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Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball: The Ultimate Halloween Party Treat

Get ready to unleash your inner chocolate fiend with this incredible Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball! Perfectly crafted for #HalloweenTreatsWeek, this decadent creation is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Imagine a rich, creamy chocolate base, infused with deep cocoa flavors, and generously rolled in mini chocolate chips. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience, especially when shaped into an adorable bat and served with spooky gravestone dippers!

I was thrilled to receive samples from some of our amazing sponsor companies to help bring this recipe to life, and as always, my opinions are 100% my own. This recipe is guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering, especially during the Halloween season.

If you’re as enthusiastic about Halloween as I am and crave more spooky season recipes, be sure to check out these fantastic Halloween treats!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball

This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a celebration of all things chocolate, wrapped up in a fun, festive package. Here’s why this Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball will become your go-to recipe:

Unbelievably Delicious: Every bite is a symphony of rich, creamy chocolate. It’s sweet, decadent, and utterly satisfying.
Effortlessly Easy: No baking required! Simply mix, chill, and roll. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual get-together, a holiday party, or a Halloween bash, this dessert ball is always a hit. Guests love its interactive nature and irresistible flavor.
Festively Versatile: While perfect for Halloween with its “Death by Chocolate” theme and spooky decorations, it can easily be adapted for any occasion by simply changing the decorations or dippers.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, and free up your time on party day. It’s a lifesaver for busy hosts!

We’re officially kicking off Halloween Treats Week with this adorable and incredibly delicious Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball. I’m a huge fan of a good dessert dip, especially when it’s extra chocolatey, and this recipe certainly delivers. It will undoubtedly be THE hit of your next party!

Crafting Your Spooky Chocolate Masterpiece

For Halloween, I decided to transform this indulgent dessert ball into a spooky-cute bat, complete with creative gravestone dippers. But the beauty of dessert balls lies in their simplicity. The core process is wonderfully straightforward:

Gather your ingredients, combine everything in a bowl, mix until smooth, and then form it into a ball. Once chilled, roll that delectable sphere into a generous coating of mini chocolate chips, and it’s ready to serve! The simple steps belie the incredible flavor and presentation you’ll achieve.

Essential Ingredients for Your Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball

Creating this rich and creamy chocolate dessert ball requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor profile:

Butter (Room Temperature): Provides richness and helps create a smooth, pliable base for the dessert ball. Room temperature butter creams easily with the cream cheese.
Cream Cheese (Room Temperature): The star ingredient that gives the dessert ball its signature tangy, creamy texture, making it spreadable and irresistible. Ensure it’s softened for a lump-free mixture.
White Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination of both sugars adds balanced sweetness and subtle depth. Brown sugar contributes a slight molasses flavor and moistness, while white sugar ensures overall sweetness.
Litehouse Chocolate Flavored Dip: This specific ingredient adds an extra layer of intense chocolate flavor and contributes to the smooth, creamy consistency. If unavailable, a high-quality chocolate fudge sauce can be a substitute, though Litehouse offers a unique richness.
Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements and deepens the chocolate notes.
Cocoa Powder: Essential for that robust, dark chocolate taste and color, contributing to the “Death by Chocolate” intensity.
Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken the mixture and adds a delicate sweetness without a grainy texture.
Salt: A pinch of salt is vital to balance the sweetness and bring out the full depth of the chocolate flavor. Don’t skip it!
Mini Chocolate Chips: These are rolled onto the outside of the ball, providing a delightful textural contrast and an extra burst of chocolate in every dip.
Dippers: A variety of options like sandwich cookies (Oreos, Milanos), graham crackers, pretzels, or even fresh fruit for dipping.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make This Irresistible Chocolate Dessert Ball

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball that will impress everyone:

Mixing the Creamy Chocolate Base:

Step 1: Cream the Fats. In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Continue until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This ensures no lumps in your final dessert.
Step 2: Add Sugars and Flavor. Reduce speed to low and gradually beat in the white sugar and brown sugar until thoroughly combined and no granules remain. Next, incorporate the Litehouse Chocolate flavored dip and vanilla extract, mixing until just blended.
Step 3: Introduce Dry Ingredients. Slowly add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt to the mixture. Beat on low speed until everything is fully combined and the mixture forms a rich, uniform chocolate color and consistency. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.

Chilling for Perfect Formation:

Step 4: Prepare for Chilling. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap (saran wrap) on a clean surface. Scoop the chocolate mixture into the center of the plastic wrap.

Step 5: Shape and Chill. Use the plastic wrap to help you form the chocolate mixture into a tight, uniform ball. Once shaped, wrap the ball securely in the plastic wrap, ensuring it’s completely sealed. Place it into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling is crucial as it allows the dessert ball to firm up, making it easier to handle and roll.

Creating Spooky Gravestone Dippers:

Step 6: Prepare Gravestone Cookies. While the dessert ball is chilling, take your Milano cookies and carefully cut them in half. Using black sparkle gel or black edible food marker, write “RIP” on the flat side of each cookie half to mimic gravestones. Allow these to dry completely before serving to prevent smudging.

Finishing Touches and Serving:

Step 7: Roll in Chocolate Chips. Once the dessert ball has thoroughly chilled and firmed up, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Pour the mini chocolate chips into a shallow dish. Place the dessert ball into the dish and roll it, pressing gently to ensure the mini chocolate chips adhere completely and cover the entire surface of the ball.

Step 8: Serve or Store. Serve the Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball immediately with your chosen dippers. If preparing in advance, re-wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it back in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving Tip: For the best texture and easiest dipping, I recommend removing the dessert ball from the refrigerator about 15 minutes prior to serving. This allows it to soften slightly, enhancing its creamy consistency.

Creative Decoration Ideas for Your Dessert Ball

Part of the fun of a dessert ball is getting creative with its presentation! You can certainly decorate this Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball as a spooky bat, as I’ve done, adding edible eyes and wings for a truly festive look. Alternatively, a simple yet elegant approach is to just roll it beautifully in a layer of mini chocolate chips.

If you don’t have mini chocolate chips on hand, don’t fret! You can easily roll the ball into regular semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even chocolate sprinkles for a different textural element and visual appeal.

Consider edible glitter for an extra magical touch, or dust with a bit of extra cocoa powder for a sophisticated, truffle-like finish. For themed parties, you could use candy corn, gummy worms, or even crushed Oreos mixed with a touch of green food coloring for a “mossy” look.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Cheese Ball

Achieving a perfect Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball is simple when you keep these key tips in mind:

Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This is absolutely critical for a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends effortlessly. Cold ingredients will result in a clumpy, difficult-to-mix base.
Quality Chocolate Dip Matters: While you can use any chocolate sauce, a high-quality chocolate-flavored dip, like Litehouse, makes a noticeable difference. Its richness and creaminess enhance the overall flavor profile, and it’s delicious enough to enjoy on its own!
Don’t Skip the Chilling: The chilling step isn’t just a suggestion; it’s essential. A properly chilled dessert ball will be firm and easy to handle, preventing it from collapsing when you roll it in chocolate chips. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Mix Thoroughly but Don’t Overmix: Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, but once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can sometimes incorporate too much air or alter the texture.
Press Chips Firmly: When rolling the ball in chocolate chips, gently but firmly press them onto the surface. This ensures they adhere well and you get a satisfying chocolatey coating with every dip.

Can I Make This Chocolate Cheese Ball in Advance?

Absolutely! This Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball is a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for easing your party planning stress. You can prepare the dessert ball mixture up to 1 week in advance. Here’s how to store it for optimal freshness:

After forming the ball and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, add an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn and keeps unwanted odors from seeping into your delicious dessert. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Important Note: I highly recommend waiting to roll the dessert ball in the mini chocolate chips until just before serving. This ensures the chips remain fresh, crisp, and beautifully presented, rather than potentially softening or losing their luster during storage.

How Long Will a Dessert Cheese Ball Last?

Once prepared, this delicious chocolate dessert ball recipe will last beautifully for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator. To maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage, always keep the dessert ball chilled. If you’ve already rolled it in chocolate chips, simply re-wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before returning it to the fridge. For the best flavor and texture, consuming it within the first two days is ideal.

Recipe Summary: Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball

Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball

Yield: 24 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time (Chilling): 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup Litehouse Chocolate flavored dip
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Sandwich cookies, graham crackers and/or pretzels for dipping

Instructions

Into the bowl of your stand mixer, beat butter and cream cheese for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in white sugar and brown sugar until combined and smooth. Add in Litehouse Chocolate flavored dip and vanilla extract, mixing until just incorporated.
Slowly add in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Beat on low speed until everything is fully combined and the mixture is uniform. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Lay out a piece of plastic wrap (saran wrap) and place the chocolate mixture into the center.
Using the plastic wrap, roll and shape the mixture into a tight ball. Wrap it securely and place it into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
When the dessert ball has chilled, place mini chocolate chips into a shallow dish. Unwrap the dessert ball and roll it into the mini chocolate chips, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the entire surface.
Serve immediately with your favorite dippers, or re-wrap and place into the refrigerator before serving.
For optimal texture and ease of dipping, it is recommended to remove the dessert ball from the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to serving.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving (approximate):

Calories: 181

Total Fat: 11g (Saturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0g, Unsaturated Fat: 4g)

Cholesterol: 21mg

Sodium: 157mg

Carbohydrates: 19g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 15g)

Protein: 2g

Disclaimer: All nutritional information is an estimate and intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional nutritional advice.

A huge thank you to Litehouse for their amazing dips, which truly elevated this recipe! Their chocolate dip adds an incredible depth of flavor that makes this Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball an unforgettable treat.

Explore More #HalloweenTreatsWeek Recipes!

Don’t stop the spooky fun here! Check out these amazing #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes from our talented blogger friends:

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Candy Corn Layer Cake from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Candy Corn Cookie Bars from 4 Sons R Us
Halloween Potato Eyes from Pastry Chef Online
Monster Munch Chex Party Mix from I am a Honey Bee
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Caramel Sprinkle Baked Donuts from Cookaholic Wife
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Black Cauldron Bubbly Cupcakes from Daily Dish Recipes
Boolicious Caramel Chocolate Covered Fruit from Everyday Eileen
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Caramel Apple Blossoms from For the Love of Food
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Halloween Dipped Ice Cream Cones from West Via Midwest
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Death by Chocolate Dessert Ball from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
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Halloween Corn Chip Dessert Bars from Intelligent Domestications
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