Pin Moist, spiced sweet potato cake blended with cinnamon sugar and cream cheese, formed into playful monster-shaped balls and coated in white chocolate. A fun and festive treat perfect for parties or Halloween!
The first time I baked these monster cake balls was for my niece's Halloween birthday. Watching the kids giggle as they decorated their own "monsters" made this treat extra memorable.
Ingredients
- Cooked and mashed sweet potato: 1 cup (225 g), 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
- Cream cheese (softened): 4 oz (115 g)
- Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup (30 g)
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp (additional for mixture)
- White chocolate or white candy melts: 12 oz (340 g)
- Granulated sugar (for coating): 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Ground cinnamon (for coating): 1 tsp
- Candy eyes: store-bought or homemade
- Food coloring gels: optional, for colored chocolate
- Sprinkles: optional
Instructions
- Prepare oven and 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 mashed sweet potato, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and gently fold until just combined.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Form cake ball mixture:
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated and mixture holds together.
- Roll and chill balls:
- Scoop and roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about 24). Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes.
- Melt coating:
- Melt white chocolate or candy melts according to package directions. Stir in food coloring if desired.
- Make cinnamon sugar:
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat and decorate cake balls:
- Dip each ball into melted chocolate, let excess 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.
Pin Decorating these cake balls together as a family always becomes a lively and creative mess. It's a tradition that gets everyone laughing at their silly monster creations.
Required Tools
8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, spatula, parchment paper, baking sheet
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (cream cheese, white chocolate). Always check candy eyes and sprinkles for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 2 g
Pin Serve these cake balls chilled or at room temperature. They're guaranteed to be a whimsical highlight at your next party!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the white chocolate coating?
Yes, you can use colored candy melts, dark chocolate, or vegan alternatives to suit dietary needs or color preference.
- → How do you ensure the cake balls hold their shape?
Blend cake crumbs thoroughly with cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is cohesive, then chill before shaping.
- → What can I use instead of candy eyes for decoration?
Mini chocolate chips or small pieces of fondant work well as eye substitutes and add personality to the monster balls.
- → How do I make this treat dairy-free?
Replace regular cream cheese and white chocolate with plant-based alternatives. Check decorations for hidden dairy ingredients.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and decorate the balls a day in advance; store refrigerated and serve chilled for best texture.
- → How can I add more color to the dessert?
Add colored food gels to melted chocolate or roll finished treats in colored sanding sugar and sprinkles for a vibrant touch.