Almond Joy Cake Balls

Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box, using the required eggs, oil and water. But instead of using the full amount of water, substitute part of the water with the amaretto liqueur. Amounts listed above may vary depending on what brand of cake mix you purchase.

After mixing the cake batter, add the almonds to the cake batter and bake according to box directions. The cake needs to be completely done in the middle, but you want as little browning on the sides and top as possible. Cool the cake completely (I usually bake the cake the day before I create the cake balls).

Once the cake is COMPLETELY cooled, cut it into quarters and, one quarter at a time, crumble it into a large bowl. The cake needs to be finely crumbled with no large chunks. After crumbling the cake, add 3/4 to 1 whole tub of icing. Using two forks, mix the icing thoroughly into the cake crumbs until you can no longer distinguish one from the other.

Using a medium sized cookie scoop, drop balls of the cake/icing mixture onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Make sure the cake is packed together tightly. Some prefer to roll the balls by hand to ensure they are firm.

Place the cookie sheets in a freezer for approximately 2 hours, or until the cakes are frozen. Prior to removing the cakes from the freezer, create a double boiler (glass bowl over a pot of boiling water) and melt the chocolate chips and shortening together, mixing constantly.

You also want to have your sea salt and coconut set out on the counter at this time.

Remove the cakes from the freezer and dip them in the melted chocolate. I use a fork to fish them out and tap away the excess. An alternate approach is putting popsicle or lollipop sticks into the cakes prior to freezing them and dunking the cakes in the chocolate by holding the stick.

Before the chocolate dries and sets up, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and a pinch of coconut on each cake. Place the cakes back in the freezer to set up after coating.

Although this is a relatively easy process, it is somewhat time-consuming. Totally worth it in the end, and these babies will really impress your guests!