Jolly Eggnog Cake Balls Recipe: Festive Holiday Bites

Festive holiday gatherings demand something special that sparkles with cheer and sweetness.

These delightful eggnog cake balls capture the essence of winter celebrations with rich, creamy flavor.

Creamy eggnog blends perfectly with tender cake crumbs to create a mouthwatering treat.

Delicate and bite-sized, each morsel bursts with warm holiday spices that dance on your palate.

The recipe combines classic seasonal ingredients into a decadent dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Sprinkled with nutmeg and rolled in festive coatings, these cake balls promise to be the star of any holiday dessert spread.

Prepare to wow your guests with this irresistible seasonal delicacy that brings joy in every single bite.

Eggnog Cake Balls Festive Bite Size Treats

• Whip up these delightful eggnog cake balls that capture the essence of festive celebrations with their rich, nostalgic flavors.
• Perfect for gatherings, these bite-sized desserts offer a hassle-free way to impress guests with minimal kitchen effort.
• Create these delectable treats using basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customize with different toppings or coatings, transforming them into an adaptable dessert that suits various holiday occasions and personal preferences.

Ingredients for Holiday Eggnog Cake Balls

• White Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and flavor for the eggnog cake balls.
• Eggnog: Adds rich, creamy holiday flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to the cake.

• Rum Extract: Delivers classic eggnog flavor without excess liquid.
• Nutmeg: Adds warm, traditional eggnog spice note.

• White Chocolate Coating, Vanilla Coating: Creates a smooth, sweet exterior for the cake balls.
• Sea Salt: Provides a delightful contrast to the sweet coating and enhances overall flavor.

• Vanilla Frosting: Helps hold the crumbled cake together and adds sweetness.

Tools to Craft Eggnog Cake Balls

• Loaf Pan (9×5): Essential for baking the cake base.
• Electric Mixer: Perfect for blending cake ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining ingredients and crumbling cake.
• Baking Sheet: Great for chilling and setting cake balls.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate coating.
• Spoon or Dipping Tool: Helps coat cake balls evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking during chilling and coating.

Cake Ball Steps from Start to Finish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix the Magic

• Cake mix
• Eggnog
• Softened butter
• Eggs
• Rum extract
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 55-60 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine, delicate pieces in a large mixing bowl.

Step 5: Create the Binding

Add a portion of frosting to the crumbled cake.

Mix gently until the mixture holds together when rolled.

Step 6: Shape the Delights

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cake balls for several hours to firm up and develop their flavor.

Step 8: Prepare the Coating

Melt your chocolate coating or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally to ensure smoothness.

Step 9: Dip and Decorate

Carefully dip each cake ball into the melted coating, ensuring full coverage.

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top before the coating sets.

Step 10: Final Chill

Return the coated cake balls to the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes until completely firm and set.

Eggnog Cake Ball Baking Tips

• Add extra rum extract or ground nutmeg to intensify the classic holiday taste.
• Ensure cake is completely cool before crumbling to maintain proper moisture and binding.
• Use a fork when dipping balls in melted coating to create a clean, even chocolate shell.
• Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, holiday sprinkles, or crushed nuts for extra crunch and festive look.
• Keep cake balls in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Creative Mix Ins for Festive Cake Balls

• Holiday Spice Cake Balls: Replace eggnog with spiced apple cider and add cinnamon, cloves for a festive winter flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cake mix, substitute rum with vanilla extract, and ensure all coating ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, dairy-free eggnog alternative, and vegan white chocolate coating for inclusive treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Select sugar-free cake mix, use sugar-free pudding mix for binding, replace regular frosting with low-calorie cream cheese frosting alternative.

How to Serve Eggnog Cake Balls with Style

• Festive Gift Packages: Wrap these delightful eggnog cake balls in clear cellophane bags, tie with a holiday ribbon, and create charming homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.
• Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Arrange cake balls on a decorative tray with sprinkled nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and small holly leaves for a stunning holiday dessert presentation.
• Party Cocktail Pairing: Serve alongside classic eggnog or rum cocktails, creating a perfect sweet and spirited dessert experience that complements winter celebrations.
• Wine and Dessert Match: Pair with a sweet dessert wine like moscato or port to enhance the rich, creamy eggnog flavors and create an elegant tasting moment.

Storing Eggnog Cake Balls Easily

• Store cake balls in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
• Carefully place cake balls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove frozen cake balls from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve their delicate coating and soft interior.
• If coating looks dull after storage, gently rewarm chocolate coating and quickly re-dip for a fresh, glossy finish.

FAQs

• What makes eggnog cake balls different from regular cake balls?

Eggnog cake balls have a unique holiday flavor profile with rum, nutmeg, and traditional eggnog ingredients, giving them a festive and rich taste that sets them apart from standard cake balls.

• Can I make these cake balls without alcohol?

Yes, you can easily omit the rum or replace it with rum extract for a non-alcoholic version that still maintains the classic eggnog flavor.

• How long can eggnog cake balls stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cake balls will remain fresh for up to 5-7 days, maintaining their texture and flavor.

• Are these cake balls good for holiday parties?

Absolutely! These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, easy to serve, and offer a delightful seasonal twist on traditional desserts.

Eggnog Cake Balls Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Festive eggnog cake balls bring holiday cheer with creamy spiced rum undertones. Guests will savor these bite-sized treats that combine traditional Christmas flavors in one delightful dessert.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) box pound cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup (158 milliliters) eggnog
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons rum (or 2 teaspoons extract)
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Coating and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) container whipped vanilla frosting
• 48 ounces (1.36 kilograms) vanilla or chocolate candy coating
• Sea salt for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggnog, softened butter, eggs, rum extract, and ground nutmeg until smooth and well-blended.
3. Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature, then gently crumble into fine, uniform pieces in a large mixing bowl.
5. Gradually incorporate frosting into crumbled cake, mixing until the mixture holds together and can be easily shaped.
6. Roll the mixture into compact, uniform 1-inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Refrigerate cake balls for several hours to firm up and make coating easier.
8. Melt chocolate coating in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning.
9. Carefully dip each chilled cake ball into melted coating, ensuring complete and even coverage.
10. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each coated ball before the chocolate sets.
11. Return coated cake balls to the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes until completely firm and chocolate has hardened.

Notes

• Boost Rum Flavor Swap vanilla extract for additional rum for a more intense, festive taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Use gluten-free cake mix and certified gluten-free ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Alcohol-Free Option Replace rum with additional eggnog or vanilla extract for a family-friendly version that maintains rich flavor.
• Decorative Twist Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or nutmeg on top for extra texture and holiday presentation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg