Strawberry Cake Balls are an utterly delightful and surprisingly easy treat that’s perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet anytime indulgence. This recipe offers a fun and flavorful way to transform simple cake into irresistible, bite-sized delights, making them a fantastic no-bake alternative for those craving a sweet fix.
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cake Balls:
- 1 box (16.25 ounces) strawberry cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water as called for on the cake mix box
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or pink candy melts for extra color)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
- Optional decorative sprinkles or edible glitter
How to Make Strawberry Cake Balls:
These Strawberry Cake Balls are incredibly simple to whip up, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. The secret lies in the moist, cake-crumb base infused with sweet strawberry flavor, creating a delightfully tender texture that melts in your mouth. With a preparation time of around 30 minutes for assembly and another hour or so for chilling and dipping, you’ll have a stunning batch of treats ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix box instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package directions, mixing eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for the time specified on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Crumble the Cake: Once the cake is entirely cool, remove it from the pan and crumble it into a large mixing bowl. Ensure there are no large lumps; a light crumble is ideal.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: To the crumbled cake, add the melted unsalted butter, strawberry jam or preserves, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when squeezed.
- Form the Balls: Roll the cake mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the Balls: Once all the balls are formed, place the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial to firm up the cake balls, making them easier to dip and preventing them from falling apart.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips (or candy melts) and the vegetable shortening, if using. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
- Dip the Cake Balls: Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted white chocolate, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
- Decorate (Optional): Place the dipped cake balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, you can immediately add decorative sprinkles, edible glitter, or swirl with a contrasting colored melted chocolate.
- Let Set: Allow the dipped Strawberry Cake Balls to set completely at room temperature, or place them back in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the hardening process.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Balls:
You’ll adore these Strawberry Cake Balls for their vibrant burst of fresh strawberry flavor, a delightful departure from typical chocolate-centric treats. The simple elegance of transforming humble cake into these adorable orbs offers a budget-friendly way to create show-stopping desserts for any occasion, saving you money compared to store-bought confections. The sweet, tender cake center enveloped in a smooth, creamy coating, whether it’s delicate white chocolate or a rich candy melt, makes each bite an explosion of pure joy, promising a delightful experience that rivals even the most decadent cupcakes.
Imagine treating your loved ones to these charming little gems that are as fun to make as they are to eat. They’re a fantastic alternative to traditional cake pops, offering a more dense and satisfying bite without the lollipop stick. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress with these delightful Strawberry Cake Balls – your taste buds, and your guests, will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Strawberry Cake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents the chocolate coating from softening.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the Strawberry Cake Balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: To thaw frozen cake balls, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw slowly overnight. This prevents condensation from forming on the chocolate coating.
- Reheating: These treats are best served chilled or at room temperature and do not require reheating.
Final Thoughts:
These Strawberry Cake Balls are a wonderfully sweet and simple way to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Encourage yourself to give this easy recipe a try; you might just discover your new favorite go-to treat for any occasion.
Strawberry Cake Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix box instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package directions, mixing eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for the time specified on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.1 box strawberry cake mix (16.25 ounces), as called for Eggs, oil, and water
- Once the cake is entirely cool, remove it from the pan and crumble it into a large mixing bowl. Ensure there are no large lumps; a light crumble is ideal.
- To the crumbled cake, add the melted unsalted butter, strawberry jam or preserves, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when squeezed.1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Roll the cake mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once all the balls are formed, place the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial to firm up the cake balls, making them easier to dip and preventing them from falling apart.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips (or candy melts) and the vegetable shortening, if using. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.2 cups white chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted white chocolate, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
- Place the dipped cake balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, you can immediately add decorative sprinkles, edible glitter, or swirl with a contrasting colored melted chocolate.Decorative sprinkles or edible glitter
- Allow the dipped Strawberry Cake Balls to set completely at room temperature, or place them back in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the hardening process.