Cake Balls

Cake Balls

Delicious and easy-to-make cake balls, perfect for parties or as a sweet treat!

4.50 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Chilling Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 balls

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Microwave or Double Boiler

Ingredients

  

Cake Base

• 1 box cake mix any flavor
• 1 cup frosting any flavor

Coating

• 2 cups chocolate or candy melts melted
• sprinkles optional, for decoration

• Bake the cake according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
• Crumble the cake into a large bowl.
• Add the frosting 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 40 minutes.
• Melt the chocolate or candy melts.
• Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.
• Decorate with sprinkles if desired and let the coating set.

Instructions

 

• Bake the cake according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
• Crumble the cake into a large bowl.
• Add the frosting 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 40 minutes.
• Melt the chocolate or candy melts.
• Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.
• Decorate with sprinkles if desired and let the coating set.

Notes

Try different cake and frosting combinations for a variety of flavors!

Keyword Cake, Sweet Treat

Cake balls are a delightful treat that combines the rich, moist texture of cake with the creamy sweetness of frosting, all encased in a luscious chocolate or candy shell. These bite-sized desserts have become a favorite among home bakers and professional pastry chefs alike due to their versatility, ease of preparation, and endless flavor possibilities. Whether you’re making them for a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a sweet craving, cake balls are the perfect indulgence.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of cake balls, covering everything from basic ingredients to expert decorating techniques. You’ll learn how to make them step by step, explore creative variations, and discover the best ways to store and present these delicious treats.

So, whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this ultimate guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to create perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully coated cake balls every time.

What Are Cake Balls?

Cake balls are bite-sized confections made from crumbled cake mixed with frosting and coated in chocolate or candy melts. These small, round treats are often decorated with sprinkles, drizzles, or edible glitter, making them a popular choice for parties, weddings, and holidays.

The Difference Between Cake Balls and Cake Pops

Many people confuse cake balls with cake pops, but there’s a key difference:

• Cake balls are simply shaped into small spheres and coated in chocolate or candy melts. They are typically served in mini cupcake liners or arranged on a dessert tray.
• Cake pops are cake balls with a stick inserted before dipping, giving them a lollipop-like appearance. This makes them easier to serve and eat without getting messy fingers.

The Popularity of Cake Balls

Cake balls have gained massive popularity over the years due to their:

✔ Convenience—No need for utensils; just grab and enjoy!
✔ Versatility—Endless flavor combinations and decoration possibilities.
✔ Easy Preparation—No professional baking skills required.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion—birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and holiday celebrations.

Whether you prefer a classic vanilla cake ball dipped in milk chocolate or a decadent red velvet version with a cream cheese center, these treats offer something for everyone.

Essential Ingredients for Cake Balls

The beauty of cake balls lies in their simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create an indulgent, bite-sized treat that everyone will love. Here’s everything you need to make perfectly moist and flavorful cake balls.

Best Cake Flavors for Cake Balls

The foundation of a great cake ball starts with the right cake. You can use homemade cake, boxed cake mix, or even leftover cake from a previous celebration. Some of the best cake flavors for cake balls include:

• Classic Vanilla—A simple and versatile choice that pairs well with any coating.
• Rich Chocolate—A go-to favorite for chocolate lovers.
• Red Velvet—elegant and delicious, especially with cream cheese frosting.
• Funfetti—Perfect for birthdays and celebrations with colorful sprinkles inside.
• Carrot Cake—Great with cream cheese frosting for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Lemon Cake—Light and refreshing, especially when paired with white chocolate.

💡 Tip: If you want a stronger flavor, try adding extracts like almond, coconut, or peppermint to your cake batter.

Choosing the Right Frosting

Frosting acts as the “glue” that holds the cake crumbs together. Using the right frosting ensures that your cake balls have the perfect texture—soft, but not too sticky. Some excellent options include:

• Buttercream Frosting – Smooth, creamy, and easy to mix.
• Cream Cheese Frosting—Adds a tangy richness, perfect for red velvet or carrot cake.
• Chocolate Ganache—For a deeper, more indulgent flavor.
• Nutella or peanut butter adds a unique twist and enhances the flavor.

💡 Tip: Use just enough frosting to bind the cake crumbs together. Too much will make the cake balls too soft and difficult to roll.

Coating Options: Chocolate, Candy Melts, and More

Once your cake balls are shaped, they need a delicious coating to lock in moisture and add a touch of elegance. Here are the best coatings to use:

• Milk Chocolate—A classic and creamy choice.
• Dark Chocolate—Rich and slightly bitter, perfect for contrast with sweet cake.
• White Chocolate—Great for decorating with colored drizzles or sprinkles.
• Candy Melts—Available in various colors, making them ideal for themed events.
• Coconut Flakes or Crushed Nuts—For a crunchy exterior.

💡 Tip: If your chocolate or candy melts are too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin them out.

How to Make Cake Balls: Step-by-Step Guide

Making cake balls is a simple and fun process that requires only a few steps. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, following this guide will help you create perfectly round, deliciously moist, and beautifully coated cake balls every time.

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start with a freshly baked cake. You can use a homemade recipe or a boxed cake mix for convenience.

Ingredients for Basic Cake:

• 1 box cake mix (or homemade cake batter)
• Eggs, oil, and water (as per cake mix instructions)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven according to the cake recipe.
2. Prepare the cake batter and pour it into a greased cake pan.
3. Bake as directed, usually around 25–30 minutes.
4. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
5. Let the cake cool completely before moving to the next step.

💡 Tip: A completely cooled cake crumbles more easily and helps prevent sticky or mushy cake balls.

Step 2: Crumble the Cake and Mix with Frosting

Once the cake has cooled, use your hands or a food processor to crumble it into fine, even crumbs.

Ingredients for Binding:

• ½ to ¾ cup frosting (buttercream, cream cheese, or chocolate ganache)

Instructions:

1. Place the crumbled cake into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add a small amount of frosting (start with ½ cup) and mix with a spoon or your hands.
3. Add more frosting as needed until the mixture is moist and holds together when squeezed.

💡 Tip: Don’t overdo the frosting! Too much can make the cake balls too soft and difficult to dip in chocolate.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Cake Balls

Now it’s time to roll your cake balls into even shapes.

Instructions:

1. Scoop out a tablespoon of the cake mixture and roll it into a smooth ball using your hands.
2. Place the rolled cake balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
4. Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours or in the freezer for 30 minutes. This helps them firm up for dipping.

💡 Tip: If your cake balls are sticky, lightly grease your hands with butter or non-stick spray while rolling.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate and Dip the Cake Balls

To get a smooth and glossy finish, melt your chocolate or candy melts properly.

Ingredients for Coating:

• 2 cups chocolate (milk, dark, or white) or candy melts
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for thinning)

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring in between.
2. If the chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to thin it.
3. Using a fork or dipping tool, gently submerge each cake ball into the melted chocolate.
4. Lift and let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
5. Decorate immediately with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or drizzle with contrasting chocolate.

💡 Tip: If using candy melts, make sure they are fully melted and smooth before dipping for an even coating.

Step 5: Let the Cake Balls Set and Enjoy!

Once dipped and decorated, let the cake balls sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or place them in the fridge for a quick set (10-15 minutes).

Your delicious cake balls are now ready to enjoy! Serve them on a platter, package them in gift boxes, or store them for later.

Variations of Cake Balls for Every Occasion

Cake balls are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. You can customize them for different events, dietary preferences, and unique flavor combinations. Here are some fun and creative variations to try!

🎄 Seasonal and Holiday-Themed Cake Balls

One of the best things about cake balls is that they can be decorated to match any season or holiday.

Holiday Variations:

• Christmas Cake Balls: Red velvet cake with green and white chocolate coating, topped with crushed peppermint.
• Halloween Cake Balls: Chocolate cake with orange and black sprinkles or candy eyeballs.
• Valentine’s Day Cake Balls: Strawberry cake with pink and white chocolate drizzle.
• Easter Cake Balls: Vanilla cake with pastel-colored candy melts and edible glitter.

💡 Tip: Use festive sprinkles, food coloring, or edible gold dust to match the holiday theme!

🌱 Gluten-Free and Vegan Cake Balls

For those with dietary restrictions, cake balls can easily be made gluten-free and vegan without sacrificing taste!

Gluten-Free Cake Balls:

• Use gluten-free cake mix or bake from scratch using almond or oat flour.
• Ensure that all ingredients, including the frosting and chocolate coating, are certified gluten-free.

Vegan Cake Balls:

• Use dairy-free cake mix or a homemade vegan cake recipe.
• Replace traditional frosting with coconut cream frosting or dairy-free buttercream.
• Use dark chocolate or dairy-free candy melts for coating.

💡 Tip: To bind vegan cake balls, use nut butter or mashed bananas instead of frosting!

🍓 Fun Flavors and Unique Twists

Want to take your cake balls to the next level? Try experimenting with exciting flavors and unexpected ingredients!

Unique Flavor Ideas:

• Cookies and Cream Cake Balls: Crushed Oreos mixed into vanilla cake with a white chocolate coating.
• S’mores Cake Balls: Chocolate cake with crushed graham crackers inside, coated in marshmallow-flavored candy melts.
• Strawberry Shortcake Cake Balls: Strawberry cake with vanilla frosting and white chocolate.
• Tiramisu Cake Balls: Coffee-soaked vanilla cake with mascarpone frosting and cocoa powder dusting.
• Lemon Blueberry Cake Balls: Lemon cake with fresh blueberries, coated in white chocolate.

💡 Tip: Add liquid flavors like espresso, caramel, or fruit extracts for an extra punch!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cake Balls

Making cake balls may seem simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to cracked coatings, falling-apart balls, or uneven textures. Follow these expert tips to ensure your cake balls turn out perfectly every time!

🥄 How to Prevent Cake Balls from Falling Apart

One of the biggest challenges with cake balls is getting them to hold their shape without crumbling. Here’s how to fix that:

✔ Use Just Enough Frosting: Too much frosting makes them too soft, while too little makes them dry and crumbly. Start with ½ cup and gradually add more as needed.
✔ Mix Until Just Combined: Overmixing can make the cake too mushy. Mix gently until the crumbs just stick together.
✔ Chill Before Dipping: Let cake balls firm up in the fridge for 1-2 hours or in the freezer for 30 minutes before coating.

💡 Tip: If your cake balls are too soft, try adding a bit more cake crumbs to balance the moisture.

❄ The Best Way to Store Cake Balls

Whether you’re making cake balls ahead of time or saving leftovers, proper storage keeps them fresh and delicious.

Short-Term Storage (1-3 Days):

• Store cake balls in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.

Refrigerating Cake Balls (Up to 1 Week):

• Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
• Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften.

Freezing Cake Balls (Up to 3 Months):

• Freeze undipped cake balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a Ziploc bag.
• To use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before dipping in chocolate.

💡 Tip: Chocolate-coated cake balls last longer at room temperature, while uncoated cake balls freeze better.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Using Too Much Frosting: This makes the cake balls too sticky and hard to roll.
🚫 Not Chilling Before Dipping: Warm cake balls will fall apart in melted chocolate.
🚫 Overheating Chocolate: Chocolate that’s too hot can cause the coating to crack as it cools. Melt in 15-second bursts to keep it smooth.
🚫 Skipping the Drying Time: Letting cake balls set at room temperature prevents condensation and keeps the coating smooth.

💡 Tip: If your chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out!

Creative Cake Ball Presentation Ideas

Cake balls are not just delicious—they can also be beautifully presented to impress guests at parties, weddings, and celebrations. Whether you’re making them as gifts or serving them at an event, here are some creative ways to display and package your cake balls elegantly.

🎉 Elegant Party Displays

Hosting a special event? Arrange your cake balls in a visually appealing way for a stunning dessert table centerpiece.

Presentation Ideas for Parties:

✔ Tiered Cake Stand: Arrange cake balls on a multi-level dessert stand for a fancy look.
✔ Decorated Platter: Place them on a themed tray with fresh fruit, flowers, or edible glitter.
✔ Mini Cupcake Wrappers: Serve each cake ball in an individual wrapper for easy grabbing.
✔ Color Coordination: Match the cake ball colors to your party theme (e.g., pink & gold for a baby shower).

💡 Tip: Add edible pearls, chocolate drizzle, or metallic sprinkles for a luxurious finish!

💐 Cake Ball Bouquets & Gift Packaging

Want to turn your cake balls into a beautiful edible gift? Try these fun packaging ideas!

Creative Gift Ideas:

🎁 Cake Ball Bouquet: Insert cake balls onto lollipop sticks, arrange in a bouquet, and wrap with ribbon.
🎁 Decorative Gift Boxes: Pack cake balls in a pretty bakery box with tissue paper.
🎁 Clear Treat Bags: Wrap each cake ball individually and tie with colorful ribbon for party favors.
🎁 Mason Jars: Layer cake balls in a jar with a personalized note—perfect for gifting.

💡 Tip: Add a small card with the cake ball flavors and an expiration date to your gift packaging!

👰 Cake Balls for Weddings & Special Events

Cake balls can be a stylish and mess-free alternative to traditional wedding cakes or large desserts.

Wedding Dessert Ideas:

💍 Cake Ball Tower: Stack cake balls into a tiered pyramid like a croquembouche.
💍 Gold & Silver Decor: Use metallic edible paint for an elegant touch.
💍 Monogrammed Cake Balls: Pipe the bride & groom’s initials on each one.
💍 Wedding Favors: Wrap cake balls in individual favor boxes for guests to take home.

💡 Tip: For a romantic touch, use white chocolate and floral decorations like dried rose petals!

FAQs About Cake Balls

Cake balls are fun and delicious, but if you’re making them for the first time, you may have some questions. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about making, storing, and decorating cake balls.

❓ How Long Do Cake Balls Last?

Cake balls can last at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for about a week, and in the freezer for up to 3 months if stored properly.

💡 Tip: Store cake balls in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors.

❓ Can You Freeze Cake Balls?

Yes! You can freeze uncoated or coated cake balls for future use.

• Uncoated Cake Balls: Freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before dipping in chocolate.
• Coated Cake Balls: Freeze in layers with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

💡 Tip: Let frozen cake balls thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving!

❓ What’s the Best Chocolate for Coating Cake Balls?

The best options for coating cake balls include:

🍫 Milk Chocolate: Classic, creamy, and pairs well with most cake flavors.
🍫 Dark Chocolate: Rich and slightly bitter, perfect for balancing sweet fillings.
🍫 White Chocolate: Sweet and versatile—great for decorating with colorful drizzles.
🍫 Candy Melts: Available in a variety of colors and easy to work with.

💡 Tip: If your chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin it out.

❓ Do Cake Balls Need to Be Refrigerated?

Not always! Plain cake balls can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, if they contain cream cheese frosting, perishable fillings, or dairy-based coatings, they should be refrigerated.

💡 Tip: If refrigerating, let cake balls sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate coating.

❓ How Do You Keep Cake Balls from Cracking?

Cracks in the chocolate coating usually happen when cake balls are too cold and the chocolate is too hot. Here’s how to prevent it:

✔ Let cake balls sit for 5 minutes after removing them from the fridge before dipping.
✔ Don’t overheat the chocolate—melt it slowly in 15-second intervals in the microwave.
✔ Use room-temperature melted chocolate (not too hot) to avoid temperature shock.

💡 Tip: If cracks appear, drizzle extra melted chocolate over them to cover up imperfections!

❓ Can You Make Cake Balls Without Frosting?

Yes! While frosting helps bind the cake crumbs, you can use other alternatives:

• Nutella or peanut butter adds a delicious, creamy texture.
• Condensed Milk—Sweetens and moistens the cake crumbs.
• Ganache or Melted Chocolate—Creates a richer flavor.

💡 Tip: If using an alternative binder, start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve the right consistency.

Conclusion: Why Cake Balls Are the Perfect Treat

Cake balls are the ultimate bite-sized dessert—easy to make, customizable for any occasion, and fun to decorate! Whether you’re making classic chocolate cake balls, festive holiday treats, or elegant wedding favors, these little delights are guaranteed to impress.

With the tips, tricks, and recipes in this guide, you now have everything you need to make perfect cake balls every time. So grab your favorite cake flavor, get creative, and start creating these delicious treats today!