If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things fruity, you are absolutely going to adore this Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe. Imagine moist, tender strawberry cake crumbled and mixed with luscious vanilla frosting, then shaped into perfect bite-sized balls coated with a subtle, glossy glaze and a delicate shimmer of pink pearl dust. These cake balls are not only irresistibly delicious but also a breeze to make, blending bright strawberry flavors with a buttery richness that will brighten any celebration or simply satisfy your everyday dessert cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Strawberry Cake Balls. From the strawberry cake mix delivering that signature fruity base to the freeze-dried strawberries packing an intense berry punch, every component is essential.
- Strawberry cake mix: The foundation of the recipe, providing the moist cake flavor packed with strawberry essence.
- Vanilla frosting (about 2 tablespoons): Acts as the binder that holds the cake crumbs together and adds creamy sweetness.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (½ cup): Ground into powder to boost natural strawberry flavor without adding moisture.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used to create a smooth glaze that coats the cake balls beautifully.
- Edible pink pearl dust (1-2 tablespoons): The magical finishing touch that gives the cake balls a sparkling, elegant look.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven as directed on the strawberry cake mix box and prepare the cake batter following the instructions. This is the fun part where you get to see those vibrant pink hues come to life!
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Bake your cake in a 9×13-inch pan, strictly following the time and temperature recommendations on the box. Once baked, it’s very important to let it cool completely so it crumbles easily without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Crumble the Cake
Using your hands or a fork, crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl until it reaches a fine, even texture. This crumbly base is what will give the cake balls their light yet luscious mouthfeel.
Step 4: Powder the Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Pop the freeze-dried strawberries into a small blender or food processor and pulse until you get a fine, vibrant pink powder. This concentrated berry powder gives your cake balls an extra burst of pure strawberry flavor without adding unwanted moisture.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Combine the strawberry powder with the cake crumbs and vanilla frosting. Mix thoroughly until the mixture sticks together when pressed. This is critical for your cake balls to hold their shape perfectly.
Step 6: Form the Cake Balls
Roll the mixture by hand into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them neatly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes them easier to glaze and store later.
Step 7: Prepare and Dip in Glaze
In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar with a splash of water or milk to create a smooth glaze. Dip each cake ball gently into the glaze then set them back on the baking sheet to catch any drips.
Step 8: Add the Sparkle with Pearl Dust
While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the cake balls generously with edible pink pearl dust. This adds a stunning shimmer and elevates the overall presentation, making them truly picture-perfect.
Step 9: Set and Harden
Allow the glaze to dry completely so it hardens nicely. This final step ensures that your Strawberry Cake Balls hold together well and are not sticky to the touch.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Now comes the best part — indulging in your beautiful, sweet, and bursting-with-flavor Strawberry Cake Balls! Share them at parties, give them as gifts, or simply enjoy them as a delightful treat any time.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Cake Balls even more festive, consider adding fresh strawberry slices, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. These simple garnishes complement the berry flavor and elevate the visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cake balls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream creates a perfect contrast of textures and temperatures. They also work beautifully alongside a fresh fruit salad to keep the fruity theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cake balls on a decorative platter lined with strawberry leaves or edible flowers for a charming centerpiece. For parties, try skewering them onto sticks to make strawberry cake ball pops — a fun, portable treat for guests of all ages!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed and set, store your Strawberry Cake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the cake balls in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Since these cake balls are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, we recommend avoiding reheating. Just allow frozen cake balls to thaw naturally, so their texture and flavor remain intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of the boxed mix?
Absolutely! Homemade strawberry cake adds a personal touch and can enhance the flavor, but make sure it’s fully cooled and crumbly to get the right texture for your cake balls.
What if I can’t find edible pink pearl dust?
No worries! You can skip the dust or substitute it with colored sprinkles or edible glitter to add sparkle and color to your cake balls.
Is it possible to make these cake balls dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free frosting and a substitute milk for the glaze to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent the cake balls from falling apart?
Ensuring your cake is fully cooled and mixing it thoroughly with enough frosting will help the mixture stick together well. If they feel dry, add a bit more frosting.
Can these strawberry cake balls be frozen unglazed?
It’s best to freeze them after glazing to keep their shape and taste intact. Unglazed cake balls may dry out or crumble during freezing.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a perfectly sweet and tender Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising friends and family, these delightful little balls of goodness are bound to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let this recipe bring a burst of strawberry magic into your kitchen!
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Strawberry Cake Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cake balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cake Balls are a delightful treat combining moist strawberry cake, freeze-dried strawberry powder, and a sweet vanilla frosting mixture, all rolled into bite-sized balls. Coated in a shiny glaze and dusted with edible pink pearl dust, they make for an elegant yet easy dessert perfect for parties or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake Base
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 tablespoons vanilla frosting
Additional Flavoring
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
Glaze and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Water or milk (for glaze, about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1–2 tablespoons edible pink pearl dust (by Wilton)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven according to the directions on the strawberry cake mix box and prepare the cake batter as instructed on the box for best results.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake following the box’s temperature and timing guidelines. Once baked, let the cake cool completely to ensure it crumbles easily.
- Crumble the Cake: Break the cooled cake into fine crumbs by hand in a large mixing bowl, preparing it for the next step of combining with other ingredients.
- Powder Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Use a small blender or food processor to pulse the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder, boosting the strawberry flavor in the cake balls.
- Mix Cake Crumbs and Flavoring: Add the powdered freeze-dried strawberries and 2 tablespoons of vanilla frosting to the cake crumbs. Mix well until the mixture sticks together when pressed, forming a workable dough.
- Form Cake Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls by hand and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of water or milk to create a smooth glaze. Dip each cake ball into the glaze, coating it evenly, and return it to the baking sheet.
- Add Edible Decoration: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle each cake ball with edible pink pearl dust to give a shimmering and beautiful finish.
- Set the Cake Balls: Allow the cake balls to rest until the glaze hardens and sets completely, ensuring a neat finish for serving or storing.
- Enjoy: Serve these elegant Strawberry Cake Balls for any occasion and enjoy the burst of strawberry sweetness in every bite.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling to avoid clumps or a soggy mixture.
- The amount of glaze liquid can be adjusted to achieve the right consistency; it should be thick but dippable.
- Storage: Keep cake balls refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a different flavor, you can substitute vanilla frosting with cream cheese frosting if desired.
- If freeze-dried strawberries are unavailable, strawberry powder or finely chopped dried strawberries can be used as alternatives.
