If you have a sweet tooth and love rich, creamy desserts, this Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine the moist, velvety flavor of classic red velvet cake merged effortlessly with the smooth, tangy cream cheese, all coated in a silky layer of white chocolate. These little bites are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy night in when you want a treat that feels both indulgent and approachable. The combination of textures and colors makes these cheesecake balls not only delicious but wonderfully eye-catching, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering that iconic flavor and silky texture. Every component enhances the final result, from the cake crumbs forming the base to the luscious white chocolate coating adding just the right touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Red velvet cake mix: Provides the vibrant color and classic flavor, baked and crumbled finely for the perfect base texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds creaminess and tang, binding the cake crumbs into a smooth, dough-like mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with subtle warmth and depth.
- White chocolate or white candy melts: Creates a glossy, sweet coating that contrasts beautifully with the red inside.
- Coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional): Helps in making the chocolate coating smoother and easier to dip.
- Red and white sprinkles (optional): Adds festive flair and a touch of fun to these delightful treats.
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Step 1: Bake and crumble the red velvet cake
Start with your favorite red velvet cake mix and bake it according to the package directions. Let it cool completely so you can work with it easily. Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs. This sets the stage for achieving the perfect tender and moist texture inside your cheesecake balls.
Step 2: Combine cake crumbs with cream cheese and vanilla
In a large bowl, mix the cake crumbs with softened cream cheese and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir it all together until it forms a soft, dough-like consistency that holds together when rolled. This creamy mixture is what gives the cheesecake balls their signature rich flavor and luscious mouthfeel.
Step 3: Roll into balls and chill
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chilling for at least one hour in the refrigerator—or freezing for 20 to 30 minutes—helps them firm up, making it easier to dip in chocolate without the balls falling apart.
Step 4: Prepare the white chocolate coating
Melt your white chocolate or candy melts gently in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in brief 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Stir in coconut oil or vegetable shortening if you want an extra silky coating, which also makes dipping simpler and creates a more polished finish.
Step 5: Dip and decorate
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then return it to the lined tray. Top with red and white sprinkles for an extra festive touch or leave them plain to showcase the smooth white coating. Let the chocolate set fully at room temperature or pop the tray in the fridge.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of color on top instantly turns these cheesecake balls into a showstopper. Think classic red and white nonpareils for a festive vibe or crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a tangy contrast. You can also try a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a sophisticated touch that contrasts beautifully with the white coating.
Side Dishes
While these cheesecake balls are decadently delicious on their own, pairing them with fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can add brightness and balance. For a party spread, consider serving alongside coffee or a rich dessert wine, as the flavors complement each other wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skewer a few cheesecake balls on decorative sticks and arrange them like a bouquet. Alternatively, serve them nestled in mini cupcake liners or on a decorative platter with edible flowers for an elegant touch. These ideas make this Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls Recipe as visually delightful as it is irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cheesecake balls fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cool temperature helps maintain the creamy texture and keeps the chocolate coating crisp. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for a few minutes before serving so the flavors truly shine.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these ahead of time or save extras, freezing is a fantastic option. Place the cheesecake balls on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat these treats—cheesecake balls taste best chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly softer bite, simply let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before indulging. Avoid microwaving to preserve their texture and prevent the chocolate coating from melting prematurely.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade red velvet cake works wonderfully and can add an extra depth of flavor and freshness to your cheesecake balls. Just be sure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling and mixing.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
Cream cheese is key for that classic cheesecake flavor and texture, so it’s best not to substitute it. However, if necessary, mascarpone cheese can be a decent alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can customize the coating based on your preference. Milk or dark chocolate pair nicely with red velvet, offering a richer chocolate bite. Just keep in mind the color contrast won’t be as striking as with the white chocolate coating.
How do I prevent cracks in the chocolate coating?
Adding a little coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the melted chocolate helps make the coating smoother and more pliable, which reduces cracking. Also, let the balls chill thoroughly before dipping to keep everything firm.
Are these cheesecake balls gluten-free?
Traditional red velvet cake mix contains gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free as written. To make gluten-free cheesecake balls, you can use a gluten-free red velvet cake or bake your own gluten-free version from scratch.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls Recipe is such a joyous and delicious treat to make and share. The combination of luscious cream cheese and vibrant red velvet cake covered in silky white chocolate creates a dessert experience that’s sure to wow your family and friends. I truly hope you enjoy making them as much as you do eating them—they’re simple, fun, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table.
Print
Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and creamy red velvet cheesecake balls that combine the rich flavors of red velvet cake with smooth cream cheese, coated in white chocolate and decorated with festive sprinkles. These bite-sized dessert treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a luxurious no-bake indulgence.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake Base
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (baked and cooled)
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating and Decoration
- 12 oz white chocolate or white candy melts
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
- Red and white sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Bake the red velvet cake as directed and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crumble the cooled red velvet cake into fine crumbs. Add the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract, then thoroughly mix until the ingredients form a uniform, dough-like consistency.
- Form the Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place these balls evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 1 hour, or alternatively freeze them for 20 to 30 minutes until they become firm enough to handle for dipping.
- Melt the Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate or candy melts in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the coconut oil or shortening if using, to achieve a smoother and easier coating consistency.
- Dip the Cake Balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing each dipped ball back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
- Decorate and Set: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle red and white sprinkles over the balls if desired for a festive touch. Let the coating harden at room temperature or place the tray in the refrigerator to speed up setting completely.
Notes
- Store the cheesecake balls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
- For longer storage, freeze the balls in an airtight container and thaw before serving.
- To intensify the red velvet flavor, try using homemade red velvet cake or add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the cake mixture.
- If the coating is too thick after melting, stir in a bit more coconut oil for a thinner consistency that’s easier to dip.
