Red Velvet Cake Balls are rich, bite-sized treats made from moist red velvet cake mixed with creamy frosting, then dipped in chocolate for a decadent finish. Perfect for parties, holidays, or gifting, these vibrant sweets are easy to make, fun to decorate, and irresistibly delicious with their soft center and crisp chocolate shell.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
red velvet cake (homemade or boxed, baked and cooled)cream cheese frostingsemisweet or white chocolate chipsvegetable oil or shortening (for melting chocolate)sprinkles or crushed nuts (optional for decoration)
directions
Crumble the cooled red velvet cake into a large bowl until fine and uniform.
Add cream cheese frosting gradually, mixing until the texture resembles thick dough and holds together when pressed.
Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or freeze for 20-30 minutes until firm.
Melt chocolate chips with a bit of vegetable oil or shortening until smooth.
Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, coating evenly, then place back on the tray.
Decorate immediately with sprinkles or toppings if desired.
Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or in the fridge.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 30 cake balls.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Dipping and decorating: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
Use white chocolate or candy melts for colorful coatings.
Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the cake mixture.
Drizzle with contrasting chocolate for a pretty finish.
Roll in crushed cookies or cocoa powder instead of dipping in chocolate.
Make mini versions for a party platter or dessert table.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before serving.
Do not microwave or heat—best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cake and frosting?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut and works just as well.
Can I make them without dipping in chocolate?
Yes, roll them in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or crushed cookies instead.
Why is my mixture too wet or sticky?
Add cake crumbs gradually to control moisture and adjust consistency.
How do I make the coating smooth?
Add a bit of vegetable oil or shortening to melted chocolate for a glossy, smooth finish.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free cake mix and frosting.
Are they overly sweet?
They’re sweet but balanced by the tanginess of cream cheese and richness of chocolate.
Can I color the chocolate coating?
Yes, use white chocolate with gel food coloring or colored candy melts.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
No, just melt the chocolate gently in a microwave or double boiler.
Can I use a mold instead of rolling by hand?
Yes, silicone molds can help shape uniform cake balls.
Are they good for gifting?
Absolutely—place in mini cupcake liners and gift boxes for a polished presentation.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Cake Balls are an easy yet impressive treat that combines the beloved flavor of red velvet with a creamy center and chocolate shell. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, these indulgent little bites are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Print
Red Velvet Cake Balls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling and decorating)
- Yield: 24 cake balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red Velvet Cake Balls are bite-sized treats made by mixing crumbled red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, then dipped in chocolate for a rich and festive dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 oz white or dark chocolate melting wafers
- Optional: sprinkles or crushed red velvet crumbs for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the red velvet cake according to the package instructions. Let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl using your hands or a fork.
- Add the cream cheese frosting and mix until fully combined and dough-like in texture.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or in the freezer for 20–30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate wafers according to package directions.
- Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place back on the parchment paper.
- Decorate with sprinkles or crushed cake crumbs before the chocolate sets.
- Let the cake balls set completely at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cake balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can use white chocolate for a classic look or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake ball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg