Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls

Introduction

Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls combine the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the creamy texture of cheesecake, all wrapped in a decadent chocolate coating. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any celebration, from holidays to parties, or even just a special indulgence. The tangy cheesecake filling balances beautifully with the sweet, rich red velvet cake, making them a true crowd-pleaser.

I remember the first time I made these for a holiday get-together, and the reaction from everyone was priceless. The combination of flavors—creamy cheesecake, moist red velvet cake, and that smooth chocolate coating—is irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to make and look impressive when served. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these red velvet cheesecake balls will never disappoint.

The best part? You can customize them however you like! Roll them in crushed nuts, colorful sprinkles, or even drizzle them with extra melted chocolate. They’re a guaranteed hit every time, and will have your guests asking for the recipe.

Perfect for:

• Holiday parties
• Dessert tables
• Special occasions
• Red velvet lovers
• Gift-giving

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls

Here’s why Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls will become your new favorite treat:

• Red Velvet Cake Flavor: These cheesecake balls capture the delicious taste of classic red velvet cake, with its subtle cocoa flavor and vibrant red color.
• Creamy Cheesecake Filling: The cheesecake filling is smooth, tangy, and rich, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the red velvet cake.
• Easy to Make: Although they look fancy, these cake balls are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These bite-sized treats are ideal for gifting or serving at parties and holiday gatherings.
• Customizable: You can drizzle them with chocolate, dip them in white chocolate, or roll them in sprinkles for added flair.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes (for the cake)
• Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
• Servings: 24-30 balls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-160 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix (or homemade red velvet cake)
• 1 cup water (for cake mix)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for cake mix)
• 2 large eggs (for cake mix)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for coating, optional)
• 1/2 cup dark or milk chocolate chips (for coating, optional)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: A boxed red velvet cake mix simplifies the process while still giving you that classic red velvet flavor and color.
• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese filling adds the cheesecake-like richness that contrasts perfectly with the red velvet cake.
• Chocolate Coating: Both white and dark chocolate coatings add a delicious crunch and a beautiful finish to the cheesecake balls.
• Sprinkles (Optional): Colorful sprinkles or decorative sugars can make these cake balls extra festive, especially for holidays.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls:

Prepare the Red Velvet Cake:

1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven and bake the red velvet cake according to the package instructions, or prepare your homemade red velvet cake. Allow it to cool completely.
2. Crumble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, use your hands or a fork to crumble the cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well-combined. The filling should be creamy and spreadable.
4. Combine Cake and Filling: Add the cheesecake mixture to the crumbled red velvet cake, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should be moist enough to roll into balls, but not too wet. If it’s too crumbly, add a bit more cream cheese or powdered sugar.

Shape and Coat the Cheesecake Balls:

5. Form the Balls: Roll the cake and cheesecake mixture into 1-inch balls, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Chill: Place the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to firm up and hold their shape while coating.

Coat the Cheesecake Balls:

7. Melt the Chocolate: Melt the white and/or dark chocolate chips in separate heatproof bowls. You can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
8. Dip the Balls: Once the cake balls are chilled and firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Use a fork or toothpick to lift the balls out of the chocolate, tapping off any excess.
9. Decorate (Optional): Before the chocolate coating sets, you can roll the balls in colorful sprinkles, drizzle them with extra chocolate, or add any other decoration of your choice.
10. Let Set: Allow the chocolate coating to set completely at room temperature, or speed up the process by refrigerating them for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls

Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls can be enjoyed in many different ways:

• For Parties: These treats are perfect for serving at parties, especially for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or even bridal showers.
• Gift-Giving: Package them in a beautiful gift box or jar for a sweet homemade gift.
• As a Dessert: Serve them alongside other desserts or on a dessert platter for a bite-sized indulgence.
• With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair these cheesecake balls with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a cozy treat.
• For a Special Treat: These little indulgences are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or for a special occasion.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls

Here are some tips to ensure your Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls turn out perfectly:

• Ensure the Cake is Completely Cool: Before crumbling the cake, make sure it has cooled completely to avoid the mixture becoming too wet.
• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides a richer texture and flavor for the cheesecake filling.
• Chill the Cake Balls: Chilling the cake balls before coating ensures they hold their shape and are easier to dip in chocolate.
• Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Be careful when melting the chocolate—if it’s overheated, it can seize up and become unusable. Stir frequently, and avoid overheating.
• Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality chocolate will make a big difference in the final flavor of your cheesecake balls, so choose chocolate chips you enjoy.

Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls:

• White Chocolate Coating: Dip the cheesecake balls in white chocolate for a creamy, sweet finish.
• Milk Chocolate Coating: Use milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste that pairs well with the tangy cream cheese filling.
• Peppermint Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the cheesecake filling for a holiday twist.
• Caramel Drizzle: After coating the balls in chocolate, drizzle with caramel for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Pops: Insert sticks into the chilled cheesecake balls before dipping them in chocolate for a fun, pop-on-a-stick treat.
• Mini Cheesecake Balls: Make smaller balls for bite-sized portions that are perfect for snacking.
• Strawberry Swirl: Add a swirl of strawberry jam or puree to the cheesecake filling for a fruity flavor boost.
• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls: Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix for a gluten-free variation.
• Nutty Coating: Roll the coated cheesecake balls in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Birthday Cake Cheesecake Balls: Add rainbow sprinkles to the cheesecake mixture for a fun, colorful twist on red velvet.

Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls

• Freezing: To freeze the cheesecake balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cheesecake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If refrigerated, the chocolate coating may firm up slightly, but the cheesecake balls will remain delicious.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls

Here are some tools that will make preparing Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls easier:

• Electric Mixer: Use an electric mixer to combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a smooth filling.
• Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal of the cheesecake balls.
• Heatproof Bowls: Use heatproof bowls for melting the chocolate.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures consistent-sized balls for even coating and uniform presentation.
• Toothpicks or Forks: Use toothpicks or forks to dip and lift the cheesecake balls in and out of the chocolate.
• Sprinkles: Use colorful sprinkles or other decorations to give your cheesecake balls a festive look.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of boxed mix?
   Yes, homemade red velvet cake works just as well. Just ensure the cake is fully cooled before crumbling.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make these cake balls a day or two ahead and store them in the fridge in an airtight container.
3. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
   Absolutely! Dark chocolate will provide a richer, more intense contrast to the sweetness of the red velvet and cheesecake.
4. Can I make these without cream cheese?
   For a non-dairy option, you can substitute a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
5. How do I know when the cake balls are done?
   These cake balls are no-bake and are considered done once the chocolate coating has fully set.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls are the ultimate combination of rich red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake filling, all wrapped in a smooth chocolate coating. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself, gifting them to others, or serving them at a party, these cheesecake balls will be a hit every time.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it ideal for everything from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or treating yourself, these cheesecake balls are sure to delight everyone who takes a bite.

I’d love to see how your Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!