Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making red velvet cake balls! These little bites of heaven are not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. I absolutely love how the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet comes together with the sweetness of cream cheese frosting, all wrapped in a luscious chocolate coating. It’s like a party in your mouth! Trust me, once you start making these, you won’t want to stop. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday bash, a cozy night in, or just a sweet treat for yourself. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together and how quickly they disappear!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Balls
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these luscious red velvet cake balls. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix – This is the star of the show, giving that gorgeous color and flavor!
- 1 cup water – This helps to bring the cake mix to life.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender.
- 3 large eggs – These will bind everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting – Trust me, this is what makes each bite irresistible!
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips – For coating the cake balls; you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Make sure to have everything measured and ready to go before you start; it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cake Balls
Getting these red velvet cake balls ready is such a fun process! Follow my step-by-step guide, and you’ll be on your way to creating these little delights in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to ensure your cake bakes evenly.
- Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions. It’s usually as simple as mixing the cake mix with water, oil, and eggs. Just follow the directions, and you’ll be golden!
- Bake the cake in a greased pan for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Let the cake cool completely. This is crucial; if it’s warm, it’ll be a messy situation when you crumble it.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Just break it up with your hands or a fork until it resembles a fine crumb. The more uniform, the better!
- Add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake and mix until well combined. I like to use my hands for this part—it’s messy but oh-so-fun!
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter—perfect bite-sized pieces!
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will help them hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Be careful not to overheat!
- Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off, then place them back on the baking sheet.
- Let the chocolate harden before serving. You can speed this up by placing them back in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
And there you have it! These steps will guide you to delicious, homemade red velvet cake balls that are sure to impress!
Nutritional Information
These delightful red velvet cake balls are not just a treat for your taste buds, but they also come with some nutritional information to keep in mind. Each cake ball is approximately 150 calories and contains 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you choose. Enjoy them in moderation as a sweet indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, making red velvet cake balls is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delicious treats ready in no time!
- Perfect for parties: They’re bite-sized and beautiful, making them a hit at any gathering.
- Rich flavor: The combination of red velvet and cream cheese frosting is absolutely irresistible!
- Fun to make: Rolling the cake balls is a messy but enjoyable process, perfect for getting the kids involved.
- Customizable: You can switch up the chocolate or add toppings to make them your own!
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to dessert for any occasion!
Tips for Success
To make your red velvet cake balls truly perfect, I’ve got some handy tips for you! First, when mixing the cake and cream cheese frosting, aim for a consistency that holds together but isn’t too sticky. If it feels too wet, add a bit more cake crumbs. Chilling is crucial—don’t skimp on that hour in the fridge! It really helps them firm up before you dip them in chocolate. Speaking of dipping, make sure your chocolate is smooth and not too hot; this prevents the cake balls from crumbling. A fork works wonders for dipping; it lets the excess chocolate drip off easily. Happy baking!
Variations on Red Velvet Cake Balls
Now, let’s talk about how you can mix things up with your red velvet cake balls! One easy way is to switch up the chocolate coating—try using white chocolate for a sweeter twist, or even milk chocolate for a creamier taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some peppermint extract to the cream cheese frosting for a minty kick or a dash of espresso powder to enhance that rich flavor. You could also roll the chilled cake balls in crushed nuts or sprinkles for a fun texture and color pop. And don’t forget about seasonal flavors—how about a splash of orange zest for a zesty summer vibe? The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover red velvet cake balls is super easy! Just pop them into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, which is perfect for snacking later on. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each cake ball individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. No reheating needed—just enjoy them chilled for the best taste!
FAQ About Red Velvet Cake Balls
Got questions about making these scrumptious red velvet cake balls? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use a different cake mix? Absolutely! While red velvet is classic, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change!
Do I have to chill the cake balls? Yes, chilling is key! It helps the cake balls firm up, making them easier to dip in chocolate without falling apart.
What if my cake balls are too crumbly? If your mixture feels too dry, just add a bit more cream cheese frosting. It helps bind everything together and keeps them moist.
Can I make these ahead of time? For sure! You can make the cake balls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just coat them in chocolate right before serving for the freshest taste.
How do I get a smooth chocolate coating? Ensure your chocolate is melted smoothly and not too hot. A fork can help you dip and shake off excess chocolate for a nice, even coat. Happy baking!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out these red velvet cheesecake bites or this creamy chicken tortilla soup!
Print
Red velvet cake balls: 2 heavenly bites to savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cake balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cake balls coated in chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package instructions.
- Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes in a greased pan.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl.
- Add cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake and mix until combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.
- Let the chocolate harden before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover cake balls in the refrigerator.
- Use white chocolate for a different flavor.
- Add sprinkles on top for decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: red velvet cake balls
