Make a bite-sized treat for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day! Red velvet cake balls are rich, soft, and coated with white chocolate. They are easy to make using boxed cake mix and cream cheese!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red velvet cake balls are a delightful twist on traditional cake and cupcakes. They offer the perfect balance of flavor, sweetness, and convenience. These bite-sized treats are not only easy to make, but also highly customizable, making them great for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just want a delicious dessert, these cake balls are sure to impress. The combination of creamy cream cheese, moist red velvet cake, and sweet white chocolate coating makes them irresistible.

Ingredients

• One box (15 oz) Betty Crocker super moist red velvet cake mix, plus ingredients to make cake (listed below)

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

• 1 cup water

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup (226 g or 8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature

• 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers

• Red or pink sprinkles for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. For Betty Crocker, mix all the ingredients in one bowl. Transfer the batter to a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake at the recommended temperature and time. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.

2. Make the Dough: Once the cake is cooled, break it up into large crumbles in the cake pan. Add cream cheese and use your hands to mix everything until a dough-like consistency is reached. You can also use an electric mixer if preferred.

3. Shape the Cake Balls: Using a small cookie scoop, scoop the mixture and roll it into small balls. Place the balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Chill: Freeze the dough balls for about 30 minutes or until they firm up.

5. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, microwave the white chocolate melting wafers at 50% power, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.

6. Dip the Cake Balls: Use dipping tools or two forks to dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate. Gently tap to remove any excess chocolate, then place back on the parchment paper. Immediately sprinkle with red or pink sprinkles if desired. Allow the chocolate coating to harden before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 40 cake balls.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Chilling Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Different Chocolate: You can use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate to coat the cake balls for a different flavor.

• Heart Shaped Cake Balls: Form the dough into heart shapes instead of round balls for a festive touch, especially for holidays like Valentine’s Day.

• Holiday Sprinkles: Swap out the sprinkles to match different holidays. For Christmas, use red and green, or for the Fourth of July, try red and blue!

• Cake Pops: Stick a popsicle stick into each dough ball before freezing and dipping, turning them into fun cake pops.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

• Freezing: You can also freeze the cake balls for up to 3 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator to prevent condensation from forming on the chocolate shell.

FAQs

1. Can I use any red velvet cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, any red velvet cake mix will work, but I prefer Betty Crocker for its texture and consistency.

2. Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of cream cheese?

I recommend using full-fat cream cheese rather than frosting to avoid an overly sweet taste. It balances the sweetness of the cake and chocolate.

3. How can I make sure the chocolate doesn’t seize up?

Always melt the chocolate at 50% power in the microwave, and stir every 20 seconds. If the chocolate becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening to smooth it out.

4. How long do I need to freeze the dough balls before dipping?

Freezing the dough balls for about 30 minutes helps them firm up and keeps them from falling apart when dipped in chocolate.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before rolling it into balls and dipping it in chocolate.

6. Can I use something other than melting wafers to coat the cake balls?

Yes, you can use regular white chocolate chips. However, melting wafers yield a smoother coating and are easier to work with.

7. How do I prevent the cake balls from sticking together when freezing?

Place parchment paper or wax paper between layers of cake balls in the container to keep them from sticking.

8. Can I use non-dairy cream cheese for a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy cream cheese to make the recipe dairy-free, though the texture may differ slightly.

9. Can I make these cake balls without the sprinkles?

Absolutely! If you prefer a more minimalist look, you can skip the sprinkles and enjoy them as they are.

10. How do I store these if I make them for a party in advance?

You can prepare the cake balls a few days before your event. Just keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Red velvet cake balls are a fun, easy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients, simple steps, and the option to customize with different chocolates and sprinkles, these cake balls are a great way to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether for a holiday or a casual gathering, these little bites of heaven are sure to be a hit!