Strawberry Cake Balls are a delightful treat that combines the rich, sweet flavor of strawberry cake with a smooth, creamy coating, creating a bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, looking for a fun baking project, or simply craving something sweet, these cake balls are sure to satisfy. Made with a box of strawberry cake mix, vanilla frosting, freeze-dried strawberries, and a dusting of edible pink pearl dust, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. These cake balls are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them an excellent choice for parties, weddings, or as a gift. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients, so you can whip them up in no time.
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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Balls
These Strawberry Cake Balls are the ultimate combination of convenience and indulgence. With the use of a cake mix, they come together quickly, and the addition of freeze-dried strawberries gives them an intense burst of strawberry flavor that’s simply irresistible. The vanilla frosting ensures the cake balls are perfectly moist and sticky, making them easy to shape and dip in the sweet, edible pearl dust for an extra touch of elegance. Not only do these cake balls taste amazing, but they are visually appealing too, with their vibrant pink color and glossy finish. They’re a fun and festive dessert that’s ideal for special occasions like birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or even a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 tablespoons vanilla frosting
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons edible pink pearl dust (by Wilton)
Variations
- Different Cake Flavors: You can swap out the strawberry cake mix for any flavor you like, such as vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet, for a fun twist.
- Add Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the cake balls with melted chocolate or dip them in white, milk, or dark chocolate.
- Fruit Varieties: If you’re not a fan of strawberry, you can use other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
- Sprinkles and Decorations: Instead of edible pink pearl dust, you can roll your cake balls in sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even edible glitter for added fun and texture.
- Vegan Version: Use a vegan cake mix, dairy-free frosting, and plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version of these cake balls.
How to Make the Strawberry Cake Balls
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into small pieces using your hands or a fork. This will create the base for your cake balls.
Step 3: Add the Frosting and Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Mix the crumbled cake with 2 tablespoons of vanilla frosting until the mixture becomes moist and sticky. Stir in the freeze-dried strawberries, crushing them slightly as you go to release more flavor.
Step 4: Form the Cake Balls
Take small portions of the cake mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Roll each cake ball in powdered sugar to give them a light, sweet coating.
Step 6: Apply Edible Pearl Dust
For a beautiful finish, dust the cake balls with edible pink pearl dust. This will add a subtle shimmer and enhance the visual appeal of the dessert.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the cake balls to set for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed right away or stored for later.
Tips for Making the Strawberry Cake Balls
- Crushing the Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Make sure to crush the freeze-dried strawberries into small pieces to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the cake balls.
- Chill the Cake Balls: If you find the mixture too soft to form into balls, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop can help you make uniform-sized cake balls that will look more polished and professional.
- Coating Options: If you don’t have edible pearl dust, you can use chocolate coating, sprinkles, or even a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar as an alternative.
How to Serve
Strawberry Cake Balls make a fantastic treat for any occasion. Serve them on a platter at a birthday party, wedding, baby shower, or just as a sweet snack. They also make a thoughtful gift when packaged in a cute box or jar, especially for holidays like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. Pair them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea for the perfect bite-sized indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay moist and delicious for a few days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
Cake balls freeze well! To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
Reheating
These cake balls are best served at room temperature. To warm them slightly, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but they’re still delicious when eaten chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use a homemade strawberry cake mix?
Yes, you can use homemade strawberry cake, but using a boxed cake mix saves time and ensures consistency. If you prefer homemade, make sure the texture is light and fluffy.
2. Can I use a different frosting flavor?
You can use any frosting you like! While vanilla works well, you could try cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist or strawberry frosting for a more intense berry flavor.
3. Are these cake balls gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and ensure the frosting is gluten-free as well.
4. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries will add moisture to the cake mixture, which can make it difficult to roll into balls. Stick with freeze-dried strawberries for the best results.
5. How do I make these cake balls vegan?
To make these cake balls vegan, use a vegan cake mix, non-dairy frosting, and substitute plant-based milk and eggs according to the mix instructions.
6. Can I add chocolate to the cake balls?
Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cake balls for an extra layer of flavor or dip them in chocolate for a more decadent treat.
7. Can I make these cake balls without pearl dust?
Yes! If you don’t have edible pearl dust, you can coat the cake balls in sprinkles, powdered sugar, or even cocoa powder for a simple but delicious touch.
8. How long do these cake balls last?
The cake balls will last for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
9. Can I use other freeze-dried fruits?
Yes, you can use other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Just ensure that the fruit is finely crushed so it blends well into the cake mixture.
10. Can I skip the powdered sugar?
If you prefer a less sweet coating, you can skip the powdered sugar, but it does add a nice touch of sweetness and smooth texture to the cake balls.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cake Balls are the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and visual appeal. They are a fun, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. The sweet and tangy flavor of the strawberry cake combined with the creamy frosting and the sparkle of edible pearl dust makes these cake balls an irresistible treat. Whether you serve them on a platter for a party or gift them to someone special, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
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Strawberry Cake Balls
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cake Balls are a sweet and irresistible treat that’s bursting with strawberry flavor. Made from a strawberry cake mix, they’re coated in a sugary finish and dusted with edible pink pearl dust for an elegant and festive touch. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 tablespoons vanilla frosting (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons edible pink pearl dust (by Wilton)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the directions on the strawberry cake mix box and prepare the cake batter as instructed.
- Bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan, following the box instructions for time and temperature. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl until it’s in fine crumbs.
- In a small blender or food processor, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries until they turn into a fine powder.
- Add the powdered freeze-dried strawberries to the crumbled cake along with the vanilla frosting. Mix until everything is combined and the mixture sticks together when pressed.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar with a little bit of water or milk to make a glaze. Dip each cake ball into the glaze and place it back on the baking sheet.
- While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the cake balls with edible pink pearl dust for a pretty finish.
- Allow the cake balls to set and the glaze to harden before serving or storing.
- Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Cake Balls!
Notes
- The edible pink pearl dust gives a beautiful finish, but if you don’t have it, you can skip this step or use other sprinkles.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling to prevent the mixture from being too wet.
- These cake balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American