Cake Balls

So, apparently in my quest for the best cupcakes I have been missing out on this new obsession! They are like truffles, but a bit more cakey, and of all varieties. You can try dozens of flavors, and since they are bite-sized, even more reason to have a few options!

INGREDIENTS*** (See below)
1 (18.25 ounce) package cake mix
1 (16 ounce) container prepared frosting
1 (3 ounce) bar flavored confectioners coating OR 1 bar of almond bark

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. Let cake completely cool and then crumble it into a large bowl (I do cut off the edges to make the consistency smoother)

2. Stir in the frosting until well blended with a fork.

3. Form balls about the size of a melon scooper (If you chill the mixture before forming the balls, you can use a scooper, I just don't like waiting any longer than I have to)

4. Put balls on wax paper on a cookie sheet. Chill in fridge or freezer long enough to toughen them up

5. Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.

6. Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set.

OPTIONAL: Decorate with coconut, sprinkles, toffee, drizzled chocolate, whatever!!

***The default recipe calls for chocolate cake, chocolate frosting and chocolate coating, but mix it up all you want!

Suggestions:
- Red Velvet cake w/cream cheese frosting dipped in chocolate
- Strawberry cake w/strawberry frosting dipped in white chocolate
- Chocolate cake w/vanilla frosting dipped in your choice of chocolate (top with a little bit of Oreos for a cookies and cream touch)
- German chocolate cake w/coconut frosting dipped in chocolate
- Strawberry cake w/vanilla frosting dipped in chocolate
- Lemon cake w/lemon frosting dipped in white chocolate
- Chocolate cake w/chocolate frosting dipped in a mint-flavored chocolate and topped with crushed Andes mints (Yummy!)
- Funfetti cake w/vanila frosting and sprinkles dipped in white chocolate and topped with more sprinkles

As you can see, the options are endless!

ENJOY!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes

WOW!! Do these not look so good? Have fun with this recipe!  Definitely a yummy surprise. Somebody remember to serve these at my funeral when I die. I don't want funeral potatoes and pork & beans served at my funeral, they may be white trash, but they are gross. I make white trash taste good! :)

**For those concerned about this recipe's origin, a friend told me about the recipe on allrecipes.com....not sure where they got it, and I don't care, it's fun, yummy and worth sharing!!

INGREDIENTS

Prepared cookie dough

1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix (You can also use chocolate, if you'd like)
1 1/3 cups water
1/3 cup canola oil
3 eggs

DIRECTIONS

1. Form the dough into tablespoon-sized balls; place onto a baking sheet, and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.

2. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

3. Beat 3 eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer to break up. Add the cake mix, water, and oil; continue beating for 2 minutes on medium speed. Spoon into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each 2/3 full. Place a frozen cookie dough ball on the top center of each cupcake.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion of the cupcake (not the cookie dough ball) comes clean, about 18-20 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

Be sure not to overbake...you want the cookie dough gooey, not cooked.

Frost them as you like!