Cake Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cake Balls are bite-sized treats made from crumbled cake mixed with frosting, then rolled into balls and coated in chocolate. They’re rich, moist, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for parties, gifts, or satisfying a sweet tooth. With their smooth outer shell and soft, flavorful center, they’re an irresistible dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked cake (any flavor)frosting (store-bought or homemade)melting chocolate or candy coating (white, milk, or dark)sprinkles or decorations (optional)

directions

Bake a cake according to the package or homemade recipe instructions and let it cool completely.

Crumble the cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.

Add frosting a little at a time, mixing until the mixture holds together like dough (usually about ¾ to 1 cup of frosting).

Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.

Melt the chocolate or candy coating according to package instructions.

Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess.

Place the coated cake balls back on the parchment-lined sheet. Decorate with sprinkles if desired before the coating sets.

Allow the coating to set completely at room temperature or in the fridge.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 36 cake balls.Preparation time: 25 minutesChilling time: 30–60 minutesCoating and decorating time: 20 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Use different cake and frosting combinations like red velvet with cream cheese or lemon cake with vanilla frosting.

Add chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the mixture for extra texture.

Use colored candy melts to match a theme or holiday.

Drizzle contrasting chocolate over the coated balls for a decorative finish.

Add flavor extracts like almond, peppermint, or coconut to the frosting for a unique twist.

storage/reheating

Store cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.To serve, let frozen cake balls thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for 30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cake and frosting?

Yes, using store-bought options saves time and works perfectly.

Why are my cake balls too soft or sticky?

You may have added too much frosting. Add less next time or chill the mixture longer.

Can I make cake balls ahead of time?

Yes, they store well in the fridge or freezer, making them a great make-ahead treat.

How do I keep the coating smooth?

Make sure the cake balls are well-chilled before dipping and tap off excess chocolate gently.

Do I need a special tool to dip them?

A fork, spoon, or toothpick can all work. A dipping tool just makes it neater.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free cake and frosting.

Are cake balls the same as cake pops?

Cake pops are just cake balls with sticks—they’re made the same way.

Can I use leftover cake?

Absolutely. Leftover cake is perfect for making cake balls.

Why is my coating cracking?

This may happen if the cake balls are too cold and the chocolate is too hot. Let them sit a few minutes out of the fridge before dipping.

Can I skip the chocolate coating?

You can roll them in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts instead for a different finish.

Conclusion

Cake Balls are a delightful, versatile treat that’s easy to customize and fun to make. Whether you’re using leftover cake or starting from scratch, these indulgent bites are perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a go-to dessert favorite.

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