The Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls are bite-sized treats that combine the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the creamy sweetness of frosting, all coated in smooth, glossy chocolate. These little desserts are festive, elegant, and perfect for parties, holidays, or edible gifts. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant color, they deliver all the indulgence of a red velvet cake in one delicious bite.
A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
This dessert is a no-fuss, no-fork version of red velvet cake, made by mixing crumbled cake with frosting, forming small balls, and dipping them in melted chocolate or candy coating. They’re simple to make yet look beautifully polished — ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays.

Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes
- Pioneer Woman 3 Ingredient Brownies
- Pioneer Woman Banana Bread
- Pioneer Woman Blackberry Cobbler
- Pioneer Woman Apple Pie
Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying
- Easy and Fun to Make – Perfect for beginner bakers or kids to help with.
- Rich and Velvety Texture – Soft inside with a smooth chocolate coating.
- Perfectly Bite-Sized – Great for parties and sharing.
- Customizable – Use white, dark, or milk chocolate coatings.
- Beautiful Presentation – Looks store-bought but tastes homemade.
Essential Ingredients for This Recipe
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers (or candy coating)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother coating)
- Optional: red or white sprinkles for decoration
Useful Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Forks or dipping tools
Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
Step 1: Bake the red velvet cake
Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions. Once baked, let it cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Crumble the cake
In a large bowl, crumble the cooled cake with your hands or a fork until it resembles fine crumbs. Make sure there are no large chunks left.
Step 3: Add the frosting
Add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix until the texture resembles soft dough and can easily hold its shape when pressed.
Step 4: Form the cake balls
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls about 1 inch in size. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Chill the balls
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes. This step helps the cake balls firm up, making them easier to coat in chocolate.
Step 6: Melt the chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Add a tablespoon of oil if needed for a thinner, glossier coating.
Step 7: Dip the cake balls
Using a fork, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the parchment paper.
Step 8: Decorate and set
Before the coating sets, sprinkle with red velvet crumbs or decorative sprinkles. Let the coated cake balls sit at room temperature or refrigerate until fully set.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)
- Cake Balls Too Soft: Added less frosting — just enough to bind the crumbs.
- Cracked Coating: Dipped balls while too cold; allowed them to warm slightly before coating.
- Thick Chocolate Coating: Stirred in a bit of oil for a smoother texture.
- Uneven Shape: Rolled with slightly damp hands for smoother, rounder results.
Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
- Use Greek yogurt frosting instead of cream cheese for less fat.
- Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate to reduce sugar.
- Replace part of the frosting with low-fat cream cheese for a lighter filling.
- Choose whole whole-grain or gluten-free cake mix.
- Skip decorations or use unsweetened cocoa powder dusting.
Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
- Cake Mix Substitute: Homemade red velvet cake recipe.
- Frosting Substitute: Vanilla or buttercream frosting for a sweeter version.
- Chocolate Substitute: Milk, dark, or candy melts in various colors.
- Oil Substitute: Coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.
- Decorations Substitute: Crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Unexpected Ways to Enjoy These Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
- As Cake Pops: Insert lollipop sticks before dipping for a handheld treat.
- As a Frozen Dessert: Store in the freezer for a chilled bite.
- Gift Idea: Wrap in mini paper cups and place in gift boxes.
- Topping for Ice Cream: Crumble a few over a sundae.
- Holiday Display: Arrange on a platter with mixed chocolate colors for a festive look.
Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls Success
- Cool the Cake Completely: Prevents frosting from melting when mixed.
- Don’t Overmix: Keeps the texture light and not overly dense.
- Chill Before Dipping: Ensures a smooth and clean coating.
- Work in Batches: Keep uncoated balls chilled until ready to dip.
- Use a Fork for Dipping: Let excess chocolate drip off cleanly.
- Let Them Set Properly: Gives the coating a firm, professional finish.
Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of dark chocolate over the white coating.
- Peppermint Crunch: Roll in crushed candy canes for a holiday twist.
- Cookie Crumb Coating: Sprinkle with crushed Oreos for extra crunch.
- Cream Cheese Center: Freeze a small dollop of cream cheese and place it in the middle before rolling.
- Heart-Shaped Balls: Mold into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day.
Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.
- Freeze: Store in airtight bags or containers for up to 2 months.
- Separate Layers: Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Ways to Warm It Up Again
These treats are best served chilled or at room temperature. If frozen, thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving to maintain their shape and texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 95mg
Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
This dessert is a no-fuss, no-fork version of red velvet cake, made by mixing crumbled cake with frosting, forming small balls, and dipping them in melted chocolate or candy coating. They’re simple to make yet look beautifully polished — ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (except cake baking)
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
-
1 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
-
2 cups white chocolate melting wafers (or candy coating)
-
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother coating)
-
Optional: red or white sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions. Once baked, let it cool completely before moving to the next step.
In a large bowl, crumble the cooled cake with your hands or a fork until it resembles fine crumbs. Make sure there are no large chunks left.
Add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix until the texture resembles soft dough and can easily hold its shape when pressed.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls about 1 inch in size. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes. This step helps the cake balls firm up, making them easier to coat in chocolate.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Add a tablespoon of oil if needed for a thinner, glossier coating.
Using a fork, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the parchment paper.
Before the coating sets, sprinkle with red velvet crumbs or decorative sprinkles. Let the coated cake balls sit at room temperature or refrigerate until fully set.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cake for Red Velvet Cake Balls?
Yes, a pre-made red velvet cake works perfectly. Just crumble it and mix with frosting as directed — it’s a great shortcut when you’re short on time.
How do I keep the cake balls from falling apart?
Make sure the cake mixture has enough frosting to bind the crumbs. If too dry, add a tablespoon of frosting at a time until the dough holds together easily.
What’s the best chocolate to use for dipping?
Use high-quality melting wafers or candy coating. White, milk, or dark chocolate all work well, but candy melts provide a smoother, shinier finish.
Can I freeze Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls?
Absolutely! Place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Wrapping It Up
The Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls are an easy, elegant dessert that turns simple ingredients into an irresistible indulgence. They’re soft, creamy, and coated in chocolate perfection — a treat that never fails to impress.
