Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making *red velvet cake balls*! These little bites of heaven are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re also a feast for the eyes. With their vibrant red color and smooth chocolate coating, they’re perfect for any occasion or just a fun night in. I can’t help but smile when I think about sharing them with friends and family—everyone loves them! They’re easy to whip up and even easier to devour, making them the ultimate dessert for any gathering. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. So, let’s dive in and get started on creating these delightful *red velvet cake balls* that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (make sure it’s your favorite brand for that perfect flavor)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (this helps keep the cake moist and delicious)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature works best for mixing)
- 1 cup water (just follow the instructions on the cake mix for the right amount)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (this is what gives your cake balls that rich, creamy goodness)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the perfect sweetness—don’t skimp on this one!)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (choose semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (this will help the chocolate melt smoothly for coating)
How to Prepare *Red Velvet Cake Balls*
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). I can already smell the deliciousness that’s about to happen! Now, grab a greased baking pan and prepare your red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions. This will usually involve mixing in your vegetable oil, eggs, and water until everything is smooth and lovely. Pour that vibrant batter into the pan and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely—this is super important because we don’t want to melt our creamy goodness later!
Mixing the Cake Crumbs
Now comes the fun part! Once your cooled cake is ready, it’s time to crumble it into a large bowl. Just use your hands or a fork to break it into fine crumbs—don’t worry about making it perfect, we just want it crumbly! Next, add the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar to your crumbled cake. This is where the magic happens! Mix everything together until it’s nicely combined. I find it’s easiest to use my hands here; it gets a bit messy, but trust me, it’s so worth it for that rich filling!
Rolling and Chilling
Once your mixture is all blended together, it’s time to roll them into balls. Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms until it’s nice and round. Place these little beauties on a baking sheet, giving them some space—about an inch apart should do. Now, here’s an important tip: chill those cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps them firm up so they hold their shape when we dip them in chocolate. You’ll be so glad you waited!
Coating the Cake Balls
After your cake balls have chilled, it’s time to melt the chocolate chips! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the tablespoon of vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until everything is smooth and melted. Now for the fun part—take each chilled cake ball and dip it into the melted chocolate. Make sure it’s fully coated! Use a fork to lift it out, letting any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl before placing it back on the baking sheet. For a nice finish, you can drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top or sprinkle some fun toppings before they set. Just wait until you see how gorgeous these look!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Irresistible flavor that combines the rich taste of red velvet with creamy frosting.
- Versatile coatings—switch it up with white chocolate, sprinkles, or even crushed nuts!
- Bite-sized treats that are easy to share and enjoy without the mess of traditional cake.
- Great for all occasions—from birthday parties to cozy evenings at home.
- Make-ahead friendly! They store beautifully in the fridge for days.
- Fun to make with friends or family—everyone can join in on rolling and coating!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make these *red velvet cake balls* even more amazing with some pro tips! First off, quality matters. Always use a good brand of red velvet cake mix and fresh ingredients—this really makes a difference in flavor and texture. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
When it comes to melting your chocolate, patience is key. Microwave in small intervals, about 30 seconds each time, and stir well in between. This helps prevent the chocolate from burning. If it starts to thicken up, just add a tiny bit more vegetable oil to keep it smooth for dipping.
As for storage, if you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), keep those delicious cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last about a week. You can also freeze them for up to two months—just make sure to wrap them tightly! Thaw in the fridge before serving, and they’ll taste just as good as the day you made them.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding different extracts like vanilla or almond to the cream cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost. The possibilities are endless, and that’s part of the fun!
Variations
Now, let’s get a little adventurous with our *red velvet cake balls*! There are so many ways to switch things up and make these treats even more delightful. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Different Coatings: Instead of regular chocolate, try coating your cake balls in white chocolate for a stunning contrast or even using colored candy melts for festive occasions. You could also roll them in crushed nuts or sprinkles for an extra crunch and burst of color!
- Flavor Extracts: Want to kick up the flavor? Add a splash of vanilla, almond, or even coconut extract to the cream cheese mixture. It adds a lovely depth and surprises your taste buds!
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in some mini chocolate chips or even crushed Oreos into the cake mixture for a delicious twist. The added texture is a game changer!
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls: For a creamy twist, blend in some additional cream cheese into the cake mixture. You’ll get a luscious cheesecake flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Festive Additions: Depending on the season, why not add some peppermint extract during the holidays or a hint of cinnamon for fall? You can even tint the cream cheese coating with food coloring for special celebrations!
- Nutty Delight: If you love nuts, consider folding in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake mixture for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
These variations are just the beginning! Feel free to get creative and make these *red velvet cake balls* uniquely yours. You might just stumble upon your new favorite flavor combo!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the numbers, just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind when you’re whipping up these delightful *red velvet cake balls*!
For a serving size of one cake ball, here’s what you can typically expect:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These little treats pack a punch of flavor while still being a sweet indulgence. So, enjoy them guilt-free and share the love with friends and family!
FAQ Section
Can I make *red velvet cake balls* ahead of time?
Absolutely! These little gems are perfect for making ahead. Just prepare them, chill them as directed, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, so you can make them a few days in advance for any event!
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If cream cheese isn’t your thing, you can try using mascarpone for a similarly creamy texture, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
How should I store my *red velvet cake balls*?
Store your cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to one week. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them! Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
What if I don’t have a microwave for melting chocolate?
No problem at all! You can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove. Just fill a pot with a bit of water and bring it to a simmer, then place a heat-safe bowl on top, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and melted—easy peasy!
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Definitely! While red velvet is classic, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla cake mix. Just remember to adjust your cream cheese and sugar mixture to complement the new flavor. It’s all about having fun in the kitchen!
For more tips on baking and cake preparation, check out Baking Cherry for expert advice!
Print
Red Velvet Cake Balls 2: Sweet Treats Made Simple
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cake balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red velvet cake balls are a delightful treat made from red velvet cake crumbs mixed with cream cheese frosting, rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package instructions.
- Bake in a greased pan for 30-35 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl.
- Add cream cheese and powdered sugar to the crumbs and mix well.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a microwave.
- Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate and coat evenly.
- Place the coated cake balls back on the baking sheet to set.
Notes
- Use red food coloring for a deeper color if desired.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Try different coatings like white chocolate or sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: red velvet cake balls
