Description
Bite-sized, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, Strawberry Cake Balls are an irresistible treat. With a soft, creamy center bursting with strawberry flavor and a luscious vanilla coating, these delightful desserts are as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for parties, gifts, or an everyday indulgence!
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- Cream cheese (8 ounces), softened to room temperature
- Cream cheese chips (⅓ cup), roughly chopped
- For Coating and Decoration:
- Vanilla melting wafers (2 bags, 10 oz each)
- Pink candy melts (½ cup), for drizzling (light and bright pink)
- Sprinkles (optional), for decoration
Instructions
- Heat-Treat the Cake Mix:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the strawberry cake mix evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria, then allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add the cooled cake mix, folding in with a spatula before mixing on medium-high speed until a dough forms.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese Chips:
- Fold in the chopped cream cheese chips until evenly distributed.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up the dough.
- Roll the Dough Balls:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to portion the dough. Roll into smooth balls with your hands.
- Let the dough balls sit for 15 minutes to prevent coating cracks.
- Melt the Vanilla Coating:
- Double Boiler Method: Melt vanilla wafers in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Microwave Method: Heat wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
- Dip the Cake Balls:
- Place each dough ball on a fork, dip into the melted coating, and tap gently on the bowl’s edge to remove excess.
- Place coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate:
- Before the coating dries, sprinkle some cake balls with your favorite sprinkles.
- Melt pink candy melts in separate piping bags, snip the tips, and drizzle over the remaining cake balls.
- Set and Serve:
- Let the cake balls set completely at room temperature until the coating hardens. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Heat-Treat the Cake Mix:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the strawberry cake mix evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria, then allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add the cooled cake mix, folding in with a spatula before mixing on medium-high speed until a dough forms.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese Chips:
- Fold in the chopped cream cheese chips until evenly distributed.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up the dough.
- Roll the Dough Balls:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to portion the dough. Roll into smooth balls with your hands.
- Let the dough balls sit for 15 minutes to prevent coating cracks.
- Melt the Vanilla Coating:
- Double Boiler Method: Melt vanilla wafers in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Microwave Method: Heat wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
- Dip the Cake Balls:
- Place each dough ball on a fork, dip into the melted coating, and tap gently on the bowl’s edge to remove excess.
- Place coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate:
- Before the coating dries, sprinkle some cake balls with your favorite sprinkles.
- Melt pink candy melts in separate piping bags, snip the tips, and drizzle over the remaining cake balls.
- Set and Serve:
- Let the cake balls set completely at room temperature until the coating hardens. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with minimal heat-treating)
- Cuisine: American