Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible charm of Strawberry Cake Balls! These bite-sized treats are everything you want in a dessert: moist, fluffy strawberry cake mixed with luscious cream cheese frosting, all wrapped in a dreamy white chocolate shell. Whether you’re planning a party, looking for a sweet edible gift, or just want a playful pink treat for yourself, these treats are always a crowd-pleaser. With their pop of color, creamy texture, and that burst of strawberry flavor, it’s no wonder Strawberry Cake Balls have become a staple in my kitchen and a favorite for festive occasions!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple but powerful ingredients to whip up a batch of Strawberry Cake Balls. Each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s flavor, texture, or that signature blush-pink color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make every bite unforgettable:
- Strawberry cake mix: The star of the show! Using a boxed mix saves time and guarantees a vibrant, fruity base.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Whatever your cake mix calls for—these ensure your cake bakes up moist and tender.
- Cream cheese frosting: Just a bit binds the crumbs and adds a creamy tang that balances all the sweetness.
- White chocolate or candy melts: This glossy coating gives each ball its beautiful finish and a satisfying snap.
- Coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional): Stir in a spoonful for a silkier, easier-to-dip chocolate shell.
- Pink sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries (optional): For a pop of color and a little extra flair on top.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Balls
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preparing your strawberry cake according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely—you don’t want any warmth melting the frosting later!
Step 2: Crumble the Cake
Once your cake has cooled, crumble it into fine, even pieces. You can use your hands (the fun, messy way) or a fork for a neater approach. Aim for small, uniform crumbs so the mixture holds together well.
Step 3: Mix with Frosting
Add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake. Start with half a cup and mix thoroughly until you have a soft, doughy texture that sticks together when pressed. Don’t overdo the frosting—a little goes a long way!
Step 4: Shape into Balls
Scoop out portions of the mixture (about a tablespoon each) and roll them between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is a great step for kids or helpers—it’s hands-on and satisfying.
Step 5: Chill the Cake Balls
Pop the shaped balls into the fridge for at least an hour, or into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them much easier to dip without falling apart.
Step 6: Melt the White Chocolate
While the cake balls chill, melt your white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth. Stir in coconut oil if you want a silkier finish—it makes dipping a breeze!
Step 7: Dip and Decorate
Working one at a time, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place them back on the parchment and quickly sprinkle with pink sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries before the coating sets. Let everything harden completely before serving or packaging.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Balls
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with Strawberry Cake Balls! Pink sprinkles add a playful crunch, while crushed freeze-dried strawberries give a naturally tart contrast and a burst of color. If you’re feeling fancy, try a drizzle of pink-tinted white chocolate for that extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet bites with fresh berries, a bowl of vanilla ice cream, or even a glass of sparkling rosé for a grown-up treat. They’re especially lovely alongside a fruit salad or a tray of other pastel desserts for a stunning dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Serve Strawberry Cake Balls in mini cupcake liners for a polished look, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece. For gifting, package them in a pretty box with tissue paper, or skewer them on lollipop sticks for adorable cake pops.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Cake Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They’ll stay fresh, moist, and ready for snacking whenever your sweet tooth strikes. Just let them sit out for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Strawberry Cake Balls freeze like a dream! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
No reheating needed for these treats! If you prefer a softer center, let frozen cake balls come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. They’re just as delightful chilled or slightly cool from the fridge, so serve them however you love best.
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade strawberry cake recipe, feel free to swap it in. Just make sure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling and mixing with frosting.
How do I keep the coating smooth and even?
Adding a bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to your melted chocolate makes dipping smoother and helps the coating set with a glossy finish. Work quickly and tap off any excess chocolate before setting each ball down.
Are there ways to boost the strawberry flavor?
Yes! Add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to your cake batter or mix in some finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries for extra berry punch. You can even swirl a touch of strawberry jam into the frosting for big flavor.
Can I make Strawberry Cake Balls ahead for a party?
Definitely. These are perfect make-ahead treats! Prepare them up to three days in advance and store in the fridge, or freeze and thaw as needed. Decorate just before serving for the freshest look.
What’s the best way to transport Strawberry Cake Balls?
Use a sturdy container lined with parchment or wax paper, and keep them cool during transit. If it’s a warm day, pop a small ice pack in your bag to make sure the chocolate coating stays firm and glossy.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cake Balls are a joy to make and share, whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to brighten someone’s day. I hope you give them a try—there’s nothing quite like that first bite into sweet, creamy, strawberry goodness! Let your creativity shine and get rolling!
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Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cake balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Strawberry Cake Balls featuring a moist strawberry cake base mixed with cream cheese frosting, coated in smooth white chocolate, and garnished with festive pink sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Perfect for parties, gifting, or as a sweet Valentine’s Day treat.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake Balls Base
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Coating and Garnish
- 12 ounces white chocolate or white candy melts
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
- Pink sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven and bake the strawberry cake according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Crumble the Cake: Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl using your hands or a fork until the crumbs are fine and uniform.
- Mix with Frosting: Add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake and mix thoroughly until a cohesive, soft, dough-like consistency forms.
- Form Cake Balls: Scoop the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy handling.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 1 hour or freeze for 20-30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to coat.
- Melt Coating: Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Stir in the optional coconut oil for a smoother and shinier coating.
- Coat Cake Balls: Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess coating to drip off before returning each to the parchment paper.
- Garnish and Set: Before the coating sets, decorate with pink sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Allow the coating to harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- You can use homemade strawberry cake or add strawberry extract to enhance the flavor.
- Store cake balls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
- These cake balls are perfect for parties, gifting, or as festive Valentine’s Day treats.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (post-baking mixing and coating)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake ball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
