Oh my goodness, have you ever tried red velvet cake balls? They’re like little bites of heaven! Seriously, these treats are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every bite. I remember the first time I made them for a friend’s birthday party. Everyone went wild for them! The vibrant color, the rich flavor, and that creamy frosting mix all come together to create something truly special. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make! You don’t have to be a baking pro to whip these up; it’s all about having fun in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make these red velvet cake balls, you’ll want to share them with everyone—or maybe just keep them all to yourself! They’re that good!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Balls
To make these delightful red velvet cake balls, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix: This is the star of the show! It gives these cake balls their signature flavor and that gorgeous color.
- 1 cup water: You’ll mix this with the cake mix to help it come together.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This adds moisture to the cake, giving it that rich texture we all love.
- 3 large eggs: These help bind everything together and make the cake fluffy.
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting: This is the secret ingredient that makes these cake balls irresistibly creamy and delicious!
- 12 oz chocolate melting wafers: For coating the cake balls, you can’t go wrong with chocolate. It adds a sweet crunch that perfectly complements the soft cake.
These ingredients are all you need to create a batch of cake balls that will have everyone asking for seconds! Make sure to gather everything before you dive in; it makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cake Balls
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven is warming up, grab your box of red velvet cake mix and follow the instructions on the package. Usually, this involves mixing it with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Just use a big bowl and a whisk or mixer, and make sure everything is well combined. It should be smooth and luscious—just like a cake mix should be!
Bake and Cool
Once your cake batter is ready, pour it into a greased cake pan and pop it in the oven. Bake it for about 30-35 minutes, but don’t forget to check it around the 30-minute mark with a toothpick. It should come out clean when the cake is done. Ah, that smell of baking cake is just heavenly! Once it’s ready, take it out and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Trust me, this is crucial! If you try to crumble the cake before it’s fully cool, it’ll end up a gooey mess—and we don’t want that!
Crumble and Mix
Now comes the fun part! Once your cake is completely cool, crumble it into a big bowl. I like to use my hands for this—just break it up into small pieces. Then, add the cream cheese frosting and mix it all together. Get in there and really combine it! The frosting will bind the cake crumbs together and create that deliciously creamy texture. You want it to be moist and easily moldable, so if it feels too dry, just add a bit more frosting.
Forming Cake Balls
Time to shape these beauties! Take a small amount of the mixture—about a tablespoon—and roll it into a ball using your hands. I like to make them a little smaller than a golf ball. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It’s okay if they’re not perfect; a little rustic charm is part of their appeal! Once you’ve formed all the balls, you can pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes dipping them in chocolate so much easier.
Chill and Dip
While your cake balls are chilling, it’s time to melt those chocolate wafers! Follow the package instructions for melting, usually in a microwave or double boiler. Once melted, take your chilled cake balls out of the fridge. Carefully dip each ball into the melted chocolate, making sure they’re fully coated. Shake off any excess chocolate and place them back on the baking sheet. Let them sit until the chocolate sets—this will only take a few minutes! You could even sprinkle some extra decorations on top while the chocolate is still wet for that wow factor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for these red velvet cake balls! Here’s why they’re sure to become a favorite:
- Easy Preparation: Seriously, if you can mix a few ingredients and roll them into balls, you can make these!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of red velvet and cream cheese frosting creates a taste explosion that’s just divine.
- Visually Appealing: Those vibrant red cake balls coated in chocolate are not just tasty; they’re a feast for the eyes!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday party, or just because, they’re a hit every time.
- Fun to Customize: You can dress them up with sprinkles or drizzles for an extra touch of flair!
Tips for Success
When making red velvet cake balls, a few simple tips can make all the difference! First, make sure your cake is completely cool before crumbling it. If it’s even slightly warm, it can lead to a gooey mixture that’s hard to work with. Also, don’t skimp on the cream cheese frosting! It’s what keeps the cake balls moist and delicious, so add a little extra if needed.
When rolling your cake balls, try to keep them uniform in size for even coating and a pretty presentation. And remember, chilling them is key! If you find your chocolate is thickening too quickly while dipping, just pop it back in the microwave for a few seconds to smooth it out. Lastly, have fun with toppings! Whether it’s sprinkles, crushed nuts, or drizzles of white chocolate, let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! For each delicious red velvet cake ball, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. So, while you’re indulging in these tasty treats, you can enjoy them with a little awareness of what’s inside!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While red velvet is a classic, you can totally switch things up by using other flavors of cake mix. Think chocolate, vanilla, or even funfetti for a colorful twist! Just remember that if you choose a different flavor, it’ll change the overall taste of your cake balls, but they’ll still be delicious!
How should I store the cake balls?
To keep your cake balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the refrigerator for about a week, but trust me, they’re so good they probably won’t last that long! If you’re making them ahead of time, just pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze red velvet cake balls?
You bet! Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Just lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Easy peasy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious red velvet cake balls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—though I doubt they’ll last that long! If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Just place the cake balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge for a few hours—no need to reheat, just enjoy them chilled!
Print
Red velvet cake balls: 5 heavenly bites of bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 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
- 12 oz chocolate melting wafers
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 or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl.
- Add cream cheese frosting and mix until combined.
- Form small balls from the cake mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate melting wafers according to package instructions.
- Dip each cake ball in the melted chocolate and place them back on the baking sheet.
- Let the chocolate set before serving.
Notes
- Store cake balls in an airtight container.
- 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 and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: red velvet cake balls, dessert, cake pops
