Cake Balls

Cake Balls are delicious, bite-sized treats made by mixing crumbled cake with frosting and then dipping them in chocolate or candy coating. Perfect for parties, gifts, or satisfying a sweet tooth, these rich little desserts are endlessly customizable and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses leftover or boxed cake for a no-waste dessert
• Rich, moist texture and flavorful coatings
• Easy to customize with different flavors, coatings, and decorations
• Fun and simple to make with kids
• Great for parties, holidays, or gifts

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 baked cake (any flavor, cooled and crumbled)
• ½ to 1 cup frosting (buttercream or cream cheese)
• 12 oz chocolate or candy melts (white, milk, or dark)
• Optional toppings: sprinkles, crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or colored sugar

Directions

1. Crumble the baked cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
2. Mix in the frosting a little at a time until the mixture is moist and holds together when rolled.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
5. Melt the chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
6. Dip each cake ball into the melted coating, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the parchment paper.
7. Add optional toppings before the coating sets.
8. Chill until the coating is firm, then serve or store.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 30–40 cake balls
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 30–60 minutes
• Total time: About 1.5 to 2 hours

Variations

• Use any cake flavor: chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, lemon, etc.
• Swap frosting flavors: chocolate, vanilla, cream cheese, or flavored buttercream
• Dip in white, dark, or milk chocolate, or colorful candy melts
• Add a splash of extract (like almond or peppermint) for extra flavor
• Insert sticks to make cake pops instead of cake balls

Storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving
• No reheating needed—enjoy chilled or at room temperature

FAQs

What’s the difference between cake balls and cake pops?

Cake pops are cake balls with sticks, often served lollipop-style.

Can I use store-bought cake and frosting?

Absolutely—store-bought items work great and save time.

How do I keep cake balls from cracking?

Ensure they’re not too cold when dipping and that the coating isn’t too hot.

How much frosting should I use?

Start with ½ cup and add more as needed until the mixture sticks together.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes—chill or freeze them until you’re ready to dip and decorate.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Candy melts or almond bark are easiest, but tempered chocolate adds a gourmet touch.

How do I get smooth coatings?

Dip with a fork or skewer and gently tap off excess coating.

Are cake balls gluten-free?

Only if the cake and frosting are gluten-free.

Can kids help make these?

Yes! They’re perfect for little hands to roll and decorate.

What’s the best way to decorate them?

Sprinkles, coconut, drizzled chocolate, crushed cookies, or edible glitter.

Conclusion

Cake Balls are a fun, delicious way to transform cake and frosting into a decadent, poppable dessert. Whether you use homemade or store-bought ingredients, the possibilities are endless. Try different flavors, toppings, and colors to suit any occasion—from birthdays to holidays to everyday treats.

Print