Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted red velvet cake balls? They’re like little bites of heaven! These vibrant, red beauties are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made them for a friend’s party—everyone went absolutely wild for them! The combination of the moist red velvet cake and the creamy filling, all coated in luscious chocolate, is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you make these red velvet cake balls, they’ll become a staple at every gathering!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Balls
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar, packed for best results
- 1 lb chocolate coating or candy melts (your choice of color or flavor)
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cake Balls
Step 1: Bake the Cake
First things first, let’s get that red velvet cake baked! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly. Now, follow the instructions on the cake mix box—mix together the red velvet cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 cup of water until it’s smooth and well combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it; you want a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean. Wow, the smell will be amazing!
Step 2: Cool and Crumble
Once your cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important—if you don’t let it cool, your cake will crumble unevenly and we definitely want those cake balls to be smooth and perfect! Patience is key here, my friend.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Now that your cake is cool, it’s time for some fun! Crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl using your hands. Don’t worry about being too perfect; just get it into small pieces! Next, add 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and resembles a delicious dough. You can use your hands or a spatula—whatever feels right! Trust me, this creamy filling is going to make your cake balls irresistible.
Step 4: Form the Balls
Now comes the best part—rolling the mixture into balls! Take a small amount of the mixture (about a tablespoon) and roll it between your palms to form a nice, smooth ball. Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste fantastic!
Step 5: Chill the Cake Balls
Pop your baking sheet with the cake balls into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial! It helps the balls firm up, making them easier to coat in chocolate later. Plus, it builds the anticipation for that delicious treat!
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
While those little beauties are chilling, it’s time to melt your chocolate coating. You can either use a microwave or a double boiler method. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s smooth and melted. If you prefer the double boiler, just place a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, and stir until melted. Either way, keep a close eye on it—burnt chocolate is a bummer!
Step 7: Coat the Cake Balls
Alright, let’s coat those cake balls! Take each chilled ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely covered. I like to use a fork to help lift it out and let the excess chocolate drip off. Just make sure they’re nicely coated for that rich flavor—yum!
Step 8: Set the Coated Balls
Finally, place your coated cake balls on a sheet of wax paper to set. You can pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the setting process if you like. And voila! You’ve got gorgeous red velvet cake balls ready to impress everyone.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your red velvet cake balls turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you avoid any common pitfalls:
- Cool Completely: Seriously, don’t rush this step! If the cake is even slightly warm, it’ll make the mixture too gooey and hard to work with. Just let it cool on a wire rack and be patient—it’s worth it!
- Perfectly Crumble: When crumbling the cake, aim for a fine texture but don’t overdo it. Big chunks can lead to uneven cake balls, and we want them to hold together nicely.
- Chill Times Matter: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for firming up the cake balls so they’re sturdy enough to handle while coating. Trust me, this makes a world of difference!
- Chocolate Temperature: Be cautious with your melted chocolate. If it’s too hot, it can cause the cake balls to melt when dipped. Let it cool slightly if needed—your cake balls will thank you!
- Experiment with Coatings: Feel free to get creative! Different chocolate coatings or even sprinkles can give your cake balls a fun twist. Just remember to keep it balanced; too much can overpower that delicious red velvet flavor.
- Storage is Key: Keep your cake balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to a week—if they last that long!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most incredible red velvet cake balls ever. Enjoy the process and, of course, the delicious results!
Variations of Red Velvet Cake Balls
If you’re like me, you love to shake things up in the kitchen! Here are some fun and delicious variations to personalize your red velvet cake balls and keep things exciting:
- Chocolate Coating: While classic chocolate is divine, try using white chocolate or dark chocolate for a twist! You can even add a splash of food coloring to white chocolate for a vibrant coating.
- Flavor Infusions: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, it adds a delightful depth that’ll surprise your taste buds!
- Crunchy Add-Ins: Incorporate crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cake mixture for a satisfying crunch. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend well!
- Sprinkled Toppings: After coating your cake balls, roll them in crushed cookies, sprinkles, or even shredded coconut for a fun texture and unique look. It’s the little details that make them special!
- Seasonal Flavors: Get festive by adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday feel, or even mix in some pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired treat. The possibilities are endless!
- Stuffed Cake Balls: For an extra surprise, consider stuffing the center of your cake balls with a small dollop of cream cheese frosting or even a piece of candy. It’s like a hidden treasure!
Feel free to experiment and let your creativity shine! Each variation can bring a whole new vibe to your red velvet cake balls, and I can’t wait for you to discover your favorite spin on this delicious treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, now that you’ve whipped up these irresistible red velvet cake balls, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and tasty. You’ll want to store them properly to enjoy them later!
First things first, make sure your cake balls have cooled completely after coating. Once they’re set, pop them into an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper to avoid any sticking—nobody wants a messy treat! They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just imagine having these little gems ready to grab whenever a sweet craving hits!
If you end up with leftovers (which is rare at my house!), you can also freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cake ball individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. No need to reheat—just enjoy them chilled, and they’ll still be delicious!
Following these storage tips will keep your red velvet cake balls tasting delightful, so you can savor every last bite!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note, my friends! The nutritional information provided for these red velvet cake balls can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. So, while I do my best to give you a general idea of what to expect, please keep in mind that precise data might not always be spot-on. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients if you’re watching your diet closely. Enjoy your baking adventure and those delightful cake balls!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for any occasion!
- Decadently delicious with that classic red velvet flavor you adore.
- Visually stunning—these cake balls are a showstopper on any dessert table!
- Fun to customize with different coatings and toppings.
- Great for sharing at parties, or just keeping them all to yourself—no judgment here!
- Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).
- Versatile enough to adapt for any holiday or celebration.
- Perfect for using up leftover cake—waste not, want not!
For more information on the history of red velvet cake, check out this article from The Spruce Eats.
If you’re interested in the nutritional aspects of red velvet cake, you can refer to this nutrition guide on Healthline.
Print
Red velvet cake balls: 8 easy steps to sweet success!
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cake balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red velvet cake balls are a delicious treat made from red velvet cake crumbs coated in chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 lb chocolate coating or candy melts
Instructions
- Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl.
- Add cream cheese and powdered sugar to the crumbled cake.
- Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate coating in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely.
- Place the coated cake balls on wax paper to set.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- These can be decorated with sprinkles or drizzled chocolate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: red velvet cake balls, dessert, cake pops
