Save A playful and decadent treat combining the sweet fizz of cream soda, sharp cheddar, and crunchy pretzels, all wrapped in a moist cake ball with a chocolate monster finish—perfect for parties or Halloween.
When I first experimented with this Frankenstein dessert, my family was skeptical about cheddar in cake balls. But after the first bite, everyone was hooked—the cream soda gives the cake a soft, nostalgic sweetness, and the cheddar blends perfectly with the crunch of pretzels, all wrapped up in colorful chocolate monsters.
Ingredients
- Cake: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup cream soda (room temperature), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
- Mix-in & Filling: 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, preferably aged), 3/4 cup pretzels (crushed)
- Frosting (for binding): 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp cream soda, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Coating & Decoration: 16 oz semisweet or white chocolate (chopped or chips), assorted colored candy melts (green, purple, orange, etc.), candy eyes (store-bought or fondant), extra crushed pretzels (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Cream and mix:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Mix in vanilla extract. Alternate adding flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with the cream soda, mixing just until combined.
- Add mix-ins:
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed pretzels.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cream soda, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Form cake balls:
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add 1 cup of frosting and mix until mixture holds together when pressed (add more frosting if needed).
- Shape and freeze:
- Scoop and roll mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
- Melt chocolate:
- Melt chocolate and candy melts in separate bowls using a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip and decorate:
- Dip each cake ball into melted chocolate or colored melts, letting excess drip off. Place back on parchment.
- Add monster details:
- While coating is still wet, stick on candy eyes and sprinkle with extra crushed pretzels for monster decorations.
- Finish:
- Chill until set. Serve at room temperature.
Save Making these with my daughter meant a full afternoon of laughter, sticky fingers, and creative monster design contests—everyone got to decorate their own little cake creature before devouring them together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, hand mixer or stand mixer, 8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, microwave or double boiler, baking sheet, scoop or spoon for portioning, fork or dipping tool
Allergen Information
These cake balls contain wheat (gluten), dairy (cheddar, butter), eggs, and may include soy or nuts depending on candy melt or decoration brand—always check ingredient labels thoroughly.
Nutritional Information (per cake ball)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 21 g, Protein: 3 g
Save These monster cake balls steal the show at any celebration. Mix and match colored melts or create your own candy eyes for maximum fun.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute cream soda with another beverage?
Yes, root beer works well for a flavor twist, or use your preferred carbonated drink for variation.
- → What type of cheddar cheese is best?
Aged sharp cheddar adds pronounced flavor, but you can try smoked cheddar for extra tang.
- → How long do these cake balls stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain texture and taste.
- → Can I make these cake balls ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare and freeze uncoated balls in advance and decorate just before serving.
- → Are there nut or soy allergens?
Some candy melts or decorations may contain nuts or soy. Always check packaging ingredients for allergens.
- → What beverage pairs well with these treats?
Serve with cream soda for a classic match, or offer sparkling wine for a grown-up pairing.