What exactly are cake balls and how are they made?

Cake balls are bite-sized treats made by mixing crumbled cake with frosting to form a dough-like consistency, then rolling it into small balls. These balls are typically coated in melted candy or chocolate and decorated with sprinkles or other toppings. To make them, bake a cake (or use leftover cake), crumble it finely, blend with enough frosting to hold together without being sticky, shape into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, then chill before dipping in melted coating.

Can I use leftover cake or different types of cake to make cake balls?

Yes, cake balls are a great way to use leftover cake scraps, cupcakes, or even muffins. Any cake type works, but denser cakes may require less frosting, while lighter cakes need a bit more to bind properly. Adjust the frosting gradually until the mixture holds its shape without being too sticky. This flexibility helps reduce waste and makes cake balls a versatile dessert option.

How do I prevent cracking in the chocolate coating when dipping cake balls?

To avoid cracks, ensure the melted chocolate or candy coating isn’t too hot—let it cool for about 5 minutes after melting. Also, make sure the cake balls are fully chilled before dipping. The temperature difference can cause cracking if the coating cools too quickly. Using quality melts and gently tapping off excess coating will help create a smooth, even layer.

What are some popular decorating and coating options for cake balls?

Common coatings include melted chocolate, colored candy melts, or white chocolate tinted with gel food coloring. Decorations can range from sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, cookie crumbs, to crushed candies like M&M’s. Applying sprinkles or decorations immediately after dipping ensures they stick well. Mixing toppings offers a fun way to customize appearance and flavor.

How should cake balls be stored and can I freeze them?

Store cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them after the coating has completely hardened, placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to six weeks. Thaw frozen cake balls overnight in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and flavor before serving.

Cake Balls Recipe Ideas For Fun And Easy Homemade Treats

Ingredients

Scale

1 box cake mix (flavor of your choice) or approximately 280g (2 cups) homemade or store-bought cake
Eggs, oil, and water as required by the cake mix box (if using box mix)
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons canned frosting (flavor of your choice) or approximately 140g (1 cup) homemade frosting such as buttercream or cream cheese icing
1 pound (about 450g) candy melts or quality baking chocolate for coating
1/2 cup sprinkles (optional)
Additional coating options: finely chopped nuts, desiccated coconut, cocoa powder, crushed cookies, or crushed sweets

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare cake according to box instructions or bake your homemade cake and allow it to cool completely.
2. Crumble cooled cake finely into a large bowl.
3. Gradually mix cake crumbs with frosting until a soft, non-sticky dough forms, adding more frosting if needed to achieve a moist but firm consistency that holds shape without cracking.
4. Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours or freeze for about 1 hour.
6. Melt candy melts or chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.
7. Dip cake balls fully into the melted coating, tapping off excess, and place on parchment paper to set. Add sprinkles or decorations while the coating is still wet.
8. Allow the coating to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🍰 Use a tall, narrow container for dipping to coat balls more evenly.
❄️ Rolling the mixture when cold helps achieve better shape and texture.
🧁 Adding frosting incrementally helps achieve the right consistency without making the dough too sticky.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 1 to 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 to 36 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Varies

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cake ball
Calories: 116
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 116mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 21g