Whether you've got left over cake, had a cake disaster or you simply want a fun treat, these cake balls are your answer! An easy alternative to cake pops.
Cake balls can be made for any occasion but are especially fun to serve at parties.
WHAT ARE CAKE BALLS?!
Are you familiar with them?
I first discovered them through Bakerella, who turned them into cake pops and made them a sensation.
I used to be a little obsessed with making cake pops, but now I prefer simple cake balls—no sticks, just delicious bite-sized treats. They make perfect gifts or quick snacks to satisfy my chocolate cravings (plus, they freeze really well - see notes below!).
Think of them as adorable cake truffles that can be dressed up for any occasion. They are made by mixing cake crumbs with frosting, then rolled into balls and coated in toppings like melted chocolate, nuts, or coconut (or anything you desire).
They’re sweet, pretty, and surprisingly easy to make—win-win!
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WHAT KIND OF CAKE CAN BE USED FOR CAKE BALLS?
Any type of cake, cupcake, or even muffins can be used to make these cake balls!
However, the density of the cake will affect how much frosting/icing you need. I typically use 1 cup of cake to ½ cup of frosting to get the right texture.
The cake should be moist enough to form into a ball without cracking, but not so wet that it turns into a gloopy mess.
If you're looking for a great cake recipe for cake balls, try this vanilla cake or these irresistible carrot cake cupcakes/cake.
For the frosting recipe, you can find it right here!
DO I NEED TO BAKE A CAKE ESPECIALLY FOR CAKE BALLS?
Nope!
…although you absolutely can if you like (I have before!).
However, what I love most about cake balls is that I can use my cake scraps from left over cake that I’ve levelled the tops from and stored in the freezer.
Or if you’ve had a baking disaster, like your cake sinks in the middle, or it hasn’t quite turned out the way you planned, cake balls are a great way to use up left over cake scraps.
COATING IDEAS:
You don’t have to go out and buy a whole lot of fancy sprinkles to decorate your cake balls with. You can use whatever you have in your pantry.
Here are a few ideas:
- desiccated coconut
- chopped nuts
- cocoa powder
- icing sugar
- melted chocolate (white or dark)
- 100’s and 1000’s
- Sprinkles
- cookie crumbs
- crushed candy bars
- crushed sweets like M&M’s
HOW TO MAKE CAKE BALLS:
Place cake (or muffins/cupcakes) in a bowl and squish with your hands until any lumps have gone. Add the frosting (icing) and mix together until you notice a smooth, malleable texture and until the frosting and cake are well combined.
Roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls and place on a plate until there is no more mixture left.
Choose coatings and place them in a small bowl(s). Roll the balls in the coating until all covered. Set aside until ready to eat or place in a container and store in the fridge.
- Step 1: Mix together the cake and the frosting until you notice a smooth, malleable texture. Form into balls.
- Step 2: Coat the balls in chosen toppings
- Step 3: Leave to set
- Step 4: Serve straight away or set aside for when you need them (can be prepped days ahead if needed).
USEFUL TIPS WHEN MAKING THESE:
Flat side
If using melted chocolate to coat the balls in, you'll notice that as you leave them to set, the balls will get a flat side. If you want to avoid this, roll the coated cake ball around on the tray/plate whilst it sets.
Nuts and chocolate in the cake crumbs:
It's down to personal preference as to whether you use a cake that already has chopped nuts, fruit or chocolate in it. Just note that this will provide the cake balls with a crunchy texture (as opposed to a smooth texture).
Gluten Free or Vegan:
To make these cake balls gluten free or vegan, simply use a gluten free cake and/or vegan frosting.
Stick or no stick?!
If you would like to add a stick to make them into cake pops, you can add a lollypop stick before adding the coating. Simply just insert the stick into one side of the cake ball, coat and set aside (or leave to set if coating with melted chocolate).
Storage
Store cake balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in a freezer safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
Top Tip
You can wear food safe gloves when rolling these cake balls to avoid your hands getting too sticky and messy.
FAQ
Cake balls can last on your counter for up to a week (keep them in a cool, dry place). Or placing them in the fridge will make them last longer - about 2 weeks and freezing them will make them last 3 months.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Cake Balls
Ingredients
- 280 g (2 cups) cake of choice e.g. chocolate, vanilla, banana, red velvet etc.
- 140 g 1 cup frosting of choice e.g. buttercream, cream cheese icing etc.
Coating Ideas
- Melted chocolate
- Nuts finely chopped
- Desiccated coconut
- Cocoa powder
- Crushed cookie crumbs
- Crushed sweets
Instructions
- In a medium size bowl, combine cake and frosting and using your hands or a big spoon and blend together until smooth. Form into balls (the size of a small walnut) and place on a plate.
- Prepare coatings on separate plates and roll cake balls, one at a time to completely coat. Cake balls can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months or in the fridge for up to 1 week in an air tight container.
Notes
Need Cake Recipes?
These are my favourite cake recipes to use for these cake balls:
