Name: Strawberry Cake Balls
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 oz strawberry cake mix; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup cream cheese chips; 20 oz vanilla melting wafers; Sprinkles, optional; 1/2 cup pink candy melts; 1/2 cup bright pink candy melts

Jump to Recipe

Strawberry Cake Balls are a fun, festive treat that fits perfectly into celebrations, holidays, and everyday cravings. These bite-sized sweets bring together the flavor of strawberry cake mix, rich cream cheese, and a smooth white chocolate coating for a dessert that feels indulgent but stays simple to make. Whether you need a last-minute party dessert or a sweet homemade gift, these Strawberry Cake Balls deliver flavor, color, and convenience in every bite.

If you enjoy no bake dessert ideas that look impressive without requiring advanced baking skills, this recipe checks every box. These cake balls also work beautifully as easy cake pops without sticks, making them ideal for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and holiday dessert tables.

Strawberry Cake Balls started as a shortcut dessert idea when traditional baking felt unnecessary for a celebration. Instead of baking a full cake, this method transforms cake mix into a safe-to-eat base that blends smoothly with cream cheese for a soft, truffle-like center. Over time, this recipe became a go-to option for parties because Strawberry Cake Balls always disappear fast and never fail to impress.

What makes Strawberry Cake Balls special is how adaptable they are. You can dress them up with sprinkles for festive flair, drizzle them with candy melts for contrast, or keep them classic with a smooth white chocolate shell. They also fit perfectly into dessert spreads that feature cake mix truffles because they offer bold flavor with minimal effort. When you need valentine treats that feel homemade but stress-free, Strawberry Cake Balls deliver every time.

Ingredients

15.25 oz strawberry cake mix
8 oz block cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup cream cheese chips, roughly chopped
20 oz Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers
Sprinkles of your choice (optional)
½ cup Wilton pink candy melts (optional)
½ cup Wilton bright pink candy melts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the dry strawberry cake mix evenly over the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the cake mix until it reaches 165°F, which usually takes about five minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cake mix to cool completely before moving forward.

Transfer the cooled cake mix to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and blend with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture looks light, smooth, and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped cream cheese chips using a rubber spatula until evenly mixed throughout.

Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the mixture for two hours so it firms up enough to roll.

Cooking Instructions

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Use a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the chilled mixture onto the prepared sheets. Roll each scoop gently between your hands to form smooth, even balls. Let the cake balls rest on the baking sheets for about 15 minutes so they can expand slightly, which helps prevent cracking later.

Place the vanilla melting wafers into a microwave-safe bowl and melt them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth. Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess coating to drip off before placing it back onto the lined baking sheet. Add sprinkles immediately if using them.

Melt the pink and bright pink candy melts using the same method. Drizzle the melted candy over the coated cake balls using a spoon or piping bag for cleaner lines. Allow the decorations to set fully before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid mixing the cake mix with cream cheese before the cake mix cools fully, since warmth can affect texture. Skipping the chilling step also leads to sticky dough that becomes difficult to roll. Working too slowly when coating can cause uneven chocolate coverage if the coating begins to thicken.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use high-quality melting wafers for smoother coating and better flavor. Rolling the balls quickly with clean hands helps maintain their shape. For extra visual appeal, alternate drizzle colors to create contrast that stands out on dessert trays.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Strawberry Cake Balls chilled or at cool room temperature. They look beautiful arranged on a platter, boxed as edible gifts, or added to dessert tables alongside cookies and cupcakes.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For best texture, remove them from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving so they soften slightly.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cake Balls bring together simplicity, flavor, and visual appeal in one easy dessert. With minimal prep and no complicated steps, they offer a reliable option for parties, holidays, and everyday treats. Once you try them, they will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Strawberry Cake Balls be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze them after the coating sets. Store them in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Do I need to bake the cake mix?

Yes, heating the dry cake mix ensures it reaches a safe temperature before mixing with cream cheese.

Can I change the coating flavor?

You can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate melting wafers for a different flavor profile.