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Red Velvet Cake Balls: The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Treats

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Decadent red velvet cake balls coated in chocolate and sprinkles. A perfect bite-sized treat!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for desired consistency)
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (or white chocolate chips, or candy melts – your choice!)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
  • Sprinkles, for decoration (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  8. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined.
  9. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  10. Once the cake is completely cool, crumble it into a large bowl.
  11. Add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake and mix well until everything is evenly combined.
  12. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  13. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the cake balls for at least 30 minutes.
  14. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening (if using) until smooth. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent burning.
  15. Remove the cake balls from the refrigerator. Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tools to coat it completely. Tap off any excess chocolate.
  16. Immediately sprinkle with sprinkles or other decorations, if desired.
  17. Place the dipped cake balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set completely. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
  18. Once the chocolate has set, your red velvet cake balls are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

  • Cake Mix Shortcut: Use a red velvet cake mix to save time.
  • Different Coatings: Experiment with white chocolate, dark chocolate, candy melts, crushed nuts, or cookies.
  • Flavor Variations: Add peppermint extract to the melted chocolate or coffee liqueur to the cake mixture.
  • Liqueur Infusion: Brush the cooled cake with rum or bourbon before crumbling.
  • Freezing: Cake balls freeze well before or after dipping.
  • Preventing Cracking: Ensure cake balls are chilled but not frozen, and let the melted chocolate cool slightly before dipping.
  • Dipping Tools: Use dipping tools for easier and neater dipping.
  • Melting Chocolate Tips: Use a clean, dry bowl when melting chocolate.
  • Sprinkle Placement: Roll the cake ball in a bowl of sprinkles for even coverage.
  • Presentation: Arrange the cake balls on a platter or in a decorative box.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/red-velvet-cake-balls/