Name: Red Velvet Cake Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 baked red velvet cake (homemade or from a boxed mix), cooled; 1/2 to 3/4 cup cream cheese frosting (homemade or store-bought); 12 oz white chocolate chips or candy melts; Optional: sprinkles, red velvet crumbs, or chocolate drizzle for decoration

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Red Velvet Cake Balls are bite-sized, rich, and chocolatey treats coated in smooth candy or chocolate coating. I take moist red velvet cake, mix it with a little cream cheese frosting, roll it into balls, and dip them in a sweet outer shell. They’re festive, fun to make, and perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns classic red velvet cake into easy-to-eat, mess-free bites. They look elegant and taste just as good as a slice of cake. I can decorate them however I want—drizzled, dipped, or sprinkled—so they’re super customizable for any occasion. They also hold up well in the fridge or freezer, which makes them a great make-ahead treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Baked red velvet cake (homemade or boxed mix)
Cream cheese frosting (homemade or store-bought)
White chocolate or candy melts
Optional: sprinkles, red velvet crumbs, or drizzle for decoration

Directions

I start by crumbling the baked and cooled red velvet cake into a large bowl until fine and even.
I add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese frosting and mix it with the cake crumbs until it forms a dough-like consistency. I add just enough frosting to make it moist and rollable, not overly sticky.
I scoop and roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
I chill the cake balls in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or freeze them for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up.
I melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
I dip each cake ball into the melted coating using a fork or candy stick, letting the excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
I decorate immediately with sprinkles, crumbs, or a drizzle of melted chocolate before the coating hardens.
I let them set completely at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cake balls, depending on size. It takes roughly 20 minutes to prep, plus 1 hour for chilling and decorating, so I usually plan for 1 hour and 30 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for dipping instead of white chocolate for a richer finish. I’ve also flavored the frosting with a little vanilla or almond extract for something different. Around the holidays, I like to color the white chocolate red or green, or add crushed peppermint on top for a festive twist. If I want to make it simpler, I use boxed red velvet cake and canned frosting—it still turns out great.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cake balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to a month. I just let them thaw in the fridge before serving. I don’t reheat them since they’re meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, I can use buttercream or another frosting, but cream cheese adds that classic red velvet flavor that I love.

How do I keep the coating smooth?

I make sure the cake balls are chilled before dipping, and I stir the melted chocolate often to keep it silky. If it gets too thick, I add a tiny bit of coconut oil.

Can I use boxed red velvet cake?

Absolutely. I often use a box mix for convenience, and it works perfectly with this recipe.

Why are my cake balls cracking after dipping?

That usually happens if the cake balls are too cold and the melted coating is too hot. I let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before dipping.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, I usually make them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. They stay fresh and pretty, especially if I use candy melts.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cake Balls are a fun, crowd-pleasing treat that combines the best parts of cake, frosting, and candy coating into one little bite. They’re easy to make, perfect for special occasions, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m gifting them or keeping them all to myself, they never last long.