Cream Soda Cheddar Pretzel Cake (Print)
Moist cake balls with cheddar, cream soda, and pretzels, coated in chocolate with monster decorations. Perfect party treat.
# Components:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup cream soda, room temperature
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Mix-in & Filling
10 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
11 - 3/4 cup pretzels, crushed
→ Frosting
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
14 - 2 tablespoons cream soda
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Coating & Decoration
16 - 16 ounces semisweet or white chocolate, chopped or in chips
17 - Assorted colored candy melts
18 - Candy eyes
19 - Extra crushed pretzels, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, then alternate adding flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with the cream soda, mixing just until combined.
03 - Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and crushed pretzels until evenly distributed.
04 - 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.
05 - Beat softened butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, cream soda, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and uniform.
06 - Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl. Add 1 cup of frosting and mix until the mixture holds together when pressed. Add more frosting if needed for binding.
07 - Scoop and roll mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes to firm.
08 - Melt chocolate and assorted candy melts separately in bowls using a microwave or double boiler.
09 - Dip each chilled cake ball into melted chocolate or colored candy melts, allowing excess to drip off. Place on parchment paper.
10 - While coating is still wet, affix candy eyes and sprinkle extra crushed pretzels for decoration.
11 - Chill decorated balls until chocolate is set. Serve at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Unique flavor combination: sweet cream soda, sharp cheddar, and salty pretzel
- Fun and festive presentation for parties or Halloween
02 -
- Contains wheat, dairy, eggs. Candy melts may have soy or nut traces—check labels.
- Cake balls stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
03 -
- Freeze cake balls before dipping to keep them from falling apart in hot chocolate.
- Use smoked cheddar or a pinch of cayenne for extra zing—kids love the color, adults love the flavor.