I remember my grandmother taking leftover cake scraps and rolling them into little treats so nothing went to waste. It was simple kitchen wisdom—taking something humble and turning it into a bite of joy. These cake balls capture that same spirit of no-fuss comfort, perfect for sharing with folks you love.
This recipe uses a trusty yellow cake mix and creamy buttercream for a center that is moist and tender. Dipped in white chocolate and finished with sprinkles, they are festive enough for a party but easy enough for a Tuesday afternoon. Best of all, they taste even better after sitting for a day.
Simple Comfort in Every Bite
You will love how forgiving this recipe is. There is no need for perfect piping skills or complicated tempering techniques here. It combines the soft, familiar texture of yellow cake with the snap of sweet white chocolate. It is the kind of treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face without keeping you in the kitchen all day.
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Cake Balls
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 mins
- Yield: 36 balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive cake balls are a delightful way to transform a simple yellow cake into a gourmet, bite-sized treat. With a tender, frosting-infused center and a crisp white chocolate shell, they are perfect for celebrations or as a sweet handmade gift.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (baked according to package directions)
- 1 cup buttercream frosting
- 1 package white chocolate melting disks
- 1/2 cup rainbow jimmies (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Bake the yellow cake according to the package directions and allow it to cool completely before starting.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large mixing bowl until no large chunks remain.
- Add the buttercream frosting and 1/2 cup of rainbow jimmies to the crumbs, mixing until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency.
- Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the tray in the freezer for 60 minutes to ensure the balls are firm enough for dipping.
- Melt the white chocolate disks in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate using a fork, tap off the excess, and return to the parchment paper.
- Immediately drizzle with any remaining chocolate and garnish with extra sprinkles before the coating sets.
Notes
For the best results, ensure the cake balls are thoroughly chilled before dipping, as this prevents them from falling apart in the warm chocolate. If the chocolate begins to set while you are working, simply microwave it for another 10 seconds to loosen it up. These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
- Yellow Cake Mix: A standard 15.25 oz box works perfectly. It provides that classic, buttery base we all know.
- Buttercream Frosting: You will need about a cup. This binds the crumbs together into a fudgy consistency.
- White Chocolate Melting Disks: These melt smoothly and harden quickly, making the dipping process much easier than using chocolate chips.
- Rainbow Jimmies: For color and a little bit of crunch inside and out.
The Simple Way to Make It
Step 1: Bake and Cool
Bake your yellow cake according to the package directions. Let it cool completely. This is a great way to use a cake baked the day before.
Step 2: Crumble and Mix
Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Mix in the buttercream frosting and half a cup of sprinkles until the mixture holds together like dough.
Step 3: Roll and Freeze
Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze for 60 minutes. This step is crucial for dipping.
Step 4: Dip and Finish
Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in short bursts. Dip each cold ball, tap off the excess, and place back on the parchment. Drizzle with extra chocolate and top with more sprinkles before they set.
Jesse’s Simple Tips
- Chill Time is Key: Do not rush the freezing step. If the balls are too warm, they will fall apart in the warm chocolate. If they are too cold, the coating might crack. One hour is just right.
- Smooth Melting: Melt your wafers in 30-second intervals and stir in between. This helps you get a smooth consistency without scorching.
- Frosting Choice: While store-bought works fine, a simple homemade batch adds a nice touch. If you have leftovers from our yellow cake with chocolate frosting, that works beautifully too.
Easy Swaps
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap the yellow cake for a chocolate fudge cake base and dip in dark chocolate melting wafers.
- Nutty Crunch: Roll the dipped balls in crushed nuts instead of sprinkles for a different texture.
- Flavor Extracts: Add a drop of almond or vanilla extract to the melting chocolate for a subtle flavor boost.
Simple Enjoyment
These little treats are perfect for casual get-togethers or wrapping up as simple gifts. I like to serve them in mini muffin liners for a clean look. If you are putting together a dessert table, they pair wonderfully with other cute quick bakes for a spread that looks impressive but feels effortless.
Keep Baking
These cake balls prove that you do not need fancy equipment to make something wonderful. They offer honest flavor and simple comfort that folks always appreciate. For a more decadent treat, you might look into a ferrero rocher cake, but sometimes simple is best. If you want to see another take on cake truffles, Dinner then Dessert has some lovely ideas as well.
Share your baking photos with us on Pinterest and Instagram. We love seeing what is coming out of your kitchen.
