If you are on the lookout for a fun, delightful treat that bursts with fruity sweetness and creamy coating, then you must try this Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe. These bite-sized gems bring together the moistness of classic strawberry cake with a luscious white chocolate shell, making every bite an irresistible dance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing for a party, gifting to someone special, or just craving a charming homemade dessert, these strawberry cake balls are sure to win hearts and satisfy any sweet tooth in the coziest way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to creating magic with this recipe. Each component plays an important role—from the strawberry cake mix that flavors and structures the base, to the creamy frosting that binds the balls perfectly, and finally the silky white chocolate coating that adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Strawberry cake mix: Provides a moist, flavorful base bursting with berry goodness.
- Water: Helps bring the cake batter together smoothly for perfect texture.
- Vegetable oil: Adds tenderness and moistness to the baked cake.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and give structure to the cake.
- Strawberry frosting: Acts as the adhesive to hold cake crumbs together with added sweetness and strawberry flavor.
- White chocolate or white candy melts: For coating the cake balls with a creamy, sweet shell.
- Coconut oil (optional): Helps create a smoother, shinier chocolate coating.
- Pink or red sprinkles (optional): Adds a festive, charming decoration for a pop of color.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Strawberry Cake
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat this mixture until it’s smooth and well combined, guaranteeing a consistent batter. Pour it evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This freshly baked cake sets the sweet and tender foundation for your cake balls.
Step 2: Crumble and Mix
Allow your cake to cool completely so it won’t melt the frosting later. Once cooled, crumble the cake finely with your hands or a fork in a large mixing bowl. The texture should be crumbly but moist. Add the strawberry frosting, and gently mix until the crumbs are well coated and can be pinched together like dough. This step ensures the perfect consistency for rolling.
Step 3: Shape the Cake Balls
With clean hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry about making each one perfectly round; their homemade charm is part of the appeal. Place the tray in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling firms them up, making the dipping process much easier and less messy.
Step 4: Prepare the White Chocolate Coating
While the balls chill, melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until fully melted and silky smooth. If you want a glossy finish and easier dipping, stir in a tablespoon of coconut oil at this point.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Remove the cake balls from the freezer one at a time and dip them into the melted white chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to lift and let the excess drip off. Place each coated ball back on the parchment paper. Before the coating sets, sprinkle with pink or red sprinkles for that festive, eye-catching finish. Let them set at room temperature or pop them into the fridge to firm up quickly.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or a drizzle of contrasting dark chocolate can elevate the look and make these bite-sized desserts irresistible on any platter. Fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves on the side add a natural pop of freshness, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these strawberry cake balls with a cup of tea or a glass of chilled milk for a classic combo. For an elegant twist, serve alongside a fresh berry salad or a dollop of whipped cream. These sides complement the sweetness while balancing the creamy texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your strawberry cake balls into delightful cake pops by simply adding sticks before freezing. Display them in a decorative vase filled with candies or floral foam wrapped in pretty paper. Alternatively, arrange them in pastel-colored cupcake liners or tiered dessert trays to create a charming look perfect for showers, birthdays, or festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover strawberry cake balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Always keep them covered well to prevent the white chocolate coating from absorbing other odors.
Freezing
These cake balls freeze wonderfully! Place them on a tray first to freeze individually for an hour, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Because these are best enjoyed cool, reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can let them sit at room temperature for a bit. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating intact. Just a little patience will bring them back to their perfect bite state.
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of boxed cake mix?
Absolutely! Homemade strawberry cake can add a personal touch and might enhance flavor. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before crumbling and mixing with frosting as directed in the recipe.
What if I don’t have white chocolate or candy melts?
You can use milk or dark chocolate as a coating alternative. Just be mindful that the flavor will be less sweet and richer, which also makes a delicious variation on the classic strawberry cake balls.
How do I make cake pops instead of cake balls?
To make cake pops, simply insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball before freezing, then proceed with the dipping and decorating. This adds fun presentation and makes them easier to hold and serve.
Can these cake balls be made gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can adapt this recipe to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste or texture.
How long do strawberry cake balls last once coated?
When stored properly in an airtight container, coated strawberry cake balls will keep well for up to a week in the refrigerator, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy their freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe and share it with those you love. Its mix of sweet strawberry flavor, tender cake, and creamy coating makes each bite pure joy. Once you try making these, they might just become your new go-to treat for celebrations or any day you want to spread a little happiness. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cake balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cake Balls, a fun and easy dessert that combines moist strawberry cake with creamy frosting, all coated in smooth white chocolate and adorned with festive sprinkles. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Frosting & Coating
- 1/2 cup strawberry frosting
- 12 ounces white chocolate or white candy melts
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother coating)
- Pink or red sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring an even batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before handling further.
- Crumble and Combine: Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl using your hands or a fork. Mix in the strawberry frosting until the mixture sticks together like dough.
- Form Cake Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep them from sticking.
- Freeze the Balls: Freeze the cake balls for 20 to 30 minutes to firm them up, making them easier to coat.
- Melt Coating: Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Optionally, stir in the coconut oil for a smoother coating.
- Coat Cake Balls: Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted coating, allowing excess to drip off. Place them back on the parchment paper.
- Add Decorations and Set: While the coating is still wet, decorate with pink or red sprinkles if using. Let the cake balls set at room temperature or refrigerate until the coating is firm.
Notes
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the cake batter or frosting.
- You can use either store-bought or homemade strawberry frosting according to your preference.
- For easier serving and dipping, insert cake pop sticks before freezing to create strawberry cake pops.
