Red Velvet Cake Balls (Easy, Decadent & Perfect for Any Occasion)
If there’s one dessert that never fails to disappear from a dessert table, it’s red velvet cake balls. Rich, chocolatey, tangy, and coated in a smooth chocolate shell, these bite-sized treats feel fancy but are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party, a baby shower, Valentine’s Day, or just a weekend treat, red velvet cake balls are always a crowd favorite.
This recipe is intentionally approachable. It uses a boxed red velvet cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate almond bark to create a dessert that tastes bakery-quality without requiring advanced baking skills. The result is a soft, moist center with that classic red velvet flavor, paired with a crisp chocolate coating that adds just the right amount of snap.
If you love desserts that look impressive, travel well, and can be made ahead of time, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cake Balls
There are plenty of reasons this recipe works so well for both beginner bakers and seasoned home cooks:
Easy and reliable: Using a boxed cake mix ensures consistent flavor and texture every time.
Perfect make-ahead dessert: These can be prepared days in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Great for gifting: Cake balls package beautifully for holidays and special occasions.
Portion-controlled: Bite-sized desserts are easier to serve and enjoy.
Customizable: You can decorate them with sprinkles, drizzles, or themed toppings.
Red velvet desserts have a way of feeling indulgent and special, and these cake balls capture all of that without the hassle of frosting layers or slicing cake.
What Are Cake Balls?
Cake balls are made by combining crumbled cake with frosting, rolling the mixture into balls, and coating them in chocolate. The frosting binds the cake together, creating a truffle-like texture that stays soft and moist. Once chilled, the balls are dipped in melted chocolate to create a smooth outer shell.
Think of them as a cross between cake and candy. They’re rich, satisfying, and incredibly versatile.
Ingredient Breakdown and Why Each One Matters
Understanding the role of each ingredient will help you get the best possible results.
Red Velvet Box Cake Mix (Plus Box Ingredients)
Using a boxed red velvet cake mix saves time and ensures consistent results. Red velvet cake is traditionally flavored with cocoa powder, vanilla, and a slight tang, which pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting.
Why it works:
Consistent crumb and moisture
Balanced cocoa flavor
Easy and accessible
Prepare the cake exactly as directed on the box, using the listed eggs, oil, and water (or milk if you prefer a richer cake).
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting is essential for that classic red velvet flavor profile. Its slight tang cuts through the sweetness and keeps the cake balls from tasting overly sugary.
Why it works:
Adds moisture
Binds the cake crumbs together
Provides tang and richness
Only half a container is needed. Using too much frosting can make the mixture overly soft and difficult to roll.
Chocolate Almond Bark
Almond bark is ideal for coating cake balls because it melts smoothly, sets quickly, and doesn’t require tempering like traditional chocolate.
Why it works:
Easy to melt
Creates a smooth, glossy shell
Sets firm at room temperature
You can use chocolate almond bark or vanilla almond bark depending on your preference.
Ingredients
1 box red velvet cake mix
Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
½ container cream cheese frosting
12–16 ounces chocolate almond bark
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package directions. Bake in the recommended pan size and allow the cake to cool completely.
Tip: Cooling is crucial. Warm cake will melt the frosting and result in a greasy, difficult-to-handle mixture.
2. Crumble the Cake
Once cooled, crumble the entire cake into fine crumbs using clean hands or a fork. Transfer the crumbs to a large mixing bowl.
You want the texture to be uniform, with no large chunks remaining.
3. Add the Frosting
Add half of the cream cheese frosting container to the bowl. Mix until the frosting is evenly distributed and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Tip: Start with less frosting and add more only if needed. The mixture should be moist but not sticky.
4. Scoop and Roll
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into smooth balls using your hands. Place the balls on a parchment- or wax-paper-lined baking sheet.
5. Chill
Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This step helps the cake balls firm up so they don’t fall apart during dipping.
6. Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark
Break the almond bark into pieces and melt according to package directions, usually in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth.
7. Dip the Cake Balls
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate. Gently tap off excess chocolate and place the coated ball back onto wax paper.
8. Let Set
Allow the chocolate coating to harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Cake Balls
Work in batches: Keep unused cake balls chilled while dipping to prevent softening.
Use a fork or dipping tool: This helps excess chocolate drip off cleanly.
Line your surface: Wax paper or parchment prevents sticking.
Let excess chocolate drip off fully to avoid thick, uneven shells.
If cracks appear, your cake balls may be too cold or the chocolate too hot. Let one or the other rest briefly before continuing.
Flavor Variations and Decorating Ideas
Drizzle with white chocolate for contrast
Add festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets
Use vanilla almond bark for a lighter coating
Top with crushed cookies or red velvet crumbs
These small details make cake balls feel custom and event-ready.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncoated cake balls for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before dipping.
Transporting: Keep chilled until ready to serve, especially in warm weather.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and indulgence. The boxed cake mix ensures reliable results, the cream cheese frosting delivers classic red velvet flavor, and the almond bark creates a smooth, professional finish.
It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but doesn’t demand hours of effort, making it ideal for busy home bakers who still want something special.
Red velvet cake balls are proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or homemade cake from scratch to create a dessert people genuinely love. They’re rich, nostalgic, and endlessly shareable, making them perfect for everything from holiday platters to weekday treats.
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special but fits into real life, this recipe checks every box.
Red Velvet Cake Balls
Easy red velvet cake balls made with cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate almond bark. A simple, bite-sized dessert perfect for holidays, parties, and gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)
- ½ container cream cheese frosting
- 12–16 ounces chocolate almond bark
Instructions
- Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package directions.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Crumble the entire cake into a large bowl until fine crumbs form.
- Add half of the cream cheese frosting and mix until fully combined and the mixture holds together.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll into balls.
- Place the cake balls on a wax paper–lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Melt the chocolate almond bark according to package instructions until smooth.
- Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place back onto wax paper and let the chocolate set completely.
- Enjoy immediately or store for later.
If you try these red velvet cake balls, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Leave a comment below, share them with friends, or save this recipe for your next party or holiday baking list. And if you’re looking for more easy desserts and crowd-pleasing recipes, be sure to browse the rest of CookSnapBake for inspiration.
Easy red velvet cake balls made with cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate almond bark. A simple, bite-sized dessert perfect for holidays, parties, and gifting.