Introduction to Cherry Sundae Cake Balls

Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, let me introduce you to Cherry Sundae Cake Balls. These little bites of joy combine the rich flavor of chocolate cake with the sweetness of cherries, all wrapped in a creamy white chocolate coating. Perfect for a quick solution on a busy day or a fun dessert to impress your loved ones, these cake balls are sure to bring smiles all around. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Sundae Cake Balls

Cherry Sundae Cake Balls are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. Plus, they come together quickly, so you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of chocolate and cherries is simply irresistible, and the colorful sprinkles add a fun touch. Trust me, these cake balls will be the highlight of any gathering!

Ingredients for Cherry Sundae Cake Balls

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Cherry Sundae Cake Balls. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chocolate cake mix: You can use a box mix for convenience or opt for 3 cups of leftover baked chocolate cake. Either way, the rich chocolate flavor is essential.
Chocolate frosting: This adds moisture and sweetness. You can go for store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
White chocolate chips or candy melts: These will create the creamy coating that makes these cake balls so irresistible. Choose your favorite brand for the best flavor.
Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: A little bit of this helps the white chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a nice sheen.
Rainbow sprinkles: These are the fun finishing touch! They add color and a bit of crunch, making your cake balls even more appealing.
Maraschino cherries: The star of the show! Make sure to drain and dry them well to avoid any sogginess in your chocolate coating.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Cherry Sundae Cake Balls

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Cherry Sundae Cake Balls! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

First things first, let’s get that chocolate cake going! Prepare the chocolate cake according to the box directions. Once it’s baked, let it cool completely. This is crucial because warm cake can turn your cake balls into a gooey mess. Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Think of it as creating a chocolatey sandcastle!

Step 2: Mix with Frosting

Next, it’s time to add some sweetness! Grab your chocolate frosting and mix it into the cake crumbs. You can use a spoon or your hands—just make sure to get in there until a dough-like texture forms. It should feel like playdough! Now, here’s a tip: if the mixture feels too crumbly, add a bit more frosting until it holds together nicely.

Step 3: Freeze the Cake Balls

Now, let’s shape our cake balls! Scoop out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet. Once you’ve rolled them all, pop the sheet in the freezer for about 20–25 minutes. This step is key because it helps the balls hold their shape when we dip them in chocolate.

Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate

While the cake balls are chilling, let’s melt the white chocolate! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between. This helps prevent burning. You want it smooth and creamy, like a dreamy cloud of sweetness!

Step 5: Dip and Decorate

Time for the fun part—dipping! Take each chilled cake ball and dip it into the melted white chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the lined sheet. Don’t forget to add your rainbow sprinkles immediately before the chocolate sets. And for the cherry on top—literally—add a maraschino cherry to each ball!

Step 6: Set and Serve

Finally, let the chocolate harden. You can leave them at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Once set, they’re ready to serve! Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature. Trust me, these Cherry Sundae Cake Balls will be a hit!

Tips for Success

Ensure your cherries are thoroughly dried to prevent chocolate separation.
For a smoother chocolate coating, use high-quality white chocolate chips.
Experiment with different sprinkles or nuts for a unique twist.
Keep the cake balls in the freezer for a few minutes before dipping for easier handling.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet: A standard baking sheet works great, but a parchment-lined tray is even better for easy cleanup.
Mixing bowl: Any large bowl will do, but a glass bowl lets you see the mixture as you combine.
Microwave-safe bowl: Use this for melting chocolate; a heatproof glass bowl is a solid alternative.
Spoon or spatula: A sturdy spoon is perfect for mixing, while a spatula helps scrape every last bit.
Freezer-safe container: This is handy for storing your cake balls while they chill.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or make your own gluten-free chocolate cake to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutty Delight: Add crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts to the cake mixture for an extra crunch and flavor.
Fruit Fusion: Swap out maraschino cherries for fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
Dark Chocolate Coating: For a richer taste, use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for the coating.
Vegan Option: Use a vegan chocolate cake mix and dairy-free frosting, along with coconut oil for melting chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Cherry Sundae Cake Balls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert duo.
Serve them on a colorful platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
For a fun twist, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the cake balls before serving.
Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a cozy treat.

FAQs about Cherry Sundae Cake Balls

As I’ve shared my love for these Cherry Sundae Cake Balls, I know you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my answers to help you out!

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is a classic choice, you can experiment with vanilla or even red velvet for a fun twist. Just remember, the flavor of the cake will influence the overall taste of your Cherry Sundae Cake Balls.

How do I store leftover Cherry Sundae Cake Balls?

These delightful treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely set before storing to keep that chocolate coating intact!

Can I make these cake balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake balls a day in advance. Just freeze them after rolling, and dip them in chocolate right before serving. This way, they’ll be fresh and ready to impress your guests!

What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?

If maraschino cherries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. They’ll add a lovely burst of flavor and color to your Cherry Sundae Cake Balls!

Can I freeze the Cherry Sundae Cake Balls?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just place the dipped cake balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving!

Final Thoughts

Creating Cherry Sundae Cake Balls is more than just baking; it’s about sharing joy and sweetness with those you love. Each bite is a delightful explosion of chocolate and cherry, wrapped in a creamy coating that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging on a cozy evening, these cake balls are sure to bring smiles. Plus, the process of making them is a fun adventure in the kitchen! So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic of Cherry Sundae Cake Balls brighten your day!

Cherry Sundae Cake Balls: A Delightful Dessert Recipe

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Author: Kitchen-pop
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 20–24 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cherry Sundae Cake Balls are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate cake with the sweetness of cherries and a creamy white chocolate coating.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
or 3 cups already baked leftover chocolate cake, crumbled
¾ cup chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups white chocolate chips or white candy melts
2 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Rainbow sprinkles
20–24 maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry very well)

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Instructions

Prepare chocolate cake according to the box directions. Let it cool completely. Crumble into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
Add chocolate frosting to the cake crumbs. Mix with a spoon or hands until a dough-like texture forms. Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a lined baking sheet and freeze 20–25 minutes.
Add white chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Dip each cake ball into the melted white chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place back on lined sheet. Add sprinkles immediately before the chocolate sets. Top each with a maraschino cherry.
Let chocolate harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 10 minutes to set completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Make sure cherries are dried well — otherwise the chocolate may separate.
These cake balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Feel free to customize toppings with different sprinkles or nuts.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking and Dipping
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ball
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg