Red Velvet Cake Balls
Red Velvet Cake Balls are bite-sized indulgent treats combining moist red velvet cake with a tangy cream cheese filling, all coated in smooth chocolate or candy melts. Perfect for parties, gifting, or a sweet snack, these cake balls offer rich, layered flavors in a neat and easy-to-eat form.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 30 cake balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free cake mix is used)
Red Velvet Cake Base
- 1 box Red Velvet Cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coating and Decoration
- 10 oz chocolate or candy melts (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
- Optional sprinkles or decorations (e.g., edible glitter, nuts, crushed freeze-dried raspberries)
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before proceeding.
- Crumble the Cake: Break the cooled cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork, ensuring no large chunks remain for an even texture.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will bind the crumbs and add moistness and flavor.
- Combine Cake Crumbs and Filling: Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the cake crumbs until well blended, forming a dough that holds its shape when rolled.
- Shape the Cake Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Dip and Decorate: Melt your choice of chocolate or candy melts. Dip each chilled cake ball into the coating, tap off any excess, then place back on parchment paper. Add sprinkles or decorations before the coating sets.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the dipped cake balls until the coating hardens completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chill the cake balls thoroughly before dipping to prevent cracking during coating.
- Use high-quality chocolate or candy melts for a smooth, glossy finish and rich flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the cake crumbs and cream cheese mixture to keep the texture light and tender.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size for even chilling and coating.
- Store cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
- Freeze cake balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cake Balls, bite-sized dessert, cream cheese filling, chocolate coating, party treats, easy dessert, gluten free option