Red Velvet Cake Balls

When enjoying yourself at a party, there’s nothing better than a convenient bite-sized treat. Enter these red velvet cake balls. They’re moist, flavorful and coated with chocolate. You can decorate them with sprinkles, edible glitter or crumbles so they pop out on a spread. Or, stick toothpicks in them so they’re easy to grab during the festivities. Either way, you may want to double this recipe, as your guests will likely be eager for seconds.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Balls

• Red velvet cake mix: This recipe is so simple because we use a boxed red velvet cake mix as the base for these treats. Go for your favorite brand. If you don’t have one, try one of our recommended red velvet boxed cake mixes. Keep in mind, you’ll need the ingredients listed on the box to complete the cake mix.
• Cream cheese frosting: To achieve a moist texture, we mix store-bought cream cheese frosting into the cake crumbs before shaping them into balls. Use a good brand, like Philadelphia cream cheese frosting. You could also make your own cream cheese frosting at home for a fresher, tangier flavor without the preservatives.
• Chocolate candy coating: After assembling the cake balls, we dip them into melted white, milk and dark chocolates. You can find candy coating alongside the chocolate at the grocery store or in the baking aisles of craft stores.

Directions   

Step 1: Bake the cake 

Prepare the cake mix and bake according to the package directions using a 13×9-inch pan. Once the cake has baked, allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Assemble the cake balls

Crumble the red velvet cake into a large bowl, then add the cream cheese frosting and beat well. Refrigerate the cake mixture until it’s easy to handle, about an hour.

Shape the mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls, then transfer the balls to waxed paper-lined baking sheets and refrigerate them for at least an hour.

Step 3: Dip the cake balls in chocolate

Melt the white chocolate candy coating in the microwave or in a double boiler, stirring until smooth.

Dip the first 20 cake balls into the coating, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Return the dipped cake balls to a waxed paper-lined baking sheet, and let them stand at room temperature until set.

Repeat this process with the milk chocolate and dark chocolate coatings and the remaining cake balls.

Editor’s Tip: I like to lightly tap the dipping utensil on the side of the bowl to encourage chocolate to drip off; otherwise, you’re left with “feet” underneath the cake balls.

If desired, drizzle the cake balls with additional chocolate candy coating.

Red Velvet Cake Ball Variations 

• Decorate these treats: Top these red velvet cake balls with sprinkles or edible glitter to elevate their appearance on your table.
• Roll them in cocoa powder: To add an extra chocolaty touch, roll the red velvet cake balls in good cocoa powder, as you would a truffle.
• Add chocolate chips: To enhance the texture of this dessert, try folding chocolate chips into the cake mixture before rolling into cake balls.

How to Store Red Velvet Cake Balls

If you have a few red velvet cake balls left after your party, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When you’re ready to eat them again, let them come to room temperature. It’s hard to taste their true flavor when they’re very chilled, so just let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before digging in.

Can you make this red velvet cake ball recipe ahead of time? 

Yes, you can make this red velvet cake ball recipe in advance. Follow the recipe, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Then, on the day of your event, place them on a platter and let them reach room temperature before serving, but don’t leave them out of the fridge for more than two hours.

Can you freeze these red velvet cake balls?

Yes, you can freeze red velvet cake balls. Transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-friendly bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Remember, though, that milk or dark chocolate might bloom and develop white spots.

Red Velvet Cake Ball Tips

Can I make this recipe with a different flavor of boxed cake mix?

Yes, you can make this recipe with a different boxed cake mix flavor, such as confetti, French vanilla, lemon supreme or German chocolate. Get creative with the toppings by experimenting with different combinations. For instance, dip lemon cake balls into white chocolate frosting, or sprinkle shredded coconut on German chocolate bites.

Can I make a gluten-free version of these red velvet cake balls?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of these red velvet cake balls. Replace the red velvet cake mix with a gluten-free version and check that all other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. Also, double-check that your cooking spray is free from flour.

What’s the easiest way to dip these red velvet cake balls into the melted chocolate?

The easiest way to dip these red velvet cake balls into the melted chocolate is by using toothpicks or lollipop sticks for a cleaner and more efficient process. Insert the sticks into the centers of the cake balls, then dip them into the melted chocolate.