Cannon Ball Cake

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A rich, indulgent cake with creamy caramel-like topping and decadent filling, perfect for celebrations or as a special treat for dessert lovers. Sweet, moist, and flavorful.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 package cream cheese
  • 1 box powdered sugar
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Prepare the German chocolate cake as directed on the box and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Poke holes all over the cooled cake using a fork or skewer.
  3. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese alternative. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes to prevent it from falling apart. This recipe can also be made with a yellow cake mix for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence. Serve it alongside fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light salad, like Broccoli, Cauliflower And Carrot Casserole, to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake will become more moist as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed within the first few days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy cold right from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cannon Ball Cake contains roughly 765 calories, with 6g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

765 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.9g 12% DV
Total Fat 18.1g 23% DV
Carbs 86.9g 32% DV
Fiber 7.5g 27% DV
Sugar 68.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 405.9mg 18% DV
Potassium 369.4mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 84.2mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 104.3mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 176.8mg 14% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance and assemble it when you're ready to serve. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator. This will also allow the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

If you need a substitute, you can combine 1 cup of milk with 1 cup of granulated sugar, heating until dissolved, then let it cool. Alternatively, using a dairy-free condensed milk can work well for those with dietary restrictions.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, add chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking or top the finished cake with a drizzle of chocolate ganache. You could also consider using a chocolate frosting instead of the cream cheese mixture for a richer taste.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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