Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Champagne Cake Balls


I have made 100 cake balls in the last 4 days. 100.  You know, for a girl who doesn't like cake, I sure bake a lot of cake.  Although, it turns out that its that ooey gooey pasty icky store bought cake I don't like.  And all this time I thought it was cake I didn't like...but it turns out its just the source.  Sorry cake for hatin' on you all these years!  Can we be friends?

We had another GNIPL on Friday evening and I deemed a theme for the evening.  Appetizers!  Yeah, so why not cake balls?  That's a tasty appetizer.  Okay, okay, I made an appetizer that I will share with you all soon, because it was awesome.  But, I also made these cute little cake balls, and since I got so many requests for this recipe on Friday night I thought I'd post it first.  You know that old saying, "Life's unexpexted, eat dessert first"?  That applies to blog posts and baking recipes too.  I'm surprised you didn't know that.

I had a taste tester...

I got this recipe from Laura at Sprint 2 the Table and made some adaptations to suit my tastes.  Her review was that these were a very doughy cake ball and I wanted something a little more cakey.  So, I added egg whites and oil to acheive this result. 




Besides the final product, the very best part of making these cake balls is the leftover champgne.  One generous glass to be exact.  That I am drinking right now.  While munching on a cake ball.

These were a hit!  I hope you enjoy them as much as me and my little cake monster did!



Champagne Cake Balls

PRINT THIS RECIPE!!

Makes 30 cake balls

Cake Ingredients:
1 box white cake mix
1 1/4 cups champagne (I used medium-dry)
3 egg whites
1/3 cup canola oil

Frosting Ingredients:
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp champagne
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups (165 grams) powdered sugar

Candy Coating:
1 pound white or bittersweet chocolate (or both)


Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease a 9 x 13 pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

To make the cake, combine all cake ingredients and beat with an electric or stand mixer until well combined, about 2 minutes.  Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Set on a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

To make the frosting, bring 1/2 cup champagne to a boil and then reduce to a simmer until it is reduced to 2 tbsp, about 10 minutes.  Allow to cool completely (I made the cake and the champagne reduction and, to allow adequate cooling time, moved onto the rest of the recipe the next day).

Add butter and powdered sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.  Reduce speed to low and slowly add the cooled champagne reduction and 1 tbsp champagne.  Increase speed to medium and beat for one minute or until well combined.

In a large bowl, crumble the cake and then add 1/2 cup of frosting.  Using your hands, incorporate the frosting into the cake until well combined.  If the cake seems dry keep adding frosting 1 tbsp at a time, up to an additional 1/4 cup, until it reaches your desired consistency (you can do some taste tests here until the taste suits you).

Using your hands, roll the cake mixture into 1 tbsp sized balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.  Refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes to firm up cake balls.

In a microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate in 30 second increments, stirring in between until almost melted.  Stir vigorously and if the chocolate is still not melted, microwave in 15 second increments until melted and smooth.

Using a spoon, take one chilled cake ball at a time and place in the melted chocolate.  Spoon chocolate over the cake ball to coat.  (Don't roll the cake ball in the chocolate or you will create crumbs that don't look pretty on your final product.)  Remove cake ball from the chocolate with spoon and very gently return to wax paper on the cookie sheet.  Repeat with remaining cake balls.

Allow to chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour and then...

Eat it!!

Posted by at
Labels: , ,

35 comments:

  1. AmaliaDecember 13, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    These look so festive and fun, not to mention delicious! I love the little red, green and silver toppings. And I can't believe you made 100, that's pretty crazy! But I'm sure your daughter loved it :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. TinaRBKDecember 14, 2011 at 3:09 AM

    Guess I have found my new years dessert here! I have never made cake balls before but this recipe is one that does inspire. I really do like the idea of using champagne. Your treats look delicious.
    I have been told that the cake balls with the maker are very dry in they are just cake, yet sometimes the ones with the frosting mix with the cake pieces can be too gooey. Glad to see that you found a balance between the two. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Eating DeliciouslyDecember 14, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    Can't wait to make these! Cake and champagne in one little bite, genius!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kiri W.December 14, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    How delicious and beautiful! Love the silver pearls :) And champagne is just such a subtle, festive flavor in baked goods!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Laura @ Sprint 2 the TableDecember 14, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    I'm so glad you enjoyed them! That frosting is insane, isn't it? You have to try the red wine version next!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and DessertsDecember 14, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    I love the idea of champagne cake! I have been doing my fair share of dipping for truffles lately! Not my favorite thing - but these are so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Professor VegetableDecember 14, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    I've been loving cake balls since I saw them over at sprint 2 the table!!! Yours look really good. I love the sprinkles. Where did you get such cool sprinkles? I've never seen any like those!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Liz @ Southern CharmDecember 14, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    So festive!! Bookmarking this for New Years!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Liz That Skinny Chick Can BakeDecember 14, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Your cake balls are beautiful! I adore the white chocolate coating...and the sprinkles make these so festive :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cucina49December 14, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    I LOVE cake balls...but the addition of champagne is a new one to me. I think these sound fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  11. KokilaDecember 14, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Your cake balls are beautiful.Don't forget my blog.come and join my member list :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.December 14, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    I love these cake balls! Champagne and cake is a wonderful combo! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. raquelDecember 14, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    I am excited to try this I know my friends will love this too.

    ReplyDelete
  14. ShoutforfoodDecember 14, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    Those photos are mouthwatering and I believe provide a perfect salute to the ... I think I could eat this all day long, because I love such delicious looking things :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousDecember 15, 2011 at 4:08 AM

    Great "app" for a party! Your taste tester is too cute! I like recipes involving booze where there is enough for a glass for the chef at the end:)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal FamilyDecember 15, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    100! Holy Smokes you have been busy, and that type of work ethic is admirable.
    I love Laura's recipe and I love how gorgeous you decorate these (plus your taste tester...who could ask for a better one?)
    Have a Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Britne @ Shabbott's HabitsDecember 15, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Oh my gosh! I love the champagne idea! These would be absolutely perfect for the New Years party that I'm going to! Bookmarking AND Pinning this. Are you a fan of Pinterest? You should totally put a "Pin it" link under that recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Cassie | Bake Your DayDecember 15, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    These sound amazing! I haven't had a cake ball that I've been totally in love with but I love the idea of adding champagne. They are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jen at The Three Little PigletsDecember 15, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Aw! That might just be the cutest little cake ball tester on the planet!! I've got no great love of store bought cakes either - especially whatever they use that they call frosting...

    ReplyDelete
  20. Justine LDecember 15, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    yum ... brilliant! What a great idea for New Years. :) Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lauren at Keep It SweetDecember 15, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Not only do these sound amazing, but I love them as an excuse to open a bottle of champagne:-)

    ReplyDelete
  22. MonetDecember 15, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Now aren't these just lovely? They would be perfect for any celebration, but I'm thinking New Year's Eve! How much fun to eat and share. Thank you for another fabulous post with another delicious recipe. Too good!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Kim BeeDecember 15, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Wow these are amazing. Okay I have to admit something here. Are you ready for this? I have never had a cake ball. Like ever. They aren't popular here and I've just never attempted them. I must try as yours look wicked good. Great job. And how many times can I say to a fellow chick "wow you got alot of balls" and get away with it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Angie's RecipesDecember 15, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Those cake balls are really lovely and festive with the colourful sprinkles atop. Thumbs up for you!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anne@frommysweetheartDecember 17, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Maggie...aren't cake balls the best? I've only made them once and I kick myself because who doesn't love a little bite of inside out and then dipped cake?! Now the champagne...that has me intrigued! Especially since there will be a leftover glass! These look wonderful! : )

    ReplyDelete
  26. alanaDecember 18, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    The cakeballs look great and ur baby is adorable

    ReplyDelete
  27. SandraDecember 19, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    Hooray for boozy desserts!

    ReplyDelete
  28. HilaryDecember 19, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Maggie, I made these for our open house on Saturday night and they were a HIT...absolutely delicious:)

    ReplyDelete
  29. MaggieDecember 20, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    @ Hilary, so glad you loved them! They are a favorite around here already. I also made them with red wine and chocolate cake and I can't decide which is my favorite. Both very different and very good!

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousDecember 20, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    As Tina says, perfect New Years eve feasting, what with the Champagne and general glittery decadence. These are marvellous, can't believe you've been baking so much, I feel so lazy now :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousDecember 20, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    These are so pretty and festive! I would LOVE to serve these at a New Year's Eve party. (too bad I never have parties...)

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousDecember 21, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    The cake balls are stunning and you have been busy! I'm with you - when it comes to store bought cakes, I'll pass!

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownDecember 30, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    What can I use in place of the champagne? I am going to a family new years eve party with lots of children!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MaggieDecember 31, 2013 at 2:57 AM

      Hi Roxana! Try using some sparkling white grape juice. This will change the flavor slightly because there is no alcohol, but still be delicious!!

      Delete
  34. UnknownDecember 30, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    What can I use in place on champagne? Milk? I am going to a family event with lots of children!!

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing your feedback! So if you have got something to say, cook it to me here:

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)