Looking for a trendy, fun dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for parties? Let’s talk about how to make cake balls! These bite-sized delights are rich, creamy, and endlessly customizable—think of them as cake and frosting rolled into one dreamy mouthful.
Whether you’re making them for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet afternoon snack, cake balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’ve ever wondered how are cake pops made, this is the first step! Cake balls are basically the base for cake pops—so once you master these, you’re halfway to being a dessert rockstar. Grab your apron and let’s roll into the world of easy, no-bake cuteness.
What Exactly Are Cake Balls?

Before we dive into how to make cake balls, let’s talk about what they are. Cake balls are bite-sized confections made by crumbling baked cake, mixing it with frosting, rolling it into balls, and coating them in chocolate or candy melts. They’re like truffles but made with cake instead of ganache.
Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look like they came from a fancy bakery. Once you’ve got your cake balls down, you’ll also understand how are cake pops made—just pop a stick into each ball before dipping, and voilà! You’ve got cake pops. But let’s focus on perfecting the basics first: rich, creamy cake balls you can decorate any way you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Perfect Cake Balls
The great thing about learning how to make cake balls is that the ingredient list is short and sweet. You’ll only need a few things, most of which you probably already have:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor — chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, funfetti)
- Ingredients required to bake the cake (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 tub of frosting (again, your favorite flavor)
- Melting chocolate or candy melts (for coating)
- Sprinkles, crushed cookies, or nuts (optional, for decoration)
That’s it! It’s one of the reasons people love this recipe—it’s affordable, simple, and great for beginners. And if you’ve been wondering how do I make cake balls that taste like a bakery made them? Stick with us!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cake Balls from Scratch

Ready to learn how to make cake balls like a pro? Follow this easy step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Bake your cake according to the box instructions. Once it’s done, let it cool completely.
Step 2: Crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl using your hands or a fork until it looks like fine crumbs.
Step 3: Add frosting to the crumbled cake a little at a time. You’ll need about 1/2 to 3/4 of the tub. Mix until the texture feels like playdough—it should hold its shape but not be too sticky.
Step 4: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Melt your coating (chocolate or candy melts) and dip each ball using a fork or dipping tool. Place them on parchment paper and decorate while the coating is still wet.
And there you have it! Once you know how to make cake balls, you’ll want to try different cake and frosting combos every weekend.
Cake Ball Flavor Combos You’ll Want to Try
The sky’s the limit once you know how to make cake balls. Mix and match flavors to suit any season or celebration:
- Classic Combo: Chocolate cake + chocolate frosting + dark chocolate coating
- Birthday Bash: Funfetti cake + vanilla frosting + white chocolate + rainbow sprinkles
- Cookies and Cream: Chocolate cake + cream cheese frosting + white candy melts + crushed Oreos
- Red Velvet Vibes: Red velvet cake + cream cheese frosting + white chocolate drizzle
- Pumpkin Spice Delight: Spice cake + cream cheese frosting + cinnamon sugar topping
Now that you’re feeling creative, it’s easy to see how to make cake pops easy too—just add a stick before dipping, and you’ve transformed your cake balls into pops!
Pro Tips to Make Cake Balls Like a Dessert Pro

Here are some game-changing tips that’ll take your cake ball game to the next level:
- Chill before dipping: Cold cake balls won’t fall apart in the warm chocolate.
- Use a cookie scoop: This ensures uniform size for even chilling and coating.
- Thin your melts: Add a tiny bit of coconut oil to your melted chocolate for a smoother dip.
- Decorate fast: Sprinkles and toppings should be added right after dipping while the coating is still wet.
- Use parchment or wax paper: For easy cleanup and no sticking.
Once you’ve nailed these tricks, you’ll understand how to make cake pops easy as well—it’s all about technique and timing.
When to Serve Cake Balls: Ideas for Every Occasion
Now that you know how to make cake balls, when should you serve them? Honestly, anytime you want to impress without stressing! They’re great for:
- Birthday parties – Easy for kids to grab and go
- Weddings and showers – Pretty enough to be part of the dessert table
- Holiday trays – Think Christmas, Easter, Halloween…color them accordingly!
- Gifts and favors – Pack a few in a box or bag for a sweet surprise
- Weekend treats – No occasion necessary
Learning how do I make cake balls is like unlocking a dessert cheat code. Simple, stylish, and totally customizable!
Storing & Freezing Cake Balls

Made a big batch? Good thinking. Here’s how to store them like a pro:
- Fridge: Keep cake balls in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncoated or coated cake balls for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Room temp: If the room is cool and dry, coated cake balls can sit out for a day or two.
So next time someone asks, “How are cake pops made?” you’ll not only explain it—you’ll have extras in your freezer to share!
Conclusion: Now You Know How to Make Cake Balls Like a Pro!
So, ready to roll? Now that you know exactly how to make cake balls, you can whip up a batch anytime the craving hits—or whenever you want to wow guests with something fun and fancy-looking. They’re easy, versatile, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Whether you’re planning to keep them simple or go all out with decorations, this sweet treat is always a hit. You’ve also got a great start on learning how to make cake pops easy, since cake balls are the essential base. So get rolling—because your next dessert masterpiece is just a ball away!
FAQs
How are cake pops made from cake balls?
Add sticks to chilled cake balls, then dip in coating.
How do I make cake balls that don’t fall apart?
Chill them before dipping and use the right amount of frosting.
Can I use homemade cake and frosting?
Yes! Just keep texture and moisture levels in mind.
How to make cake pops easy for kids?
Use pre-baked cake, minimal frosting, and let them decorate!
What’s the best way to coat cake balls smoothly?
Thin the melts and dip with a fork or dipping tool for a clean finish.