my husband loves. He just can't understand why I need some gadget or another. I try to explain, but he just doesn't get it. So, I buy it when he's not with me. Problem solved. :)

I originally thought I might try to do cake ball pops, but I had a memory lapse and forgot how much of a pain they are to make. And why is it that I always pick the time intensive baking projects when I know I won't start until 10 pm? I just don't get it. Anyone that knows me knows that I love sleep. But no, not when baking's around. Sleep gets pushed to the back burner while baking and I have a night out on the town...or in my kitchen...

Anyways, after making about a dozen cake pops, I discarded that idea and made regular cake balls. Then I ran out of chocolate bark. But I had some white bark, so I used that. Then I ran out of that and had to use my two leftover portions to make "swirls." But I really prefer the chocolate bark. The white is just a little too sweet, and I can't eat as many as I want to eat. :)

I've never included a recipe for cake balls, and while I'm sure most people have come across this before on some site or another, if you have forgotten or on the off-chance this is your first view of them, here's the recipe:

Cake Balls
from I have no idea where the original recipe came from, I learned about it from my brother and sister-in-law

1 package of cake mix (any flavor)
1 tub of icing (that goes with your cake mix)
bark coating

1. Bake the cake according to the directions on the box. I usually make it in the 9x13 size since it requires the least amount of work.
2. While it is still warm, crumble the cake and mix in the icing.
3. Scoop the icing/cake mixture into equal portions and form into balls.
4. Freeze the balls. (It makes it easier to dip.)
5. Melt the bark coating and dip the balls, coating evenly.
6. Let set and store. I like to keep in the fridge but they are good room temperature, too.