Red Velvet Cake Balls Recipe

Red Velvet Cake Balls are little bites of pure happiness: moist, rich, and tender cake crumbs blended with luscious cream cheese, dipped in creamy white chocolate, and sprinkled with festive flair. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking for a no-fuss treat to brighten your day, these cake balls deliver an irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every adorable bite! Ready in just an hour and requiring only a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe transforms boxed cake mix into show-stopping homemade confections you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s magic in simplicity, and each ingredient here plays a starring role in creating Red Velvet Cake Balls that are moist, creamy, and picture-perfect. Let’s talk about what you’ll need—and why it matters.

• Red velvet cake mix: The vibrant color and gentle cocoa flavor make these cake balls stand out, and a boxed mix keeps things easy and reliable.
• Ingredients needed for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water): These are essential to transform the dry mix into a soft, sliceable cake ready for crumbling.
• Cream cheese (softened): Provides the signature tang and creaminess, helping bind the cake crumbs into luscious, scoopable dough.
• White chocolate chips or white candy melts: Melts into a smooth coating that sets beautifully and creates a luxurious shell around each cake ball.
• Red and white sprinkles (optional): Adds eye-catching decoration and a fun crunch—perfect for getting festive or customizing for any occasion.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake Balls

Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake

Begin by preparing the boxed red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions, using the required eggs, oil, and water. Bake it until a toothpick comes out clean, then let the cake cool completely—this helps prevent any melting or mess in the next steps.

Step 2: Crumble the Cake

Once your cake has cooled, use clean hands or a fork to break it apart in a large mixing bowl. You’re aiming for fine, even crumbs—think fluffy and tender, not chunky. This ensures a smooth, even texture when you form the cake balls.

Step 3: Mix in the Cream Cheese

Add the softened cream cheese to your cake crumbs and mix until fully combined. It may seem sticky at first, but keep going! The mixture should come together into a cohesive, doughy texture that holds when pinched. A stand mixer or your hands both work beautifully here.

Step 4: Shape the Cake Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or just your hands, portion out about 1-inch balls and roll them until smooth. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is a great time to enlist little helpers—the rolling is both fun and forgiving!

Step 5: Freeze to Firm

Pop the tray of rolled cake balls into the freezer for 30–45 minutes. This step is crucial: it helps the cake balls firm up so they don’t fall apart during dipping. Don’t skip it, or you might end up with a sticky situation.

Step 6: Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until smooth and glossy. Keep a close eye to avoid scorching, as white chocolate can be a bit temperamental.

Step 7: Dip and Decorate

Use a fork or a dipping tool to gently submerge each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the parchment, and—while the coating is still wet—sprinkle with red and white decorations for instant pizzazz. Repeat with all the cake balls before chilling again until the chocolate sets fully.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Balls

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your Red Velvet Cake Balls, have fun and get creative! A shower of festive sprinkles, a drizzle of contrasting dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of edible glitter can each add a finishing touch that hints at the deliciousness inside.

Side Dishes

These cake balls are standouts on any dessert tray, but they shine especially bright alongside a mug of coffee, hot cocoa, or a frosty glass of milk. For parties, try pairing them with a fruit platter or an array of other bite-sized sweets like brownie bites or truffles.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes everything taste better! Pile your Red Velvet Cake Balls onto a tiered stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, package them in pretty boxes for edible gifts, or arrange them in mini cupcake liners for easy (and adorable) serving at showers and gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Red Velvet Cake Balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, creamy, and decadent for up to five days—making them perfect for prepping ahead of events or sneaking as a midnight treat.

Freezing

To keep them even longer, freeze your cake balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll taste just as dreamy thawed for a quick dessert or as a surprise snack. Simply let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

Good news—no reheating required! These treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so just remove them from the fridge or freezer and let them sit out for a few minutes to soften the shell before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade red velvet cake recipe, go ahead and use it. Just make sure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling and combining with the cream cheese.

What if I don’t have white chocolate? Can I use another coating?

Definitely! While white chocolate gives these cake balls a classic look and flavor, you can also use dark or milk chocolate, or even colorful candy melts to match a party theme.

How do I keep the cake balls from falling apart when dipping?

Chilling or freezing the cake balls before dipping is the secret. Make sure they’re nice and firm, and always work with just a few at a time, keeping the rest chilled so they hold together.

Can Red Velvet Cake Balls be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and double-check that your other ingredients (especially candy melts and sprinkles) are gluten-free. The results will be every bit as delicious.

How far in advance can I make these for a party?

You can prepare Red Velvet Cake Balls up to five days in advance if storing in the fridge, or several weeks ahead by freezing. Decorate just before serving for the freshest look.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of fresh, joyful Red Velvet Cake Balls with people you love. They’re simple, stunning, and absolutely scrumptious—no special occasion required. Try them out soon and prepare for rave reviews and lots of happy smiles!

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