Chef Mitchell preparing Red Velvet Cake Balls
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Red Velvet Cake Balls during a holiday baking session with my family. It became a family tradition to experiment with variations. After perfecting the recipe, these cake balls quickly became a favorite at parties and gatherings. They always bring joy and deliciousness to any occasion."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell specializes in dessert recipes. He has created over 1000 recipes that celebrate the diverse flavors of American desserts. His passion for baking makes every recipe a sweet adventure.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Red Velvet Cake Balls served on a plate

Why This Red Velvet Cake Balls Recipe Works

This recipe combines the rich flavors of traditional red velvet cake with the convenience of cake balls. Using cream cheese frosting ensures that every bite is moist and delicious. The addition of white chocolate adds a perfect sweetness that complements the cake.

The technique of chilling the cake balls prior to dipping helps maintain their shape while coating in chocolate. This ensures a smooth, professional-looking finish. The option to decorate with nuts or sprinkles adds a personal touch.

💡 Professional Tip

For best results, make sure the cake balls are completely chilled before dipping. This prevents them from crumbling and creates a clean finish. Using high-quality chocolate for melting ensures a rich flavor and glossy appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make the cake balls up to two days in advance. After forming the balls, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it even easier to serve when you're ready.

If you don't have cream cheese frosting, you can use buttercream frosting instead. Alternatively, you could make a homemade frosting using butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk for a creamy texture.

The cake balls are considered done when they are firm to the touch after chilling and coated in chocolate. The chocolate should also be completely set before serving.

Absolutely! You can freeze the cake balls before or after dipping them in chocolate. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Red Velvet Cake Balls are delightful on their own, but they pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Consider serving them on a festive platter for parties.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Red Velvet Cake Balls will last for about a week in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their flavor.

Yes, making them in advance is a great idea! You can prepare them a day or two ahead of your event to save time. Just keep them refrigerated until you're ready to serve.

If you prefer them warm, you can reheat Red Velvet Cake Balls in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chocolate coating to melt excessively.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the cake balls turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking the cake.

Solution: Ensure to check the cake for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. The cake should spring back when lightly pressed.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chocolate coating is not crispy, it may be due to not using enough fat when melting the chocolate.

Solution: Add a little more shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate to ensure a crispier coating that sets properly.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the cake balls are overcooked, they may become hard and dry.

Prevention: Keep an eye on the baking time and use a toothpick to check for doneness. Remove from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the cake balls is undercooked, they may be too soft.

Recovery: Ensure to chill the cake balls thoroughly before dipping. If undercooked, they can be placed back in the refrigerator to firm up.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior of the cake balls is burnt, it may be due to high oven temperature.

Prevention: Baking at the correct temperature and using an oven thermometer can help maintain an even baking environment.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If too sweet, you can balance the flavor by adding a pinch of salt to the mixture.

Too Salty: If too salty, increase the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar to the frosting.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a touch of cocoa powder to enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Balls

Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Balls

The main ingredients include red velvet cake mix, buttermilk, and cream cheese frosting. These elements work together to create the signature red velvet flavor and moist texture. The combination of white chocolate and optional nuts adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh eggs and buttermilk enhance the richness of the cake, while premium chocolate chips provide a creamy coating. Always choose the best quality for your desserts.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Red Velvet Cake Mix: Choosing a good quality red velvet cake mix is key. Look for one that has no artificial flavors for the best taste. The mix should yield a moist and fluffy texture when baked.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Using homemade cream cheese frosting can elevate the flavor of your cake balls. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, and ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • White Chocolate Chips: For the chocolate coating, select high-quality white chocolate chips. They melt smoothly and provide a deliciously sweet and creamy contrast to the red velvet cake.
Cooking process for Red Velvet Cake Balls

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Red Velvet Cake Balls is a simple yet rewarding process. Start by baking the cake, mixing all the wet ingredients until smooth, then combining them with the cake mix. After baking, crumble the cake and mix it with frosting to form balls.

The key to perfect cake balls is chilling them before dipping. This not only helps them hold their shape but ensures an even coating of chocolate. Follow the steps carefully for delightful results.

Key Technique for Perfect Red Velvet Cake Balls

Chilling the cake balls before coating them in chocolate is crucial. This technique allows them to maintain their shape and ensures a smooth, even coating. It also prevents them from falling apart during the dipping process.

Red Velvet Cake Balls

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    Sifted
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
    Unsweetened
  • 1/4 tsp salt
    To balance flavor
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Pure

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb red velvet cake mix
    For the base
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    For moisture
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    For texture
  • 3 large eggs
    For binding
  • 1 cup cream cheese frosting
    For flavor
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
    For coating
  • 2 tbsp vegetable shortening
    To smooth chocolate
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor

Instructions

  1. Mix Cake Ingredients

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix red velvet cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.

  2. Bake the Cake

    Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  3. Cool the Cake

    Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it.

  4. Crumble the Cake

    Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl.

  5. Add Frosting

    Mix in cream cheese frosting until the mixture holds together.

  6. Form Balls

    Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  7. Chill the Balls

    Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

  8. Melt Chocolate

    In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips with vegetable shortening until smooth.

  9. Coat the Balls

    Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off, then place back on the parchment.

  10. Decorate

    Sprinkle with crushed walnuts or sprinkles while still wet. Let set until chocolate hardens.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store Red Velvet Cake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Red Velvet Cake Balls on a decorative platter. They make a great addition to dessert tables or can be individually wrapped as party favors.

Recipe Variations

Try different toppings like crushed candy canes for a festive touch or use dark chocolate for a richer flavor. You can also experiment with adding different extracts to the frosting for unique flavors.