Hi, I’m Salma. I’m 32 years old and living in the United States, and my love for cooking grew from simple curiosity into something that feels like a lifelong passion.
My dad has always been my ultimate taste-tester. He gives the most honest (and sometimes hilarious) feedback — “Needs more garlic… and maybe less salt next time, chef!” Even when he teased me, he always cleared his plate. I’ll never forget the way his eyes lit up when I got it just right. That’s when I knew I was getting somewhere.
“Try it and tell me — would your dad have gone back for seconds too?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Red Velvet Cake Truffles offers simplicity and dependability, making it great for both novice and experienced bakers. With a balance of comforting flavors that include the classic taste of red velvet and creamy cream cheese, these truffles satisfy a sweet tooth without feeling overly heavy. Their easy preparation process makes them a practical choice for everyday occasions or a special treat when entertaining.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer (hand or stand)
- Baking dish
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (for structure)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (moisture)
- 3 large eggs (binding agent)
- 1 cup water (moisture)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (rich and creamy texture)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sweetness and texture)
- 12 oz white chocolate, for coating (sweet flavor and smooth texture)
- Sprinkles or decorations (optional, for visual appeal)
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Truffles
Step 1. Start by preparing the red velvet cake according to the instructions on the cake mix box. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water, using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the batter is smooth and well blended, ensuring there are no dry lumps. Once mixed, pour the batter into a prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake according to the timing suggested on the cake mix box until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 2. After the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This may take around 30 to 45 minutes. Once cool, carefully transfer the cake to a large mixing bowl and crumble it into fine pieces using your hands or a fork. Be sure to break it down well to create a uniform texture for rolling the truffles.
Step 3. With the crumbled cake in the bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using your hands or a mixer, combine the cake and cream cheese until fully incorporated, creating a thick, dough-like mixture. It should hold together when you squeeze it in your hand. If it feels too crumbly, you might need to add a bit more cream cheese to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4. Begin rolling the cake mixture into small balls, about one inch in diameter. Once formed, place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced apart to avoid sticking together. Once all the mixture is rolled, refrigerate the truffles for 30 to 60 minutes until they are firm and easier to coat with chocolate.
Step 5. While the truffles are chilling, prepare the white chocolate coating. Place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. If using a microwave, heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as white chocolate can easily burn, which affects its texture.
Step 6. Once the truffles are firm, remove them from the refrigerator. Dip each truffle into the melted white chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Use a fork to help lift them out, allowing the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the coated truffles back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, immediately add sprinkles or other decorations on top while the chocolate is still wet.
Step 7. After all the truffles are coated and decorated, let them sit at room temperature or place them back in the fridge until the white chocolate has fully set. This may take about 15 to 30 minutes. Once set, the truffles are ready to serve and enjoy, or they can be stored for later.
Serving Suggestions
Red Velvet Cake Truffles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. They make an excellent addition to breakfast or brunch spreads when paired with coffee or tea. As a snack, they’re perfect for sharing with family or friends during a casual get-together. For dessert, serve them at dinner parties or simply keep some on hand for a sweet indulgence whenever cravings strike. Leftovers can remain tasty, bringing a bit of sweetness to your day.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for even mixing with the cake.
- Don’t skip refrigeration; chilling the truffles makes them easier to handle and coat.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate in short bursts to prevent burning.
- Consider using a fork or toothpick for dipping to minimize messy hands.
- Experiment with different types of sprinkles or toppings to customize your truffles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not letting the cake cool completely. If the cake is still warm, it can melt the cream cheese and make the mixture too runny, which affects rolling. Always allow it to cool completely before crumbling.
- Overmixing after adding cream cheese. Mixing too long can create a dense texture. Fold the cream cheese in gently until just combined for a lighter truffle.
- Failing to chill the truffles. Not refrigerating the rolled truffles can lead to them losing shape during the coating process. Always chill for the recommended time to maintain structure.
- Burning the white chocolate. White chocolate can scorch easily, leading to a gritty texture. Be vigilant when melting and stir frequently to ensure even heating.
- Using cold cream cheese. If the cream cheese isn’t at room temperature, it won’t mix smoothly with the cake. Make sure it’s soft for a well-blended mixture.
- Skipping decorations. While optional, skipping the sprinkles or decorations can lead to a plain appearance. Adding color enhances visual appeal and can elevate the dessert.
Variations & Substitutions
- For a twist, consider adding a touch of cocoa powder to the cake mix for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Try using dark chocolate or milk chocolate for coating instead of white chocolate for a different taste profile.
- You can add crushed nuts or flavored extracts, like vanilla or almond, to the cake mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a festive look, use holiday-themed sprinkles or colored chocolate melts for coating.
Storage & Reheating
Store the truffles at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you opt to freeze them, wrap each truffle individually and place them in a freezer-safe container; they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator to maintain their texture without compromising the coating.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these truffles can be made ahead. You can prepare the cake and truffles in advance, then wait to coat them until the day you plan to serve them. This keeps them fresh and delicious.
How long does it last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these truffles can last in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days. They are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal freshness.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! You can freeze the truffles for up to three months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you’re looking to alter the recipe, you can substitute the cream cheese with a similar amount of mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture, while still maintaining creaminess.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
There could be several reasons, such as not measuring ingredients correctly or failing to let the cake cool completely. Familiarize yourself with the steps, and ensure proper cooling and mixing for best results.
Final Thoughts
Making Red Velvet Cake Truffles is a delightful experience that results in a treat both delicious and visually appealing. Each bite offers a comforting combination of flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying yourself. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a sweet snack, these truffles will surely bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Feel confident in your ability to make and enjoy this easy and satisfying recipe.
Red Velvet Cake Truffles
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix for structure
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil moisture
- 3 large eggs binding agent
- 1 cup water moisture
For the truffle mixture
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened rich and creamy texture
- 2 cups powdered sugar sweetness and texture
For coating and decoration
- 12 oz white chocolate for coating, sweet flavor and smooth texture
- Sprinkles or decorations optional, for visual appeal
Instructions
Preparation of the cake
- Prepare the red velvet cake according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water; mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Crumbling the cake
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a bowl and crumble it into fine pieces.
Making the truffle mixture
- Add softened cream cheese to the crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.
- The mixture should be thick and hold together when squeezed; add more cream cheese if too crumbly.
Forming the truffles
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the truffles for 30 to 60 minutes until firm.
Coating the truffles
- Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler.
- Dip each truffle into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Add sprinkles or decorations if desired while the chocolate is still wet.
Setting the truffles
- Let the coated truffles sit at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate sets, about 15 to 30 minutes.