Chocolate Dipped Cake Balls

 Something sweet is the best way to end a meal with friends, right?  I think so!  I was looking for something simple that I could make and share with friends last weekend... when I suddenly remembered a detailed post by Pioneer Woman when the famous Bakerella visited her ranch and demonstrated her Cupcake Pops.

 Now, I'm still working on my decorating abilities, so I opted for the simpler version that Bakerella first shared on her site for Red Velvet Cake Balls.  I chose to use a chocolate cake mix rather than red velvet.  I know there are many people out there who will knock doing this, but there are times when using a mix is completely justified.  This is one of those times.

The simplicity of making this is really beyond words.  It does take a bit of time to form the balls and then to dip them, but really there are about 4 actual steps to making them (refer to the recipe shown on the link for Bakerella's site above).

During the holidays we often trade tins of goodies with our neighbors.  This year, two of our neighbors made versions of these cake balls with additional add-ins that took them up a notch further.  One of them added in crushed mint Oreos and I must tell you... they were REALLY hard to resist!  Sssshhh... I didn't actually share those with the family!  The other made them without the mint, and My Boys would have eaten a whole tray of them if we had them... thank goodness she didn't fill the entire tin with them!  I'm still working off the fabulous holiday treats they gave us as we speak... but, they were so worth it!

Please note that all photos and content belong to Patsy Kreitman, unless otherwise noted. If you want to use something please ask first.