Cake Ball Ornaments

Cake Ball Ornaments

Get ready to take your dessert game to a whole new level with these delightful Cake Ball Ornaments! Imagine luscious red velvet cake, expertly blended with a velvety cream cheese frosting, and then enrobed in colorful candy melts that shimmer and sparkle like holiday decorations. Each bite is an indulgent explosion of flavor that transports you back to your fondest memories. They’re fast to whip up, making them the perfect treat for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a fun baking day with kids. Not only are they kid-friendly, these edible ornaments are a nostalgic reminder of carefree childhood days spent making festive treats. This recipe is simply begging to become your new go-to for the holiday season!

Are You Ready for a Sweet Holiday Treat?

What’s your all-time favorite dessert that fills your heart with holiday spirit? Perhaps it’s a gooey brownie or a creamy pie? Now, imagine taking those incredible flavors and turning them into charming ornaments that can hang on your tree and be enjoyed afterward. Isn’t it the dream to combine festive spirit with an indulgent delight? Give yourself the guilt-free excuse to indulge!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Prep: With simple ingredients that come together quickly, you can make these cake ball ornaments without a fuss.

• Kid-Friendly: Perfect for kids of all ages, these cake balls are a fun family activity that results in a delicious treat.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a holiday gathering or a simple dessert after dinner, these charming treats will be a hit with everyone.

• Minimal Ingredients: Using a boxed red velvet cake mix streamlines the process, making it even easier for novice bakers.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray

• 1 (15.25-oz.) box red velvet cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box

• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened to creamy perfection

• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened, offering rich flavor

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, for the perfect sweetness

• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract, for that irresistible aroma

• Kosher salt, to balance the sweetness

• 1/4 cup Frosted Cheerios (about 70 pieces), adding a delightful crunch

• 1 (12-oz.) bag green candy melts, melted until dreamy

• 1 (12-oz.) bag red candy melts, melted to add a rich hue

• 2 (12-oz.) bags white candy melts, melted like snow

• Sanding sugar, for decorating with sparkle

Let the vibrant colors and soft textures of these ingredients come together, creating a symphony of flavors that are both visually appealing and mouthwateringly delicious!

Timing

These Cake Ball Ornaments come together relatively fast, perfect for the busy holiday season. With prep time under 30 minutes, you’ll have these festive delights ready in no time, making them an efficient addition to your baking list! However, if you want to savor a luxurious experience, take your time to layer flavors and decorations.

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour the rich, silky batter into the prepared pan.

3. Bake the cake until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely, allowing the aromas to linger in your kitchen.

4. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. The texture should feel dreamy!

5. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

6. Beat in vanilla and a pinch of salt, feeling the flavors combine beautifully.

7. Crumble the cooled cake into the frosting and mix gently to create a delectable batter.

8. Form into 1 1/2 inch balls (approximately 34 in total).

9. Arrange on a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour—allowing the cakes to chill out.

10. To make hooks, place 34 cereal pieces flat on a baking sheet. Hold one of the remaining cereal pieces upright and dip the bottom into melted white candy.

11. Attach the upright piece to the center of a cereal piece on the baking sheet.

12. Repeat with all cereal pieces until they look festive.

13. Dip one-third of the cake balls into melted green candy, one-third into melted red candy, and the remaining third into melted white candy, gently tapping off the excess.

14. Before the candy hardens, sprinkle some cake balls with sanding sugar for that sparkling effect.

15. Return the cakes to the baking sheet and let set, 15 to 20 minutes.

16. Transfer three-quarters of the remaining white candy to a resealable plastic bag. Cut off a tiny corner and pipe designs on the cake balls for a touch of creativity.

17. Sprinkle the piped designs with sanding sugar before the candy hardens.

18. Dip the cereal hooks into the remaining white candy (reheating if necessary) and then top each cake ball with hooks for authentic ornament charm.

Embrace the vibrant colors and gooey textures as you create these sweet gems of the holiday season!

Nutritional Information

For those mindful of their sweet indulgences, each Cake Ball Ornament contains approximately 120 calories. While it’s easy to get lost in the festive season, remember that a little treat can do wonders for the spirit. Just enjoy these in moderation!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using low-sugar cake mix and substituting unsweetened applesauce for some of the butter. You can also opt for dairy-free cream cheese to keep the joy in the holiday spirit without compromising dietary needs!

Serving Suggestions

These Cake Ball Ornaments shine at holiday parties or as an after-dinner treat. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or make for a delightful centerpiece on your holiday dessert table. Serve them as an adorable gift during the festive season!

Common Mistakes

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking. Overbaking can make your cake balls dry and crumbly.

• Texture Issues: If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to make it smoother, ensuring that the cake balls are moist and delicious.

• Messes: Candy melts can be a bit tricky. Work quickly, and have everything ready to go to minimize the risk of drips and spills.

Storing Tips

Store any leftover Cake Ball Ornaments in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator!

Tempting You to Bake It ASAP

These Cake Ball Ornaments are not just a treat; they’re a tradition waiting to happen! Gather your loved ones, revel in the aromas, and create a holiday memory filled with laughter and delicious flavors. Don’t wait—dive into this enchanting recipe today and watch the smiles unfold!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any flavor you love—chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon!

2. Are these cake balls gluten-free?
   To make these gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free cake mix and be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten.

3. Can I make these in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the cake balls a few days ahead of time; they freeze beautifully!

4. How do I get candy melts to melt properly?
   Melt them in short intervals in the microwave, stirring in between to prevent scorching.

5. What can I do if my cake balls are falling apart?
   If they’re too dry, add a bit more frosting until they hold together, or chill them a bit longer before dipping in candy melts.

With each step, you’ve taken a delicious journey towards creating those irresistibly charming Cake Ball Ornaments! What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

Cake Ball Ornaments

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Delightful Cake Ball Ornaments made with red velvet cake and creamy frosting, coated in colorful candy melts, perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 34 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Cooking spray
• 1 (15.25-oz.) box red velvet cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup Frosted Cheerios (about 70 pieces)
• 1 (12-oz.) bag green candy melts, melted
• 1 (12-oz.) bag red candy melts, melted
• 2 (12-oz.) bags white candy melts, melted
• Sanding sugar, for decoration

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Prepare cake mix according to package directions and pour into the prepared pan.
3. Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Let cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and mix until smooth.
6. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt, then crumble cooled cake into the frosting and mix gently.
7. Form mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls (approximately 34).
8. Refrigerate balls on a baking sheet until firm, about 1 hour.
9. Prepare cereal hooks by dipping pieces in melted white candy and setting them on a baking sheet.
10. Dip one-third of the cake balls in green candy, one-third in red candy, and the remaining third in white candy, tapping off excess.
11. Sprinkle with sanding sugar before the candy hardens.
12. Transfer white candy to a resealable bag, cut a corner, and pipe designs onto the cake balls.
13. Add cereal hooks to the top of each cake ball with additional melted candy.

Notes

These cake ball ornaments can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. For a lighter version, consider using low-sugar cake mix and substituting applesauce for some butter.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ornament
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg