What makes a dessert truly unforgettable? For me, it’s the combination of moist red velvet cake, rich white chocolate, and a simple homemade process. These bite-sized cake balls are easy to make and feature a delicious white chocolate drizzle on top and in the middle. Made with love and featuring a quick baking method, these treats are perfect for any weeknight dinner or family gathering. Save this idea for your next special occasion or family favorite dessert night.

red velvet cake balls with white chocolate drizzles on top and in the middle

Introduction

Imagine indulging in the rich flavors of red velvet cake, condensed into bite-sized balls and elevated by the luxurious touch of white chocolate drizzles, both on top and in the middle. This creative dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a masterpiece of presentation, perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. With a balance of moist cake, creamy white chocolate, and a hint of cocoa, these red velvet cake balls with white chocolate drizzles are sure to impress both in terms of flavor and creativity.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of red velvet cake and white chocolate offers a unique and appealing flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. The ingredients required are easily found in most grocery stores, making this dessert accessible to anyone.
• Ease of preparation: Despite their elegant appearance, these cake balls are relatively simple to prepare. The process involves baking a cake, crumbling it, mixing it with frosting, shaping into balls, and then coating with white chocolate—a series of straightforward steps that don’t require advanced culinary skills.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a dessert that looks like it was purchased from a boutique bakery, but it can be made with minimal fuss. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this dessert include red velvet cake mix (or the ingredients to make a red velvet cake from scratch, such as flour, sugar, cocoa powder, buttermilk, eggs, and food coloring), cream cheese frosting (which can be made with cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar), and white chocolate chips or bars. For those looking for substitutions, the cake can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flours, and the white chocolate can be replaced with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Additionally, for a lighter version, reduced-fat cream cheese can be! used in the frosting.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by baking the red velvet cake according to the package instructions if using a mix, or prepare it from scratch by mixing together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients, then adding in buttermilk, eggs, and food coloring, and baking in a preheated oven until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
2. Step 2: Crumble the cooled cake into a large mixing bowl. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then adding in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until well combined. Mix the frosting into the crumbled cake until the mixture can be formed into balls.
3. Step 3: Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the cake mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place these balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Melt some of the white chocolate and use it to attach another smaller ball of cake to the center of each cake ball, creating a middle layer. Refrigerate the cake balls to firm up.
4. Step 4: Melt the remaining white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Dip the tops of the chilled cake balls into the melted white chocolate, or use a spoon to drizzle it over them. Place the dipped cake balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.

Handy Tips

• For easier handling, chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before dipping them in white chocolate. This will help the chocolate set faster and prevent the cake from crumbling.
• To avoid lumps in the white chocolate, make sure to use high-quality chocolate and melt it gently, avoiding overheating.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate for the coating, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, to change up the flavor profile of the dessert.

Heat Control

When melting the white chocolate, it’s crucial to control the heat to prevent the chocolate from seizing up or becoming too thin. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir well between each heating. If using a double boiler, ensure the water does not boil and the chocolate is not directly exposed to the heat source.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these cake balls comes from the firmness of the chilled cake and the set white chocolate. To achieve the right texture, make sure the cake is completely cooled before mixing with frosting, and chill the formed balls until they are firm to the touch. The white chocolate should be melted to a smooth consistency but not overheated, which can cause it to become too runny and lose its snap when set.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the cake balls more uniform, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the cake mixture before shaping into balls.
• For an extra glossy finish on the white chocolate, add a small amount of shortening like coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the melted chocolate before dipping the cake balls.
• Consider using different flavors of extract, like almond or coconut, in the cake or frosting for a unique twist on the traditional red velvet flavor.

Storage Tips

• Store the cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• These cake balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
• For longer shelf life, consider dipping only the tops of the cake balls in white chocolate and storing them in the refrigerator or freezer without the full coating, then dipping just before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These red velvet cake balls with white chocolate drizzles make perfect gifts for friends, family, or coworkers. Consider packaging them in decorative jars or containers, wrapped in cellophane bags tied with ribbons, or placed in gift boxes lined with tissue paper. For a more personalized touch, attach a handwritten note or a small decorative gift tag to the package.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to the cake mixture for an interesting flavor dimension.
• Creative toppings: Instead of just white chocolate, experiment with other toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut to add texture and color.
• Ingredient swaps: Replace the cream cheese frosting with another type of frosting, like buttercream or whipped cream, for a lighter or sweeter taste.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the cake balls are too dry, they may not hold together well. Try adding a bit more frosting to the mixture. If they are too wet, refrigerate the mixture for a bit before shaping.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have buttermilk for the cake, make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• Over/undercooking signs: Ensure the cake is fully cooked by checking it with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the cake dry and crumbly.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, these cake balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze them before coating with white chocolate for the best results.
• Is it gluten-free? The cake balls can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour in place of regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to make more cake balls. Just be sure to adjust the baking time of the cake accordingly if making a larger batch.

Conclusion

Making red velvet cake balls with white chocolate drizzles on top and in the middle is a fun and rewarding baking project that yields delicious and visually appealing results. With these steps and tips, you’re well on your way to creating a dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of sharing your creations with others. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to indulge your sweet tooth and show off your culinary skills.