Save Moist and spiced sweet potato cake comes together with cinnamon sugar and cream cheese to form playful monster-shaped balls, dipped in white chocolate for a whimsical treat. These cake balls are perfect for festive gatherings, Halloween festivities, or any time you crave dessert with a fun twist.
I first made these cake balls for a Halloween party, and they were gone long before the end of the night. Kids especially love choosing their monster & decorating with candy eyes and sprinkles.
Ingredients
- Cooked and mashed sweet potato: 1 cup (225 g), about 1 large sweet potato
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g) for cake, plus 1/4 cup (50 g) for coating
- Large eggs: 2
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp for cake, 1/2 tsp for filling
- 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 for cake, 1 tsp for coating
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
- Cream cheese: 4 oz (115 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup (30 g)
- White chocolate or white candy melts: 12 oz (340 g)
- Candy eyes: store-bought or homemade
- Food coloring gels: optional, for colored chocolate
- Sprinkles: optional
Instructions
- Prepare cake pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk mashed sweet potato, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
- Combine and bake:
- Fold dry into wet ingredients just until combined. Pour into pan and bake 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make cake ball mixture:
- Crumble cake into a bowl. Add softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until combined and the mixture holds together.
- Form balls and freeze:
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about 24). Place on baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze 15 minutes.
- Prepare coating:
- Melt white chocolate or candy melts. Add food coloring if desired. Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon in a bowl.
- Decorate cake balls:
- Dip balls in melted chocolate, let excess drip off, sprinkle immediately with cinnamon sugar, and add candy eyes to make monster faces. Top with sprinkles if using.
- Set and serve:
- Place coated balls on parchment. Chill 10 minutes before serving.
Save Decorating these with my niece and nephew is a Halloween tradition. They always compete to make the silliest monster face, and sharing them brings laughter and smiles to our family table.
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). Check candy eyes and sprinkles labels for any hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 2 g per cake ball
Save Serve these sweet potato monster cake balls chilled for extra crunch and fun. Every bite promises a soft, spiced cake center wrapped in creamy chocolate goodness.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and vegan white chocolate for an entirely plant-based treat.
- → Can I prepare cake balls ahead of time?
Cake balls can be made a day in advance. Store chilled and decorate just before serving for best texture.
- → Do I need a mixer for the cake?
A hand mixer helps blend ingredients smoothly, but a sturdy whisk also works well for mixing and combining.
- → What can I use instead of candy eyes?
Try using mini chocolate chips or small pieces of fondant if candy eyes are unavailable.
- → How do I add color to the monster coating?
Mix food coloring gels into melted white chocolate for vibrant colors before coating the cake balls.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these cake balls are vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat or gelatin ingredients.